The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is now offering free, pre-approved building plans for detached secondary dwellings to help streamline the building permit process for CVRD residents in Electoral Area A, B, and C. This project is to help make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to add a secondary dwelling to their property and support flexible housing options across the region.
“These plans are designed to meet local zoning and BC Building Code requirements, providing a credible, ready-to-use starting point for homeowners,” says Manager of Building Inspection Services John Crockford. “By offering these resources, the CVRD aims to reduce design time, lower upfront costs, and encourage the creation of more diverse housing options in the community.”
The initial June 2026 launch includes a single-storey plan suitable for detached secondary dwellings up to 90 m², with additional options anticipated in the future. These plans are intended as a foundation for each project however, homeowners must still ensure their site meets specific requirements and regulations before proceeding.
To access the plans, homeowners should:
- Contact the CVRD Building team to schedule a pre-application meeting to Confirm that their property meets zoning and site requirements
- Request the full plan set from the CVRD
- Prepare a building permit application with site-specific details
- Submit the application for review
All projects in the CVRD must comply with the BC Building Code and any other applicable regulations. The plans are only available for use on properties within the Comox Valley Regional District Electoral Areas A, B, and C.
A preview of the plans can be found at comoxvalleyrd.ca/buildingplans. For more information or to request the complete plan set, contact the CVRD Planning and Development Services team by emailing Building@comoxvalleyrd.ca.
The Comox Valley Regional District is a partnership of three electoral areas and three municipalities operating on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of the land. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on providing sustainable services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.
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Media Contact:
John Crockford
Manager of Building Inspection Services
250-334-6042