Bulletin
Permits required for Renovations
NUMBER 15-01
Created: March 29, 2015
PURPOSE
This bulletin is to inform staff, builders, subcontractors, designers and
homeowners who are planning to start a renovation to a building or
structure.
This bulletin is for
informational purposes only.
Please be sure to consult the
relevant
City of Kelowna bylaw.
BACKGROUND
The City of Kelowna has received concerns expressed by homeowners,
contractors and Realtors® with respect to:
1) Work occurring that is non code compliant and without
permit within buildings or structures.
2) Real estate transactions which did not proceed due to
renovations or alterations completed without permits
and/or inspections.
NOTE: Copies of the City’s records and permit tracking system information
can be acquired thru the City by potential purchasers, Realtors® and Lawyers
when researching a property to ensure compliance.
Why do you need a permit for a renovation or alteration?
There are numerous laws and regulations that relate to construction
and renovation work – the City of Kelowna Building Bylaw & Zoning
Bylaw along with the Provincial Code(s) for Building, Plumbing and
Mechanical systems.
The Permitting system works in conjunction with field inspections to
confirm that the proposed design work was constructed according to
the City reviewed drawings. Furthermore, this process ensures
compliance to the regulations for health and safety defined by the
province.
When are permits required for a renovation or alteration?
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•
•
•
Building & Permitting
1435 Water Street
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1J4
TEL 250 469-8960
FAX 250 862-3314
Page 1 of 4
Repairs, additions or alterations to existing buildings, including:
o Moving interior walls or partitions that are not load bearing.
o Relocating existing plumbing or gas lines.
o Installing/replacing plumbing and/or fixtures or gas lines.
o Making structural repairs or changes.
Restoration work caused by flood or fire.
Moving and/or placement of buildings and structures.
Developing a secondary suite.
(Full scope of requirements is outlined in the City of Kelowna Building Bylaw)
When are permits not required for a renovation or alteration?
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•
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Replace cabinets, flooring, painting, landscaping.
Buildings, structures under 10 m2 (*Refer to Bulletin #12-01)
Repairs or replacement of the roofing membrane or exterior
cladding.
kelowna.ca
Bulletin
Permits required for Renovations
NUMBER 15-01
Where can I acquire the information and apply for permits?
Contact
ontact us at 250
250-469-8960 for general inquires. Additionally,
Additionally you can
attend in person to our Development Services Centre located on the
Second F
Floor of City Hall for inquires or submittal
al of applications.
What information do I need to submit for my permit application?
For minor interior
renovations/
renovations/restoration:
You
ou need to provide the scope of work
and detailed drawings for the proposed
changes.
Page 2 of 4
kelowna.ca
Bulletin
Permits required for Renovations
NUMBER 15-01
For an addition or major renovation:
This bulletin is for
informational purposes only.
Please be sure to consult the
relevant
City of Kelowna bylaw.
You are required to submit two sets of plans, including a site plan,
floor plan, elevations and cross sections. All construction plans must
conform to the current edition of the BC Building Code and various
bylaws. The plans must be complete, legible and drawn to scale.
1
2
3
4
Site Plan
Elevations
Cross Section
Floor plan
(Metric-preferred)
(Imperial-preferred)
(Imperial-preferred)
(Imperial-preferred)
How long does it take to issue the permit?
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•
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•
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Plumbing & gas permits for residential work, are typically issued
the same day.
We have a fast track program for minor interior renovations /
restorations, which the building permit is issued within 2-3 days.
(If the submitted information is complete at time of application)
For an addition or major renovation, it may take up to two weeks.
(If the submitted information is complete at time of application)
The city will contact you to pick up your permit once it is able to
be issued.
Permits that are not issued within 6 months are expire
You must start the work within 6 months and request an
inspection within that time. Otherwise the permit will expire.
If you are not able to start the construction, you may extend your
Permit for an additional 6 months, prior to expiration date upon
written request and approval.
What happens if the work starts without permits?
If you do not have a permit for work that has already started and it
turns out you need a permit for that work, you could face serious –
and potentially costly – consequences, including:
•
•
•
•
Building & Permitting
1435 Water Street
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1J4
TEL 250 469-8960
FAX 250 862-3314
Page 3 of 4
•
•
A “work without permit” penalty. This is typically double the
original permit fee.
A delay while your permit application is processed. All work must
stop during this time.
Possible exposure of a finished area for inspection.
Perhaps having to do more work than you had originally planned
and budgeted for, such as adding safety features or structural
upgrades.
Possible legal and/or financial issues down the road, such as
impacts on selling your property or making an insurance claim.
Potentially facing challenges with mortgage lender.
kelowna.ca
Bulletin
Permits required for Renovations
NUMBER 15-01
How does the City of Kelowna find out about my renovation?
•
This bulletin is for
informational purposes only.
Please be sure to consult the
relevant
City of Kelowna bylaw.
•
•
Information is submitted regularly from members of the public to
the City of Kelowna via the online service request system.
Inspectors and bylaw officers have the technology in their vehicle
to inquire if a permit has been obtained while policing the area.
Occasionally, Realtors® or Lawyers inquire for permit issuance
prior to a sale transaction.
NOTE: As the homeowner, you are legally responsible for paying
these fees or penalties, even if you have hired a contractor who
assured you that permits were not needed.
How can I protect my home and investment?
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Hire qualified trades by contacting the Canadian Home Builder’s
Association, Better Business Bureau or alternatively by asking a
family member or friend(s) for contractor references.
Call for numerous estimates on the scope of work proposed.
Include the responsibility of who is going to obtain the permits in
your renovation/alteration contract (the homeowner or
contractor).
CONCLUSION
The City is here to help
For information specific to the proposed project on your property,
call Development Services at 250-469-8960. Our staff will be pleased
to help you to navigate through the permitting process. Additional
information is also available on the city of Kelowna web site at
www.kelowna.ca
Building & Permitting
1435 Water Street
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1J4
TEL 250 469-8960
FAX 250 862-3314
Page 4 of 4
kelowna.ca