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Building Permits
Do I need a building permit?
A building permit is required in the City of Williams Lake anytime work to be undertaken is regulated by the BC Building Code. This includes:
- Construction of a new building
- Alterations or additions to an existing building
- Structural changes to a building
- Installation of a mobile home or other factory constructed building
- Moving or demolishing a building or part of same
- Changing the use of a building
- Accessory Dwelling Unit
- Secondary Suite
- Installation of foundation damp proofing and drain tile
- Installation of or alterations to a plumbing or fire sprinkler system
- Any change to a floor plan of a commercial/public building
- Creation of new spaces within a building (e.g.: finishing a basement or building a partition wall to turn one room into two)
- Construction of a carport or garage either attached to a residence or detached
- Construction of sheds, gazebos, pergolas, etc. if the building is 10 square metres or larger
- Construction of a retaining wall that retains 1.2 metres of material at its highest point
- Construction of a deck if the deck is covered or the walking surface is 600mm above final grade at any point
- Replacement or upgrades to insulation
- Replacement of windows
- Installation of chimneys or wood-burning appliances
- Installation of security shutters
*This list is not comprehensive but serves as an example. Please contact City Hall at (250) 392-1765 to enquire about the need for a building permit BEFORE starting your project.
Do I need a building permit for a shed?
Building permits are required for sheds that will be 10 square metres or larger, including pre-built sheds purchased from hardware stores.
Please note that metal shipping containers are not permitted on residential properties.
When is a building permit not required?
- Re-roofing an existing building provided no structural repairs are required
- Re-siding a single or two-family residential dwelling
- Normal plumbing repairs and fixture replacement in single-family dwellings
- New flooring within a dwelling
- Construction of a fence
*Even if your project does not need a building permit, you must still comply with the Zoning Bylaw regulations.
Contact Us
-
Development Services Department
E-mail
450 Mart Street
Williams Lake, BC
V2G 1N3
Ph: 250-392-1765
Fx: 250-392-4408