Retaining Walls | Municipality of North Cowichan

Permit application process for retaining walls

Retaining walls in North Cowichan are governed by regulations found in the Zoning Bylaw and Building Bylaw. For detailed information and guidelines, refer to the Retaining Wall Handbook.

Step 1: Plan your location

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.

How to complete a planning compliance form

Download or print the planning compliance form
Access the municipal interactive mapping system
Locate the property:
- Use the mapping tool to find and pinpoint the specific property you are inquiring about.
Check zoning designations:
- 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:
- Use the mapping tool to locate any designated development permit areas that may affect the property.
- Refer to any additional information provided by the mapping tool regarding these areas.
Access agriculture land designation:
- Use the mapping tool to determine if the property lies within Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).
Review Zoning Bylaw regulations:
- Access and review Zoning Bylaw No. 2950 on the municipal website for setbacks, lot coverage, and building height restrictions.
Complete the planning and compliance form:
- With the gathered information in hand, you can now complete the form accurately, referring 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:
- Once complete, submit this form with the building permit application package

Step 2: Design your project

Applicants must follow the checklist below before submitting an application. The supporting documents must be submitted with the application in order to be accepted and approved.

Required documents

Planning compliance form
Retaining wall application checklist
Retaining wall permit application form
Agent Authorization Form (required if property owner is not applying for permit)
To be obtained by the Land Title Office (or lawyer, notary, real estate office):
- Title Search (acquired within 30 days of your application date)
- Covenants, easements and rights-of-way
Site plan of subject property to scale
- North arrow and scale
- Location of existing and proposed driveways and structures
- Location and dimensions (height, length, width) of proposed retaining wall footprint
- Distance from: setbacks, existing lot lines, rights-of-ways, easements and covenant areas
Required drawings – refer to the drawing checklist for specifics
- The drawings must be submitted on sheets no smaller than 11” x 17” with minimum scale: 3/16” = 1’ floor and 1/8” = 1’ elevations.
- Include: foundation, cross-section plan
Site disclosure statement - Required by Ministry of Environment
Business licence of contractor (if applicable)

Step 3: Submit your application online

How to submit a digital building permit application:

Step 4: Building permit fees

Once a building permit has been approved a fee slip will be provided for payment.

Payment methods

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 5: Site inspection

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.

Important information about permits

Inspections are required at various stages of your project. Call the Building Inspection Booking Line at 250-746-3102 to request an inspection.

Some projects may require both a development permit and a building permit. If you are unsure, contact the Building department to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork before proceeding.

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Document type(s)

Permits

Document tag(s)

Planning & Building