Building Permits
When You Need a Permit
Building permits are usually required for building or renovating work, including:
All new construction, including accessory buildings (garage, carport, garden shed etc.) that are permitted outright (specifically allowed) by your zoning:
- All temporary buildings
- Additions or alterations to existing buildings, including:
- Moving interior walls and partitions
- Moving existing plumbing, electrical or gas lines
- Installing new plumbing, electrical or gas lines
- Replacement of Poly-B
- Making structural repairs or changes that are permitted outright (specifically allowed) by your zoning
- Some "hard" landscaping features, such as fences or retaining walls
When You Don't Need a Permit
You do not need a permit to:
- Replace fixtures, cabinets, and flooring
- Paint the interior of your home
- Carry out non-structural maintenance or minor repairs to the exterior of your home
Building Permits are valid for a two year period.
Bulletins
Required Plan Details for a Building Permit
Building Permit Brochure Accessory Structures
Cross Connection Bulletin
Cold Weather Protection
Inspection Schedule
Required Plan Details for a Building Permit
Residential Guardrail Requirements
Structural Engineering
Tasting Rooms Bulletin
Applications
Building Permit Application 2024
Agent Authorization Form
Water / Sewer Utility Service Request
Electrical Utility Service Request
Plumbing Permit App
Drive Way Application
Solid Fuel Burning Appliance Application
(Past) Builder Engagement: ZCSC
On April 8th 2025 the District hosted a builder engagement at TimberMart in Summerland to inform on the updates of the Zero Carbon Step Code, Provincial requirements, and the current housing in Summerland and its ties to Zero Carbon Step Code. If you missed the event please see the link below to see the slide deck!
Builder Engagement Slide Deck (2025)
More information about Zero Carbon Step Code can be found
here
Past Issued Building Permits
The following is a list of permits issued by the Development Services Department for the District of Summerland.
2025
2024
2023
2022
Year in Review Building Statistics