Building

 

The Building Department promotes the general health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Penticton, to assist the citizens with the CODE AND PERMIT PROCESS, to work with developers and contractors in achieving their goals, and work with other City departments for a coordinated effort. We strive to achieve these goals in a professional, efficient, consistent and unbiased approach to contribute to the overall mission of the City by:

  • Administration and compliance of the codes and standards adopted from the British Columbia Building Code that regulates building construction
  • Administration and compliance of the City of Penticton Bylaws as they relate to building and properties located in the City
  • Provide information to the public and development community to assist them in understanding and the application of the adopted codes and bylaws
  • Take a leadership role in providing a team approach to deliver and provide assistance to other departments within the City and Provincial agencies
  • Willingly participate in a program of continuing education and testing in order to keep our staff informed of the latest techniques and requirements within the building trades industry as well as customer service and computer literacy
  • Insure that those individuals and companies that do business in the City meet the regulatory standards set forth in the building code and local bylaws for the business and occupation in which they are operating
  • Preserve the viability and stability of the business and residential districts and to prevent deterioration and blighting influences within the community
  • Participate in the preservation of historic and natural resources as outlined in the City Bylaws and Provincial regulations
  • Promote a Sustainable Community by educating and working with the construction industry in promoting energy efficient building practices and materials

The Building Department administers Building Bylaw No. 94-45 [PDF - 58 KB] and through this bylaw, the BC Building Code and Sign Bylaw No.92-22 [PDF - 64 KB].

The Building Department is located on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 171 Main Street and can be contacted by telephone at 250-490-2501.

When is a Building Permit Required

A Building Permit is required when you:

  • Construct a new building
  • Add to or renovate an existing building.
  • Change the occupancy of an existing building, i.e. from office to retail.
  • Make interior renovations that may impact the direction of travel to an exit.
  • Repair a building envelope - commercial, multi family
  • Roofing for commercial, multi family
  • Demolish or move a building.
  • Enclose your carport or change your garage to living space.
  • Add or relocate plumbing fixtures, fire alarm or fire sprinklers.
  • Pave a parking area where a storm drainage system is required.
  • Finish an existing basement.
  • Install a swimming pool or hot tub
  • Locate or add to a mobile home or manufactured home
  • Llocate a temporary building.
  • Install a fireplace, solid fuel burning

Building Inspection Services and Permits

General Information

The Building Department provides general information on the Building and Sign Bylaws, the B.C. Building Code, and other relevant standards. We can provide practical information on construction, plumbing, woodstove installation and other systems in buildings. Information Guidelines are available online.

The Building Department reviews building plans, specifications and associated documents (engineers' reports, truss plans, surveys etc.) to confirm compliance with the BC Building Code, Building Bylaw No. 94-45 [PDF - 58 KB] and other applicable standards. We issue building permits, and collect applicable securities and Development Cost Charges [PDF - 652 KB]. Building Officials visit the site at scheduled points during construction to ensure that construction conforms to the approved plans and conditions of the building permit, plus the Building Code.

Inspections

Inspections, carried out by Building Officials, are required during various phases of a project. It is up to the permit holder to arrange for inspections. To book an inspection please call our 24 Hour Inspection Line at 250-490-2511 24 hours in advance. The cut off time for next day inspections is 3:00 pm. All inspection requests must include:

  • Civic address of the property to be inspected;
  • Correct permit # for each type of permit;
  • Type of inspection being requested;
  • Contact person's name and phone number;
  • Date inspection required;

Please be advised that no inspection will be registered and no inspection will take place if the above information is not provided.

Call before you dig - 1 877-474-6886 or check out BC One Call.

Sign Permits

The Building Department reviews plans for signs to confirm compliance with the Sign Bylaw No. 92-22 [PDF - 64 KB]. We issue sign permits and Building Officials visit the site at scheduled points to ensure construction conforms to approved plans and conditions of the sign permit.

Plumbing Permits

A plumbing system may not be constructed, altered, extended, renewed or repaired unless a plumbing permit has been obtained for the work. Permits are not required to clear a stoppage in a drainage system, repair a leak in a water distribution system, replace a fixture without any change to the drainage system, or replace faucets. Permits are required to replace water heaters.

A single family home owner doing work on their own home can apply for a plumbing permit but must provide a isometric drawing of the proposed work as part of the plumbing permit application.