The Building Department of North Cowichan oversees the issuance of permits for building renovations and alterations. This is separate from building additions.
Permits are required for common renovation projects such as:
Replacing exterior finish - if adding exterior rigid insulation
Adding or changing the size of a window or exterior door that require structural modifications
Renovations that create new rooms, or spaces in a building
Plumbing pipe system upgrades
Structural changes
Permits are NOT required for maintenance or minor cosmetic upgrades – less than $25,000 - such as:
Changing the exterior finish material of a house - if not adding exterior insulation
Applicants are to follow the checklist below before submitting an application. This checklist is intended to provide applicants with the minimum requirements for a building renovation or alteration. The supporting documents must be submitted with the application to be accepted and approved.
The drawings shall be submitted on sheets no smaller than 11” x 17” with minimum scale: 3/16” = 1’ floor and 1/8” = 1’ elevations.
Include: Footing plan, Floor plan, Cross-section plan, Foundation plan
Truss Layout (if applicable)
Hazardous Materials Report (required for buildings constructed prior to 1990)
Ventilation Design (if applicable)
Notice of Filing for Sewerage (if applicable)
Business Licence of contractor (if applicable)
Step 2: Digital Submission
Email a completed Building Permit Application Form to building@northcowichan.ca and request a file upload ShareLink. In the subject line of the email, title it “Request for ShareLink”
Once the applicant receives the ShareLink, they can upload the required checklist documentation.
On received, your request will be processed.
Step 3: Building Permit Fees
Once a building permit has been approved a fee slip will be provided for payment.
The permit fee is set out in the “Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 3784”. Please contact the Building Department to confirm amount owed.
Permit fees are payable by:
cash, interact, cheque or money order - made payable to the Corporation of the District of North Cowichan
online payment - please use “North Cowichan – A/R” as the payee, using folder number BP00…. as your account to identify the fee you are paying. We request that you email a copy of your Fee Slip to finance@northcowichan.ca when payment has been made and copy the email to building@northcowichan.ca. Applicants may need to contact their financial institution for vendor account formatting.
Credit cards are not accepted.
A fee slip with be sent to the applicant once the permit is approved.
The permit fee does not include the Development Permit fee if one is determined to be required.
Step 4: Site Inspection
It is the responsibility of the applicant/owner to contact the Building Department to arrange a site visit to confirm placement of the sign(s) meet the requirements of the approved permit and obtain Final Approval.
Important Information About Permits
Inspections may be required at various stages of your project. Your building permit conditions will indicate when you need to request inspections.
Some projects may require both a development permit and a building permit. If you are unsure, please contact the Building Department to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork before proceeding.
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