Prior to starting any stage of your project, including excavation or demolition, you must obtain the required permit(s). Building Permits are designed to address life and safety issues of the occupants and users of those buildings or structures. If you intend to do any one or more of the following you will need the necessary permits from the City Building Inspector:
- If your project falls within a Development Permit Area you may need a Development Permit. The Building Inspector will not issue a Building Permit for a project which does not already have a required Development Permit.
- Construct, repair or alter a building or structure, including retaining walls over 1.2 metres in height, swimming pools and hot tubs. You will need either a Standard or a Complex Building Permit.
- Move a building or structure. More information - Extraordinary Traffic Permits.
- Demolish a building or structure. More information - Demolition Permits.
- Change or install signage. More information - Sign Permits.
- Change or install plumbing fixtures or equipment. More information - Plumbing Permits.
- Use or occupy a newly constructed building. See Occupancy Permits.
- Authorize an existing Secondary Suite or build a new Secondary Suite. More information - Secondary Suite Authorization Permits.
If you intend to do any one or more of the following you will need a permit from the appropriate agency:
Note: If your project will require a Development Permit or a Zoning Bylaw amendment for the property, you must obtain these approvals through the City Planning Department before your Building Permit Application will be considered.
All Building and Demolition Permits are subject to the following:
- WorkSafe BC requires a survey for hazardous materials be completed before any demolition work begins.
- The BC Building Code requires that a Work Site Fire Safety Plan be prepared and submitted prior to the commencement of demolition, construction or alteration operations
- The City of Port Alberni requires that an application be made for decommissioning of City services (water, sanitary and storm sewer connections) prior to demolition. If a rebuild is planned after demolition, the City services may be recertified at the same time.
Building Permits are not required for minor repairs or alterations to non-structural components of a building. If you are not sure what permit/s you need consult the Building Inspector. If you need a building permit, you will likely need at least one "trades" related permit (gas, electrical, plumbing, signage or other).
Disclaimer of Warranty or Representation
Neither the issuance of a permit under the Building Bylaw, the review and acceptance of the design, drawings, plans or specifications, nor inspections made by a Building Official, shall constitute a representation or warranty that the Building Code or the Bylaw have been complied with or the Building or Structure meets any standard of materials or workmanship.