Landscaping, Pools & Water Features

Here are some examples:

• Construct Retaining walls over 1.2 metres in height, or stacked walls (contact us for confirmation)
• Propose a new driveway access to a City street or lane
• Install a pool or hot tub, greater than 600mm (24”) in depth
• Outdoor fireplaces and kitchens for Fire Department confirmation

Prior to the repair, replacement or construction of a new retaining wall or major landscaping works, please contact the building department to confirm whether a retaining wall building permit is required.

Please note that work in environmentally or geotechnical sensitive areas may still require a review. Refer to Bulletins: Landscaping and Retaining Walls; Hillside Development; or Swimming Pools.

• Failure to follow good building practices could result in delays and costly repairs to neighbouring properties.
• If an unsafe condition exists as the result of a construction of a retaining wall requiring a building permit, a guard or fence may be required.

Contact the following organizations for requirements:

• Click or Call Before You Dig: 1-800-474-6886
• WorkSafeBC: 1-888-621-7233

Pool building permits are required for:

• Pools, hot tubs, spas and water features deeper than 24”
• Hot tubs without secured covers and ornamental ponds

Minor work in environmentally or geotechnically sensitive areas may still require a review (e.g. near creeks, lakes or steep slopes).

All permit applications require a non-refundable application fee of $190. Methods of payment are debit, cheque or cash or credit cards paid online.

The cost for a building permit 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, the application fee must accompany the application. Any remaining fees are due at the time that the permit is ready to be picked up.

For the full list of fees and other administrative fees, refer to Appendix 4 in our Fees and Charges Bylaw.

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.

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 buildinginfo@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.

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