Building Permits

City of Nelson Building Inspectors deal primarily with the regulation and inspection of new construction and renovations, alterations, additions and changes in occupancy of existing buildings. Building inspectors administer the Building Bylaw 3202, 2011, the Sign Bylaw 2027, 1983, and the British Columbia Building Code.

A building permit is required for:

  • Construction of any new building over 10 square metres (108 square feet)
  • Additions to existing buildings or mobile homes, including new roofs over decks
  • Renovations that include structural alterations to a building
  • Renovations that create a new bedroom, a new suite or enclose an exterior deck
  • Installation of new insulation/vapour barrier in or on existing walls
  • Construction of a temporary building
  • Construction, structural alterations or repairs to exterior decks above ground level
  • Replacement of structural components of a roof, including sheathing
  • Construction of new masonry chimneys
  • Construction of swimming pools
  • Demolition or relocation of an existing building
  • Installation of a solarium kit
  • Locating a mobile home within city boundaries
  • Installation of wood burning appliances
  • Construction of any retaining wall over 1.2 metres (4 feet) abutting City property or road right-of-way
  • Installation of a fire alarm system
  • Construction, structural alteration or change in classification of use in a commercial, industrial or public use building
  • Installation of a sign, awning, canopy or marquee.

If you are proposing to begin any of the above-mentioned activities, fill out a Building Permit Application [PDF - 141 KB], include the appropriate fee and necessary attachments, and submit the application to the Department of Development Services and Sustainability on the first floor of City Hall. PDF applications may be emailed to development@nelson.ca. Hard copies of applications will be accepted 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Building permit fees vary with the cost of the development. Please contact a Building Inspector to clarify these costs prior to applying.

A building permit is not required for non-structural work such as:

Please note that a Development Permit may be required for the above activities if your property is within a Development Permit Area [PDF - 1 MB] designated by the Official Community Plan. All development permits and relevant documents should be submitted in PDF format to development@nelson.ca You are encouraged to contact staff to determine if you require a development permit.

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