Building Permits & Inspections

NEW UPDATE: BC Energy Step Code

As of May 1, 2023, new Step Code requirements will come into effect. All new construction must meet the following standards.

• Houses and small buildings (Part 9 Buildings): Step 3
• Large and complex buildings (Part 3 Buildings): Step 2

To learn more, please review the Town’s Step Code reference guide. This is a resource designed to introduce key information about Step Code and what it will mean in Sidney. If you are planning to submit any new Building Permit applications, please contact staff to confirm how these new regulations could affect your project. Find out more about Step Code here.

Town Building Officials will only accept complete Building Permit applications.

The Town’s Building Officials are responsible for reviewing and approving plans for the issuance of Building and Plumbing Permits. Once a permit is issued, staff will perform predetermined inspections as outlined in the Building Regulations Bylaw, to ensure compliance with the BC Building Code and with Sidney's Zoning Bylaw.

Building Officials work with the development community and the public to ensure code compliance for all development within the Town of Sidney. Building Officials also provide technical support to Planning staff and the Engineering Department.

Building Permit applications can be submitted at Town Hall during the hours listed below. A Town Building Official will go through the application at the time of submission in order to ensure the application is complete. An incomplete application will be returned to the applicant with a list of outstanding items. Once those items have been addressed, the complete application can be re-submitted.

Town Building Officials will be available to receive applications and answer queries by appointment or between the hours of:

8:30 am - 10:00 am
&
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Please contact the Development Services department by email at developmentservices@sidney.ca or by phone at 250-656-1725 if you have any questions or would like any additional information.

Town staff are committed to ensuring that the permitting process is streamlined and timely.

Application Information

• A Homeowner's Guide to Building Permits
• Guide to Heat Pumps
• Guide to updated Step Code requirements
• Guide to Building Permits for Multi-Family, Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Construction
• Guide to Accessory Buildings
• Guide to Residential Deck Construction
• Guide to Fences
• Guide to Environmental Rebates
• Commonly Requested Fees
• Secondary Suite Information
• Construction Public Safety

 Application Forms

• Residential Building Permit Application
• Multi-Family, Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Permit Application
• Demolition Permit Application
• Plumbing Permit Application
• Building and Plumbing Permit Renewal Application
• Solid Fuel Appliance Application and Installers Declaration
• Owners Authorization Form
• Appointment of Agent

Property Information Requests

• Property Information Search Portal
• General Request for Property Information Form
• Building Plan Copying Request Form

FAQs

• When is a Building Permit required?
• When is a Plumbing Permit required?
• What are the requirements for a secondary suite?