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  • Current Developments
  • Projects (Development Services)

Building Permit FAQ

It is important to review the zoning requirements of your property which are outlined within the District of Sicamous Zoning Bylaw. The Maps section of the website is useful in determining the zoning of your property and includes other important information.

Depending on the size and intended use of your proposed project, permits may be required and you will need to submit an application and pay applicable fees indicated in the Fees and Charges Bylaw. 

If you have any questions at all, please contact the Development Services Department at 250-836-2477 or email developmentservices@sicamous.ca. 

Building Permits are required to: 

  • Construct a new home;
  • Construct, repair or alter an existing building (only when structural components are repaired or altered), structure, manufactured home or retaining wall;
  • Demolish a building or structure;
  • Occupy a new building or structure;
  • Construct a masonry fireplace or install a solid fuel (wood) appliance or chimney, whether attached to, part of or detached from a building;
  • Install plumbing systems related to the inspections per the building bylaw;
  • Move a building or structure into or within the District;
  • Construct a new accessory building such as a garage or storage shed greater than 10 square meters (107.6 square feet) in size;
  • Undertake any interior work such as partitions, etc. that may alter the original building or structure;
  • Construct an uncovered sundeck over 0.6.metres (23.6 inches) above the ground or landing below;
  • Build retaining walls greater than 1.22 metres (4 feet) high.

The cost for building permits are based on the value of construction and numerous other factors that are listed in Part 3 of the Fees and Charges Bylaw.

A non-refundable building permit application fee is charged for all new applications and is due at the time of submission.  

Residential  
New Single or Two Family Home $100
New Factory Built Dwelling $100
Additions or Alteration  $50
Multi-family, Commercial, Industrial or Institutional   
New Build $200
Additions or Alterations $100
Other Permits  
Access Permit $50
Sign Permit $50
Demolition Permit $150
Solid Fuel Permit $75

Once the Building Permit Application has been reviewed the Building Inspector will calculate the fees and notify the property owner or agent of the final amount due to issue the permit.

  • Roof membrane replacement (e.g. shingles or metal).
  • Existing plumbing fixture replacements.
  • Non-structural renovations.
  • Fencing (Heights are restricted under the District's Zoning Bylaw).

Please contact the Technical Safety BC if you plan to conduct electrical work which may require a permit. Permits help homeowners determine whether the work being completed is both safe and compliant with provincial standards.

Technical Safety BC 

Single family dwelling

  • Front: 6 meters
  • Rear: 6 meters
  • Sides: Sum of 5 meters with no dimension less than 2 meters
  • Exterior side: 5 meters

Accessory residential building

  • Front: 8 meters
  • Rear: 1.5 meters
  • Sides: 1.5 meters
  • Exterior: 5 meters

For properties zoned R1/R2 Residential there are no restrictions on the area of a detached accessory residential building, rather the area of the building is governed by:

  • Maximum height,
  • Setbacks, and 
  • Site coverage regulations. 

For all other residentially zoned properties, the maximum size for a detached accessory residential building is 10 square meters or 904 square feet.

The frost depth is 1.07 meters or 42 inches.

 Based on average elevation, the ground snow load is 4kpa or 84psf.

District Zoning Bylaw & Map 

The District Zoning Bylaw regulates how land, buildings and other structures may be used in the municipality. The current Zoning Bylaw was adopted in 1993 and is under draft review.

Building Regulations Bylaw

The District's Building Regulations Bylaw outlines the authority of the District Building Official, responsibilities of the owner, prohibitions under the Bylaw, permit requirements and applications, inspections and occupancy permits and prohibitions under the bylaw. 

BC Building Code 

The BC Building Code sets technical requirements for building construction throughout the province.

A hard copy is available for viewing at Municipal Hall located at 446 Main Street. Please note this copy must be viewed in office and cannot be removed from the building. 

Technical Safety BC 

Contact Technical Safety BC if you will be completing gas or electrical work which may require a permit. 

Homeowners who have questions regarding the permitting or inspection process, are always welcome to contact the Development Services Department at 250-836-2477 or email developmentservices@sicamous.ca.