New Homes

Start by researching your lot to determine what you can build as part of your single-family dwelling. This will include:

• The type, size and use of buildings according to the Zoning Bylaw
• Conditions or restrictions on the lot according to your Title Search from the Land Title Office
• Check if you are located in Development permit areas or environmental protection areas

Use Maps to find out your property's zoning, land use and underground utilities.

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.

A building permit is required if you are:

• Building a new house/duplex;
• Demolishing part or a whole house; or
• Placing or relocating an existing home, manufactured or mobile home

To apply for a building permit from the City of Penticton, you’ll need to supply the following:

• Confirm you don’t require Planning approval for a Development Permits (DP) or Development Variance Permit (DVP).  Development Permits or DVP’s must be approved prior to a permit being issued.
• Proof of Registration from Licensing and Consumer Services through BC Housing. Formally known as Home Protection Office (HPO). Any questions regarding these requirements or other unique warranty circumstances should be directed to BC Housing or at 1-800-477-7757.
• One digital set of drawings including site, elevation and floor plans. See CloudPermit for the complete list of completed forms and submissions.
• Please note new residential permits include mechanical and plumbing permits. You are no longer required to apply separately.
• Once your permit has been reviewed and any revisions completed, the permit will be issued. Inspections will be conducted at certain benchmarks to ensure compliance with City of Penticton Regulations and BC Building Code requirements.

• Occupancy of a new home is not permitted until a valid occupancy permit is approved and issued.
• New homes require proof of registration from Licensing and Consumer Services through BC Housing.
• It could take three to five weeks for an application to be processed, if any required Planning approvals have been obtained.
• Check with the Planning Department to ensure your application doesn’t require a Development Permit or a Development Variance Permit (DVP) at planning@penticton.ca or through a pre-application meeting.

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.

CloudPermit is your complete online permit portal!  Use CloudPermit to check on the status of your building permit, find out who the permit it has been assigned to, see any fees and charges, download your drawings 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 timeframe.

New construction for Residential or Commercial (part 9) Xpress permits: 21 days.

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 need a non-refundable fee.  You can by debit, cheque, cash, or credit card (with service fee).  For a full list of fees, see the Building Permit Fee page.

• BC Housing – Licensing and Consumer Services
• Call Before You Dig – BC One Call
• WorkSafeBC

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