Building permits and inspections

Building permits

Make an appointment

Residents wishing to make an appointment are asked to email your request and purpose details. Once received, Inspection Services staff will contact you to determine what alternate options need to be made for document submission (e.g. by email, mail, drop box or project site).

For more information or for general building and permit inquiries, please contact Inspection Services by phone 250-469-6211 or by email.

Building bylaws

Our building inspectors follow Building Bylaw No. 835 which administers the regulations of the BC Building Code, including local regulations, permits and building inspections. The bylaw is enforced on a continual basis and applies to the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West Electoral Areas of the RDCO.

Building permits

Building permits are required for the construction, addition, alteration or demolition of any building or structure. Accessory buildings less than 10 square metres are exempt. Please contact Inspection Services to confirm if a permit is required.

Inspections are required to approve various states of construction.

Recent Building Permits

Apply for a building permit

Building permit applications can be submitted to the Inspections Services department (on the second floor) at our district's office (1450 KLO Road, Kelowna BC) between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays. Building permits processing time may vary depending on the time of year. Fees for building permits range according to the size and type of structure. Fees can be paid by cash, cheque or Interact at the cashier's counter.

Please refer to the application checklist to ensure all required documentation is included with your application.

Building permit application form (download first then fill out and sign)
Owner's authorization form (download first then fill out and sign)
Required information checklist for new buildings and additions

Property File Request

A Property File Request allows for homeowners, contractors and real estate agents to obtain information regarding building permit history and zoning on a particular property.

To request a property file, please submit a Service Request ticket, select Building Permits and Inspections, Property File. Fill in the required information and upload the signed listing agreement, accepted offer or owners authorization form.

We will provide the Property File within approximately 2-5 business days via email.

Resources

Building permit application form (download first then fill out and sign)
Owner's authorization form (download first then fill out and sign)
Required information checklist for new buildings and additions
Recent Building Permit Information

Building inspections

Inspection checklist

In accordance with the building bylaws, the items listed on this inspection checklist will be reviewed by the building inspector while completing an inspection.

Book an inspection

Inspections are required at various stages in the construction process to ensure that construction conforms to the minimum standards of the BC Building Code. Please call 24 hours in advance for your inspection. Inspection requests received on the same day will only be done if time permits. Otherwise the inspection request will be carried over to the next scheduled inspection day.

Contact

Phone: 250-469-6211 Press 5

Book an inspection here

Whether you're calling or emailing, please be sure to include the address, owner's name and permit number, a return phone number, as well as a date and type of inspection required.

24-hour advance notice is required.

Inspection day schedule

Inspections for the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area are Tuesday and Thursday
Inspections for the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area are on Wednesday and Friday
Inspections are carried out between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on each scheduled inspection day

Where a second re-inspection is required due to non-compliance to code or bylaw provisions, a re-inspection fee shall be paid prior to the re-inspection.

BC Energy Step Code

Please complete the short survey below to provide the RDCO with your thoughts about implementation of the BC Energy Step Code.

Take the survey

The BC Energy Step Code is the new performance-based standard for the BC Building Code that establishes measurable energy-efficiency requirements for new construction. The BC Energy Step Code groups these performance requirements into a series of “steps” of increasing energy efficiency. To comply with these steps, applicants must use energy modelling software and on-site air tightness testing to demonstrate that both their design and the constructed building meet Step Code requirements.

The RDCO will shortly be engaging its communities and industry professionals to build skills and knowledge while considering implementation options in preparation for the Step 3 mandate through the BC Building Code tentatively set for December 2022.

Learn more with our BC Energy Step Code Information Bulletin

Videos about Step Code

Videos on the Energy Step Code website

Timelines for Step Code

BC Government website

Program-Qualified Energy Search Tool

Energy Advisors can be found through the Program-Qualified Energy Advisor Search Tool.

They can also be found through the Natural Resources Canada.

Training opportunities can be found through the following organizations:

Rebates and Incentives

Please be aware that incentive programs exist for enhanced compliance:

Fortis BC offers their New Home Program which includes Energy Advisor Support
BC Hydro provides rebates and free programs and has launched the Power Smart Shop for energy efficient products
Rebates can also be found through the Rebate Search Tool offered by CleanBC Better Homes

More Information

Please visit energystepcode.ca for more information about Energy Step Code.

For further inquiries related to retrofitting or renovating, contact RDCO staff, who can help you provide the list of rebates and incentives available in our region.

Building permits and inspections