Commercial & Multi-Family

Before you get started, please contact our Building and Planning department to book your free pre-application meeting. We’ll take a look at your concept plans and guide you toward which steps may be required. This also helps expedite the application process. Also view the Commercial Building Permit Checklist for further information.  

We do not currently have the capacity to accept applications online. All applicable forms must be filled out and submitted with the Building Permit application package.

While there are no guaranteed timelines for building permits, we strive to issue permits in a timely manner. The timeline for all building permits depends on the completeness of the application, how quickly the City's comments are responded to, and volume of applications to be reviewed by each review group. 

Use MyCity to check on the status of your building permit, find out who the permit it has been assigned to, see any fees and charges and schedule inspections once permit is issued.

Upon receiving a completed permit application, the building department endeavours to provide confirmation that a permit can be issued, or a written deficiency list provided within the noted timeframes.

Fast Track Your Application

Your project may qualify for a Residential Xpress (RXp) Building Permit, with the City's goal to review eligible applications within 1-14 business days. To learn more, contact our Building Department at 250-490-2571 or Xpresspermit@penticton.ca.

Emergency Repairs and Restoration Permits are given priority.

Some projects requiring multi-department reviews may take longer. Please contact our office if you are making a large project application to arrange for a pre-application meeting.

All permit applications require a non-refundable application fee of $180, or $80 for Plumbing Permits.

Currently, we are unable to accept credit card payments. Methods of payment are debit, cheque or cash.

For the full list of fees, including some flat fee permit types, reductions and other administrative fees, refer to Appendix 4 of our Fees and Charges Bylaw.

The cost for most building permits is based on the value of construction, so the price will vary based on the amount of work to be done. When an application for building permit is made, an application fee must accompany the application. Any remaining fees are due at the time that the permit is ready to be picked up.

Construction costs or value means the total current monetary worth of all construction or work related to the building or structure. The current edition of the Marshall Valuation Services, the Marshall and Swift Residential Cost Handbook or such universal source of calculating valuation, as the building official deems reasonable, practical and expedient. Construction costs shall include:

• site preparation and civil work including excavation and the use of hoisting, pile driving, compaction or erection devices;
• all design documents, labour and fees involved in the design, investigative testing, consulting services, construction labour and management, even if provided by the owner, or donated voluntarily by others, contractor’s profit and overhead, sales taxes and the construction insurance; and
• all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, drainage and gas installations necessary for the carrying out of the construction to its completed form.

Site Disclosure Statement (Ministry of Environment) - Effective February 1, 2021
Rezoning, Development Permits, Subdivision, and Building Permits (where soil disturbance is likely to occur) are triggers for a Site Disclosure Statement.  Properties with current, or a history of, specified industrial and commercial uses are required to submit the Site Disclosure Statement.  

Site Disclosure Waiver
The City of Penticton requires applicants who are not submitting a Site Disclosure Statement under the Environmental Management Act to submit a Site Disclosure Waiver.

For further information on Site  Disclosure Statements and Schedule 2 Uses, please go to the Ministry of Environment's website.

Due to the new Ministry of Environments new requirements, we are working on updating all the application packages to reflect this change. Thank you for your patience. 

See Also: Application Packages

A permit will be required to build, extend or repair any plumbing system, or to make a connection to any sewer system. If you’re installing or modifying a heating system, permits are also required. Visit our Plumbing page for further details and complete the Plumbing and Trades Application available on the Building Permits Applications and Forms page.

A Fire Sprinkler Permit is required in Penticton for any new installation or alteration of a fire alarm system where the scope of work does not include other construction. To apply, complete the Plumbing and Trades Application, available on the Building Permits Applications & Forms page.

A Fire Alarm Permit is required in Penticton for any new installation, replacement or alteration of a fire alarm system where the scope of work does not include other construction. Visit our Building Bulletins page for more information. 

Commercial kitchens require ventilation control and fire protection for food service operations. Our Commercial Kitchen Exhaust bulletin outlines information on when permits are required and emphasizes owner/user responsibilities for the design, installation and maintenance of kitchen ventilation system in the City of Penticton.

Although some smaller operations may not require full commercial ventilation and fire suppression systems, consideration for the health of the workers and patrons must be taken into consideration under Part 6 of the BC Building Code.

For more information, review our Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Bulletin.

Building Department
Phone: 250-490-2571
Email: buildinginfo@penticton.ca