Exterior Renovations & Additions

You’ll need a building permit when adding or making changes to the following:

• An attached deck two feet or more above grade or supporting a roof
• Major roofing projects
• New window or door openings
• Carports
• Porches, decks or balconies
• Basement door well
• Solar panels 
• Sunroom

Here are some of the building permits available. Visit our Building Permit Application & Forms page to download the required packages. 

• A detached garage or carport 
• A shed that is over 10 metres squared
• A swimming pool or hot tub 
• A retaining wall 
• Installing solar panels 

Other permits can use the accessory building package or internal alterations permit packages.

All permit applications require a non-refundable application fee of $190, or $84 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 in 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.

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.

Contact the following organizations for requirements:

• Technical Safety BC (Electrical / Gas)
• Click or Call Before You Dig: 1-800-474-6886
• WorkSafeBC: 1-888-621-7233
• View your permit application status online using your MyCity account.

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