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 meters are exempt. Please contact Inspection Services to confirm if a permit is required. Inspections are required to approve various states of construction. |
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.
|
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 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 48 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. ContactPhone: 250-469-6211 Press 5 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. 48-hour advance notice is required. |
Inspection day schedule |
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
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.
As of January 1, 2023, all building permit applications for new construction under Part 9 of the Building Code must meet Step 3 of the Energy Step Code.
- Learn more with our BC Energy Step Code Information Bulletin
Videos about Step Code |
Timelines for Step Code |
Program-Qualified Energy Search Tool |
|
Rebates and Incentives |
Please be aware that incentive programs exist for enhanced compliance:
|
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. |