Minor Projects

Minor Projects fall under Part 9 of the BC Building Code. Always review your building requirements with City staff before starting a project. Building permits are needed for all new construction, temporary buildings and for alterations to existing construction. Minor Project applications need less review by other departments and agencies, and permit cost depends on the nature and scope of the work being done. Minor Projects include: 

  • Adding an accessory building, equipment room, shed, or detached garage over 10 square metres
  • Addition/house raise
  • Awning/canopy/patio cover
  • Building a deck or gazebo
  • Building a new, or legalizing an existing secondary suite
  • Building a retaining wall over 1.2 metres in height
  • Constructing roads within a strata development
  • Construction of a swimming pool
  • Creating new rooms or spaces within existing building
  • Decks and balconies
  • Demolishing a building or part of a building
  • Duplex (two-family residential home
  • Finishing a basement
  • House move
  • Installation of a hot tub
  • Laneway housing (coach house, carriage home)
  • Pool
  • Renovation
  • Restoration, maintenance or repair of building’s structural components and systems
  • Restoration, maintenance or repair of significant building fire and life safety components and systems
  • Single family residential home
  • Wood burning appliance

Additional Information

Please contact the Building Division by email, by phone at 604-927-3441 or at their counter located on the main floor of City Hall, or refer to the resources below:

  1. Process for Minor Projects
  2. Planning Your Project - Things You Should Know
  3. Processing Time for Minor Projects
  4. General Drawing Requirements
  5. Drawing Specifications