Building Permit Application
Owner Authorization
Town of Osoyoos Building Code Administration Bylaw No. 1251, 2009.

BC Building Code Changes Effective May 1, 2023
energystepcode.ca/requirements

The Province has adopted the 2024 edition of the British Columbia Building Code, including Book ll 
Plumbing Systems (BC Codes 2024). Please visit the link below for more information.
2024 BC Building Code

You can apply for Building Permits from the Planning and Development Services Department.  Depending on the complexity of the application, initial plan check takes approximately three weeks for a single family dwelling and longer for commercial, industrial and multi-family buildings. Application fee's must be paid when Building Permit Application is submitted. The Town of Osoyoos accepts Cash, Cheque, Debit, or Credit Card as payment. Only complete applications will be accepted for processing. 

All construction must meet current local zoning bylaws. Zoning describes property use (residential, commercial, etc.), setbacks, density (number of dwellings) and height restrictions. For more information regarding zoning refer to the Town of Osoyoos Zoning Bylaw No. 1395.

Building Permits are required for (but not limited to):

  • the design and construction of a new building
  • the change in occupancy of any building
  • an alteration of any building, structural or non-structural
  • an addition to any building
  • the demolition of any building
  • the reconstruction of any building that has been damaged
  • the correction of an unsafe condition in or about any building
  • all parts of any building affected by a change in occupancy
  • the alteration, rehabilitation and change of occupancy of heritage buildings
  • construction of all accessory buildings 10 m2 (108 square feet) and larger
  • placement of buildings and structures
  • construction of retaining walls greater than 1.2 m in height
  • construction of swimming pools
  • installation of building canopies, marquees and awnings
  • installation of solid fuel burning appliances
  • installation of extinguishing equipment over cooking appliances
  • installation of canopies over cooking appliances

Permit fees vary according to the cost of development. 

Riparian Areas Regulations

Please note that if your building project is within 30m of the high water mark of a lake, swamp, pond or watercourse or top of ravine bank, you may be required to file a Riparian Areas Regulation Assessment with the province and obtain a Watercourse Development Permit before your Building Permit application can be accepted. More information on the Riparian Area Regulations is available from Planning Services at 250-495-6191 or email plan@osoyoos.ca

Inspections

After a building permit is issued several site inspections are required (footings, forms, drain tile & damp proofing, plumbing, slab & poly, framing & sheathing, and insulation) prior to final approval and the issuance of an occupancy permit.  Approved Plans are required on-site for all inspections.  Civic address must be posted. 
 
Every owner shall give at least twenty-four (24) hours notice to staff when requesting an inspection.  Building Official's acceptance of the above noted work is required prior to concealing it.  When a Registered Professional provides letters of assurance on a project, field reviews shall be on-site for the Building Official at time of inspection. 

For inspections or further information please contact the following:

Planning and Development Services
Box 3010, 8711 Main Street
Osoyoos BC V0H 1V0
(T) 250.495.6191
(E) plan@osoyoos.ca

Home Warranty Insurance

According to the Homeowner Protection Act and regulations, new homes built in B.C. by licensed residential builders must be covered by mandatory, third-party home warranty insurance. Owner Builders are exempt in certain circumstances. 

For more information or to obtain a license application contact:
Suite 203-4555 Kingsway Burnaby, BC V5H 4T8 (TF )1.800.407.7757 (F) 1.604.646.7051  Website

Monthly Building Permit Reports