Answer: Building permits are required for any new construction, demolition, alteration or addition to a structure in a Regional District of Nanaimo building Electoral Areas. Separate permits are required for gas and electrical work from the Technical Safety BC.
Answer: You can use the RDN's web portal to apply for building permits, check the status of your application, request inspections or submit complaints, all from the comfort of your home, office or mobile device. Apply online.
Answer: The building permit fee is based on 1% of the value of construction, including material and labour. Depending on the project, additional inspection fees may apply.
See Fee Schedule.
Answer: The balance of your permit fees can be paid online through the RDN web portal using your credit card. Alternatively, you may pay the balance at the RDN Administration Building using cash, cheque, debit, bank draft or credit card. (Please note: If paying by credit card over the phone or in person, a 2.5% service fee is applicable)
Answer: We are committed to processing all permit applications as quickly as possible. For residential construction (new houses, additions, alterations and accessory buildings) the processing depends on the time of year and volume of permits. Please contact the building department at 250-390-6530 to get an estimate of the current processing times.
Answer: No. You need to have a complete application to apply. If you are missing any of the required information your application will not be accepted. This also helps keep processing times down.
Answer: A permit application remains active for 6 months from the application date. Once a permit is issued, it remains valid for up to two years only if:
Answer: For online building permit applications, inspection requests can be made through the RDN's web portal. If you are a registered portal user, request inspections online.
To request a building inspection by telephone call 250-390-6530 with your building permit number, type of inspection required and what date you would like the inspection. We require 24-48 hours notice to book inspections. You can book an inspection by calling our office Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. Gabriola Island inspections are only booked for Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Answer: Inspections are done Monday to Friday (Except Wednesdays) between 8:30 and 4:30. Gabriola Inspections are only conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you wish, you may call Building Services at 250-390-6530 after 9:30 am on the day of your inspection for an approximate time your Inspector will be on site.
Answer: You may obtain a copy of the current BC Building Code online.
Answer: Decks: Permits are required for deck structures that measure 2 feet high or greater from natural grade. Please confirm with askplanning@rdn.bc.ca regarding the zoning and setback requirements for your specific property.
Garden Sheds: Sheds that are 10 sq. m. (107 sq. ft.) or less, measured from exterior walls or exterior supporting measurements and built on properties containing a single-family dwelling, do not require a building permit but must still meet setback requirements specified in the Zoning Bylaw. Please confirm with askplanning@rdn.bc.ca regarding the zoning and setback requirements for your specific property.
Answer: Please contact the RDN Planning Department (250-390-6510), askplanning@rdn.bc.ca to discuss your zoning regulations. If you are inquiring about a property on
Gabriola Island please contact the Planning Department at Islands Trust (250-247-2063, northinfo@islandstrust.bc.ca)
Answer: You must first complete the Riparian Areas Regulation Property Declaration form and if you are building within a Riparian Assessment Area you must have an assessment done on the property by a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP). You may also be required to obtain a development permit. Please contact the planning department askplanning@rdn.bc.ca for specific information.
Answer: The RDN may have septic and well information on file if building permits were previously issued on a property. This information may be obtained through a Archived Records Request. The majority of this information however comes from the Island Health Authority.
Answer: Farm buildings for farm use with low human occupancy constructed on properties with agricultural zoning and farm status under the Assessment Act are exempt from permit requirements. Owners must still comply with the requirements of the National Farm Building Code and the zoning regulations for the property.
Answer: You may call 250-390-6530 and speak with a Building Clerk. The clerk will be able to answer your question or re-direct your call to the appropriate staff member. You can also send us an email to Building@rdn.bc.ca
Answer: A separate Demolition Permit is required to remove or demolish a building or manufactured home from a property when the entire building is being removed or demolished. A separate demolition permit is not required if you apply for an alteration improvement permit to an existing structure and the permit includes partial demolition work of the structure for reconstruction.
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Answer: Lumber used for structural components must be graded in accordance with National Lumber Grades Authority (NLGA) standard grading rules for Canadian lumber.
Site Cut Lumber Info Bulletin
Answer: Electoral Areas A, B, C and the District of Lantzville are in Climate Zone 4. Electoral Areas E, F, G and H are in Climate Zone 5.
Learn more about the BC Building Code energy efficiency requirements for those climate zones.
Answer: You can visit the RDN Energy & Sustainability section of the RDN website or contact the RDN Sustainability Coordinator at 250-390-6510 for information on available rebates and incentives.
Answer: there are no setback requirements to locate a heat pump or central air conditioning unit. You should avoid placing units near neighboring windows or near reflecting surfaces, such as hard packed soil which can compound noise from the units.