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:

• A completed application package (pick up at City Hall, 171 Main Street, Penticton, or download here)
• Agency agreement (if the property owner wishes to assign an agent to make the application on their behalf)
• 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.
• Two sets of plans including site, elevation and floor plans. See Application package for complete list of requirements.
• 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.
• For a 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.
• 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.
• Track your Permit: You are able to register and create a user account through MyCity so that you can keep track of your application status, see any fees owing, review permit changes, schedule inspections, etc.
• 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.

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 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 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.

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

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