Building Permits & Inspections

Building Permits help ensure responsible and safe construction practices with a focus on maintaining the safety of occupants and structural integrity of buildings. The permitting process ensures construction and major renovations comply with local bylaws, current building code, and health and safety standards.

The City reviews proposed projects for compliance with regulatory standards such as the BC Building Code, the Local Government Act, the Land Title Act, the City of Fernie Building Bylaw, and other provincial and municipal legislation.

All required development and building permits relating to a project must be issued by the City before any work can begin.

To comply with the BC Building Code, all building permit applications submitted on or after March 8, 2024, require a design that meets the 2024 BC Building Code.

Building Permit Requirements

A Building Permit is required when you plan to:

  • construct a new building;
  • add to an existing building;
  • construct a deck;
  • change the occupancy of an existing building, i.e. from office to retail;
  • make interior renovations that may impact the direction of travel to an exit;
  • repair a building envelope;
  • demolish or move a building;
  • enclose your carport or change your garage to living space;
  • add or relocate plumbing, fire alarm or fire sprinklers;
  • pave a parking area where a storm drainage system is required;
  • finish existing basement;
  • install a swimming pool;
  • locate or add to a mobile home;
  • locate a temporary building; or
  • alteration of a building or part of a building;
  • reconstruction of a building or part of a building; or
  • install solar panels on a building that requires an architect (typically in development permit areas such as commercial, multi-family, industrial, and institutional zones)

Is a Development Permit Required?

If you plan to build, and your property is included within one or more of the Development Permit Areas (such as a Flood Hazard Area, Slope Hazard Area, or a Form & Character Development Permit Area), you must complete the appropriate Development Permit Application form before applying for a Building Permit.

Refer to our Development Permits page for a full list of examples when a development permit is required. Here you'll also find links to maps helping you determine if the property is within a hazard or development permit area.

Does Your Project Need An Architect?

The Architects Regulation defines which buildings in British Columbia require the services of an Architect by law. An Architect must be retained any time architectural services (including at the planning and design phase) are provided on a building requiring an Architect under the Architects Regulation.

If your project needs an architect, the City requires the architect to be involved throughout the Development Permit, Development Variance Permit, and Building Permit application phases, providing sealed design drawings with permit application submissions.

Refer to the Architectural Institute of BC’s (AIBC) explanatory guide to understand if an architect needs to be engaged on your project: 

If you have questions about whether your project requires an architect, visit the AIBC Practice Advice information page, or contact an AIBC Practice Advisor at practiceadvice@aibc.ca

Building Permit Application Process

Please review the Building Permit Application Document Checklist before submitting a Building Permit application to the City of Fernie. This document explains:

  • The steps you must take before applying for a building permit, such as applying for a development permit, reviewing the zoning regulations, or engaging an architect or registered professional. 
  • The supporting documents you need to submit with your application based on the type of construction being proposed.
  • The specifications and information that needs to be included on site plans, design drawings, and elevation drawings.

Please use the Building Permit Application Form when applying for a building permit, plumbing permit, solid fuel burning appliance permit, demolition permit, renewal of an expired building permit, and to authorize an agent to act as the point of contact on their behalf. These permit applications can be submitted simultaneously, using the one form. 

For the City of Fernie to begin processing a Building Permit application, the submitted application package must include:

Applications can be submitted in-person at City Hall and digitally via email to planning@fernie.ca 

Plan Check fees are payable on the same day as application submission, either in-person at City Hall or online using Option Pay

Incomplete applications will increase the length of time it takes to process and review your submission. 

Multiple Building Permit Requirements

Construction projects that include multiple buildings require a separate building permit application for each building. 

For example, a new single family dwelling plus a detached  garage, suite, or carriage house require two separate building permit applications - one for the main dwelling and a separate application for the detached garage, suite, or carriage house.

Building Permit Exemptions

A building permit is not required for detached accessory buildings (sheds) less than 10 m2 (107 sq ft) in building area and 3.048 m2 (10 ft) tall, when used for the purpose of storage on a residential zoned property only. The structure must conform to the regulations of the Zoning Bylaw, be sited the correct distance from property lines, and not exceed the maximum parcel coverage for the lot. A Development Permit must be applied for if the structure is proposed to be built in a Development Permit Area.

A building permit is not required for the construction of fencing. There are various requirements for fences, including maximum heights and visibility at intersections. A full list of requirements can be found in the City of Fernie Zoning Bylaw.

Building Permit Conditions

Building Permits are issued upon the following conditions in accordance with the the City of Fernie Building Bylaw:

  1. that construction begins within six (6) months from the date of issuing the permit, except for factory manufactured structures and secondary suite conversions, demolition, moving and solid fuel burning appliance for which construction shall be started within three (3) months from the date of issuing the permit.
  2. that the work not be discontinued or suspended for a period of more than six (6) months.
  3. that the permit shall lapse in the event that either of the preceding two conditions is not met.
  4. that all permits shall lapse within twenty-four (24) months from the date of issue except that permits for factory manufactured structures, secondary suite conversions, demolition, moving and solid fuel burning appliance shall lapse twelve (12) months from the date of issuing the permit.
  5. that as a condition of issuance of a Building Permit, an owner shall sign the declaration endorsed on the building permit application form.

Expired Building Permits

If your building permit has lapsed or expired and you need to renew, please complete a new Building Permit Application form. Review the Building Permit Application Document Checklist to understand the required supporting documents to be included with your submission. 

BC Energy Step Code

To comply with provincial energy efficiency requirements under the BC Energy Step Code, energy software modelling and on-site testing must be used to demonstrate that new construction meets the requirements of current standards.

As of May 1, 2023 the province requires:

  • New 'Part 9' buildings (typically low density residential) to meet Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code.
  • New 'Part 3' buildings (typically multi-family) to meet Step 2 of the Step Code.

All City of Fernie building permit applications for new construction must include a Pre-Construction Energy Compliance Report or an Energy Model (whichever is applicable to the project) demonstrating conformance to current Step Code specifications.

For more information on the BC Energy Step Code visit: https://energystepcode.ca/

Please note, the Energy Step Code Incentive Rebate Program ended on December 31, 2021.

Building Inspections

Inspections are necessary for the homeowner or builder construct a building that meets the current structural, health, security and fire protection safety standards. City Building Officials provide valuable knowledge and experience with City bylaws and building related codes and legislation, ensuring that all construction conforms to safety and health standards. 

Once a building permit has been issued, you are required to contact City Building Officials to book an inspection at each stage of the construction project. Throughout the permitting process Building Officials will determine and communicate the stages that require an inspection. 

Depending on what you're building, inspections for the following may need to be carried out:

  • Forms and excavation inspection
  • Drain tile and damp proofing
  • Storm, sanitary and water services
  • Plumbing
  • Slab poly inspection
  • Bathtubs, showers, traps
  • Frame, chimney and duct inspection
  • Insulation inspection
  • Final building inspections
  • Fire sprinklers

For detailed information on the inspection process, please refer to the City of Fernie Building Bylaw.

Communicating with a Building Official in advance of a project reduces the chances of problems arising during a field inspection.

Arranging an Inspection

To book an inspection with a City Building Official:

  1. Ensure you have completed all pre-inspection requirements as provided by the Building Official throughout the permitting process.
  2. Submit your Inspection Request via email to the Building Officials: 
  3. Include 'Inspection Request' in the subject header of your email.

If an electrical inspection is required, please contact Technical Safety BC.

Information Bulletins

For news updates and notices from City Building Officials and the Planning Department, read through the department's Information Bulletins.