Building and Plumbing Permits

This page was last reviewed on February 7, 2020.

Alert

The new BC Building Code will be effective December 10, 2018 and will apply to building permits applied for on or after that date. Buildings with permits in place under the BC Building Code 2012 are generally not affected.

Some of the new requirements in the National Codes include:
• Installation of leakage-rated door assemblies in some fire separations,
• Updates to airborne sound transmission provisions to address flanking sound transmission in addition to direct sound transmission,
• Changes to seismic design data and climatic data,
• Updates to stairs, ramps, handrails and guards, including an increase to the run dimensions for residential dwellings,
• Residential fire warning systems as a new acceptable solution,
• Additional materials and assemblies when using the component additive method in Appendix D of Division B,
• Maximum flow rates for supply fittings and shower heads.

Learn more about the BC Building Code changes (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/construction-industry/building-codes-standards/the-codes/2018-bc-codes-33901/code-changes)

The Village of Cumberland issues permits for building construction, plumbing installations, woodstoves, fireplaces and inserts. View the “Building in Cumberland” brochure here.

A building permit is required before:

construction of a building or a structure, including accessory structures and buildings
alteration or addition to a structure or a building
completion of an undeveloped area of a building
construction of an secondary suite
structural repair or change to a structure or building
demolition of a structure or building or part of a structure
construction of a swimming pool
installation of heating appliances, such as wood stoves and inserts (new residential construction with a building permit application after Dec 10 2018 may not install a wood stove or other solid fuel burning appliance; see Bylaw 1091, 2018)
moving a building
change of use or occupancy of a building or premises
installation, repair or replacement of a plumbing fixture or system
installation of a manufactured home

Permit Applications and Fees

You may submit and pick up permit applications at the Village Office during regular office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Building Permit application

Plumbing Permit application

Letter of Agency – to allow you agent or builder to apply on your behalf

Building Permit fees table – A non-refundable building permit processing fee is required when you submit your application.

Standard estimates on construction values are used for calculating permit fees for residential building permits.

Building Inspector Office Hours

The Building Inspector is usually available to answer inquiries relating to building permits, the British Columbia Building Code, and Village bylaws on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Call 250-336-2291 to reach the building inspector by telephone. Inspections – Call 250-336-2291 Inspections may be booked for Tuesday and Thursday mornings by calling 250-336-2291 during regular office hours. Please call at least 48 hours in advance to ensure that your inspection can be accommodated.

Building and Property Records

There is a $50 fee to review building records, except to an owner of the property.

An agent must have an agent authorization letter in order to view property files.

BC Homeowner Protection Office

Check out BC Housing’s Homeowner Protection Office website which offers building publications and guides as well as licensing information for homeowner builders, and home warranty information.

Accessibility and Inclusion

It’s important to keep accessibility and inclusion in mind in any building development or renovation. Find resources.

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