Are you renovating your living area or wanting to finish your basement? You may need the proper building permits. The best way to get started is by speaking with us about your plans so we can walk through the requirements and ensure a smooth process.
If your project involves adding a suite to your home, also visit our Secondary Suites page for the separate permit process.
Let's Get Started
Before you get started, please contact our Building and Planning department to arrange 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 permit application process. Complete applications help keep wait times down for everyone. Please note that incomplete applications will not be accepted. Ph: 250-490-2501 or email development@penticton.ca. Please allow two working days’ notice to schedule.
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
- Contact the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen for landfill requirements involving renovation/demolition waste.
- View your permit application status online using your MyCity account.
Wondering if there are new rules or bylaws affecting your project? Check the Building Bulletins page for updates.
Building Permits
You’ll need a permit when adding or making changes to the following:
- Changing the use of a building (or portion), such as converting a garage to a living or work space
- Finishing or renovating your basement
- Creating a bedroom
- Secondary suites (separate permit process)
- Enclosed carport
- Load bearing walls, beams, or trusses
- Some interior layout changes
- Adding or relocating plumbing fixtures
You'll find the following forms on the Building Permits Applications Forms page. Please complete and submit to the Building Department.
- Finishing or renovating your basement: Interior Alterations Package
- Wood-burning stove: Solid Fuel Appliance Package
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 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.
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.
Xpress Permits: Emergency Plumbing Repairs 24 hours Xpress Permits (including demolition permits): Other Residential and Commercial Xpress 5-14 days Major Renovations: Residential and Commercial Xpress 21 days 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.
Have Questions?
Building Department
Phone: 250-490-2571
Email: buildinginfo@penticton.ca