Plumbing Permits/Perimeter Drains

The City of Port Alberni requires that you obtain a Plumbing Permit prior to any construction, extension, or repair of any plumbing system, or to make a connection to any sewer system. This includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Installation of a new fixtures, such as a sink or shower
• Removing of a fixture or part of a plumbing system
• Extension or installation of a sanitary sewer, storm sewer or water service
• Installation or alteration of a fire sprinkler system or standpipe system
• Installation or alteration of a footing drain or storm drain system
• Installation of any back-flow prevention
• Installation of a lawn irrigation system

• Replacing existing fixtures in same location
• Repairing existing fixtures

Conditions to Note:

• No person shall conceal any part of a plumbing system unless it has been inspected and approved by the Building Inspector;
• Plumbing must be installed in accordance with the British Columbia Plumbing Code in effect.  
• All building permits, including perimeter drain permits, must include title search (current within 30 days).

Note that all buildings are required to have a water meter installed.  

Procedures for perimeter drain/sewer drains within the City of Port Alberni.

Emergency/After Hours Work:

Perimeter drain/sewer drain backup work may proceed after hours only in the case of an emergency. In these situations follow all steps below:

• An email must be sent to building@portalberni.ca immediately  confirming the emergency backup.
• A complete permit application, including a current title search, must be submitted within 24 hours of commencing work.
• For weekend emergency call-outs, the application must be submitted within 24 hours or by Monday at 12:00pm (noon), whichever provides the longer timeframe.
• All work must remain uncovered until inspection has been completed.
• Please contact engineering@portalberni.ca for any Occupancy/right of way permit for any occupancy on streets/laneway/sidewalk including containers, gravel, drain rock, machinery, etc.

Scheduled (Non-emergency) Work:

For all scheduled/planned perimeter drain work.

• A complete permit application with current title search must be submitted and approved prior to any work commencing.
• Application review and approval may take up to 2 weeks.
• All work must remain uncovered until inspection has been completed.
• Please contact engineering@portalberni.ca for any Occupancy/right of way permit for any occupancy on streets/laneway/sidewalk including containers, gravel, drain rock, machinery, etc.

Any work completed without the procedures being followed can result in a stop work order and fines starting at $500 (issued to both contractor and owner).