If you’re embarking on a custom home project here in Victoria, you might be wondering about the city’s permit process and how to navigate it.
BC requires a building permit for all new construction, plus a number of others depending on the type of property and construction. And while all Victoria municipalities must abide by the BC Building Code, local bylaws vary, leading to unique permitting processes depending on where you’re planning to build.
If you’re working with a custom home builder like Horizon Pacific Contracting, permits aren’t something you need to stress over. Our experienced team will handle the entire process from start to finish so you can focus on the more exciting aspects of building your dream home.
Here are some of the permits that may be required to complete your project:
- Building permit. This permit is required for any new construction or renovation in BC. This permit includes details about the project, like construction drawings, warranty info, letters of assurance and energy performance. Depending on your location, your building permit will need to be attached to a number of other permits, applications and documentation.
- Plumbing, electrical, gas & HVAC permits. Regardless of where you build in Greater Victoria, you’ll need trades permits. Gas, HVAC and electrical permits are typically acquired via Technical Safety BC, while plumbing permits and others can often be granted by the municipality.
- Tree management plan. You may be asked to submit a tree management plan on behalf of a qualified arborist. Oak Bay’s tree management plan includes an inventory of trees, a preservation plan, canopy targets and more.
- Demolition permit. If your project requires the demolition of a structure before construction can begin, you’ll need a demolition permit. These permits look a little different in each municipality – here’s what the permit entails in Esquimalt.
- Deck plan. Some municipalities will require a detailed plan for the building of a deck. This deck checklist from Saanich asks for a detailed site plan, elevation info, floor plans and an archaeological response.
- Dock plan. If you’re living on the water and hope to build a deck, you’ll have to adhere to local bylaws. View Royal’s deck, dock and stairs application requires a number of documents, drawings and geotechnical reports.
- Secondary suite plan. Some municipalities ask for a separate secondary suite plan for custom homes with a suite. Central Saanich’s checklist for a secondary suite will ask for fire protection plans, HVAC details and specifics for driveways and parking.
- Garage or carport plan. In some municipalities, a garage or carport is considered an accessory building and requires a specific permitting process. The application checklist in Langford includes drawings, floor plans, rock pit plans, an arborist report and hazardous materials testing.
- Blasting permit. If your property is in need of some serious demolition of rock, you’ll need a blasting permit to move forward. Some municipalities like the City of Victoria handle their own blasting permits, while others direct builders to contact WorkSafe BC.
- Potable water supply permit. If you live in a more remote area like The Highlands or Metchosin and require your own water supply, you might need to acquire a permit from Island Health.
- Sewer connection application. In some municipalities, you may be asked to submit a sewer connection application. Here’s what that application looks like in Colwood.
- Soil permit. When the soil on a property needs to be removed, moved or deposited, you might need a permit. Sooke’s Soil Deposit and Removal process asks for a detailed site plan with location, volume, and source/destination of the soil, plus erosion and sediment control measures.
- Driveway Access permit. If your custom home project requires access to a municipal road, you might need to complete a special application and pay a fee. Metchosin’s driveway access permit asks builders for specific dimensions, distances and access locations.
Depending on the location and specifics of your custom home project, the permitting process can be complex and difficult to manage without an experienced home builder on your side. Contact Horizon Pacific Contracting today and learn how we can take the headache off your plate.