The RDCO provides building regulation and inspection services for the two electoral areas in our region: Electoral Area East and Electoral Area West. Municipalities in the region (City of Kelowna, City of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland) oversee building and inspection services within their boundaries, as do local First Nations (Okanagan Indian Band and Westbank First Nation).
Our building inspectors follow Building | Bylaw No. 1482 which manages the regulations of the BC Building Code, including local regulations, permits and building inspections. Permit fees are outlined in Development Application Fees and Charges | Bylaw No. 1483.
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 ensure your plans comply with current zoning on the property – this can be confirmed using RDCO maps.
Property information requests
A property information request (PIR) provides homeowners, contractors and real estate agents with building permit history and zoning information. There is a $45 fee for a PIR. Complex requests requiring more time may incur an additional fee.
Use our online service request system to submit your PIR. If you are working on behalf of a property owner you must include a signed listing agreement or owners authorization form with your request.
A property may have a covenant, right-of-way or easement registered on title that could restrict development. For conditions on a property, request a title search from the Land Title and Survey Authority of BC.
Building permits
Building permit applications can be completed online. Documents must be submitted in pdf format and preferred size for drawings is 11” x 17”. Please ensure your application is complete – we cannot process incomplete applications and fees are non-refundable. Additional approvals will be required if the property is within a development permit area. Get started by reviewing the building permit application document checklist. Application processing timelines vary depending on the time of year, complexity of project and other project-specific factors.
Checklist - building permit application
Online form - building permit application
PDF form - building permit application*
*This completed PDF form is required with your online application.
Approved building permits
|
Statistics for approved building permits |
|
Click here to view a map of current approved building permits: Approved building permits map |
Inspections
Inspections are required at various stages in the construction process to ensure the minimum standards of the BC Building Code are adhered to. Review your permit package for inspections required on your approved building permit. This inspection checklist will be used by the building inspector to complete the inspection.
We require 48-hour notice for your inspection booking. Inspections are scheduled between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on each inspection day. Inspection days and areas:
- Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays: Electoral Area West
- Wednesdays and Fridays: Electoral Area East
The building permit package must be on site for all inspections. If these documents are not available for inspectors reference, no inspections will be made. Be sure to include the following in your inspection request:
- Permit number and address
- Contact name and phone number
- Type of Inspection
- Preferred date for inspection
Book your inspection through our online service request system, by email (inspections@rdco.com) or phone (250-469-6211).
Re-inspection
Where a 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. If required, staff will instruct you to pay a re-inspection fee online before you schedule the next inspection request.
Forms and resources
| Topic | Details | Resources |
|---|---|---|
|
BC Assessment |
General property information, including the size, age and assessed value. |
|
|
BC Building codes |
Versions of the BC Building, Plumbing and Fire Codes are available online. |
|
|
BC Energy Step Code
**see rebates and incentives |
The BC Energy Step Code establishes measurable energy-efficiency requirements for new construction. All building permit applications for new construction must meet Step 3 of the Energy Step Code, under Part 9 of the Building Code. Learn more about BC Energy Step Code. |
Also, see the Province of BC’s energy efficiency page. Find a qualified energy advisor. Natural Resources Canada also lists energy advisor service providers. |
|
Electrical and gas permits |
Technical Safety BC requires a homeowner permit for some electrical or gas work. |
See Technical Safety BC’s page on homeowner permit applications. |
|
Land title |
Land Title and Survey Authority of BC (LTSA) operates the land title and survey systems for our province. Title search and documents can be obtained through LTSA. |
Also available through speedysearch.ca |
|
Owner authorization |
Those representing property owners must complete an owner authorization form. |
|
|
Retaining walls |
A retaining wall is a structure that holds or retains soil, or other materials. The Building | Bylaw No. 1482 outlines the size and placement of retaining walls. Learn more about retaining walls. |
|
|
Secondary suites |
New regulations allow for one suite within the principal dwelling in all residential zones that allow single family dwellings. A site-specific zoning amendment is no longer required. Property owners must still apply for a building permit to ensure adequate site servicing and building code compliance when creating a secondary suite. Learn more about: |
|
|
Septic information |
Interior Health oversees sewer and septic system regulations. |
See Interior Health’s page on sewerage, subdivisions and healthier industries. |
|
Wildfire covenants |
Wildfire risk can be mitigated with appropriate building and landscaping materials and by reducing fuel accumulation (e.g. branches and leaves). Wildfire interface development requires a wildfire covenant, which can be obtained through a notary public or lawyer. Wildfire interface development covenant information is listed in the appendix of each Official community plan and the Joe Rich Rural Land Use Bylaw |
Obtain or confirm an existing wildfire covenant for your property through the Land Title and Survey Authority of BC: ltsa.ca |
| **Rebates and incentives |
|