It is mandatory to submit a completed Planning Compliance form with every building permit application. Development Permit Areas (DPAs), Agriculture Land Designation (ALR), zoning bylaw regulations and charges on title all play crucial roles and can significantly impact the location of the building site. Proper consideration of these elements is essential for any construction project to ensure legal adherence, environmental responsibility, and the overall success of the building project.
Zoom in on the property to view its zoning designation. This will typically be labeled on the map.
Compare the zoning designation to the information provided in Zoning Bylaw No. 2950 to understand the permitted uses, building regulations, and any other zoning-related details.
Identify Development Permit Areas
Access Agriculture Land Designation
Review Zoning Bylaw Regulations:
Access and review Zoning Bylaw No. 2950 on the municipal website for setbacks, lot coverage, and building height restrictions.
Refer to the municipal interactive mapping and Zoning Bylaw No. 2950 as needed to ensure your responses are in line with the current regulations and designations.
Verify, sign and submit with the building permit application package
Step 2: Design your project
Follow the checklist below before submitting a building application. The supporting documents must be submitted with the application to be accepted and approved. One application and permit per building or structure.
An application for Highway Access Permit form is required if a new driveway access is required to serve the new detached garage / shed. The proposed driveway location must be shown on the site plan and include the width of the driveway and the distance from each adjacent property pin.
Professional surveyor
A surveyor is required to locate the proposed foundation if the proposed building is within 1 foot of a required setback and the property pins are available or if the proposed building is within 5 feet of a required setback and the property pins are not available.
Step 3: Submit your application online
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”
Upload the required checklist documentation to ShareLink.
Once received, your request will be processed.
Step 4: 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. Contact the Planning & 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.
Important information about permits
Inspections are required at various stages of your project. It is the responsibility of the applicant/owner to contact the Building Department to arrange a site visit to confirm completion of the project and obtain final approval.
Call 250-746-3102 to request an inspection or to confirm permit requirements.