Permits

Before submitting a Planning application, our staff will review with you any requirements for archaeology permits. This includes permits required under the K’́ómoks First Nation’s Cultural Heritage Policy and the province of BC’s Heritage Conservation Act.

Please visit our Archaeology Permits page for more information about required permits.

If you wish to construct, alter, repair, demolish a building or structure within one of the three electoral areas (excluding Denman and Hornby Islands) of the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), you may require a permit.

The type of permit(s) required will depend on the nature of the work to be undertaken. Types of permits include:

• building
• plumbing
• sprinkler
• demolition
• fireplace and chimney 

Applying for a permit from the CVRD requires filling out a permit application, paying a processing fee and providing information detailing the proposed work. 

Your project may require additional planning approvals such as a development permit, variance, etc. which could affect the timing of your project. Check with the Building Services staff prior to your building permit application to advise you on the exact needs of your application.
 

Digital or Hardcopy?

Building and Plumbing permit applications can be submitted digitally or a hardcopy can be couriered/mailed or dropped off to our main office. If possible, we prefer digital.

To submit your building permit application digitally, please first download and complete the building permit application form (fillable PDF). See page two of the application package for the list of documents required at the time of submission. When you are ready to apply, please contact us via email with the property address and we will send you a secure link with detailed instructions on how to upload your files. As soon as all the files are uploaded please send us an email to let us know.  Incomplete applications will significantly delay processing time.

Your submission will be reviewed by staff and you will be notified whether your submission is complete for the purpose of review. Once your application is determined complete and you have received a  confirmation email the application payment is required. You can call 250-334-6000 to pay by credit card or come into the office during regular business hours to pay with debit/cash or cheque.

Plumbing permit applications can now be submitted digitally; visiting the Building Counter is no longer required. To obtain a plumbing permit, follow these steps:

1. Download and complete the fillable PDF Plumbing Permit Application form. 
2. Email the completed PDF form to the Building Department.
3. Please ensure you indicate the count for each fixture (example, three water closets), the address for the property and your contact information. Incomplete applications will significantly delay processing time.
4. Staff will review the application and contact the plumber to advise of the amount owing and provide payment instructions. Payment can be made over the phone with a credit card or by coming into the office during regular business hours to pay with debit/cash or cheque.
5. Once the permit fees have been paid, the permit will be issued and sent to the plumber.
6. Please allow 1-2 weeks to process the plumbing permit application.

An application for a building or other permit must be accompanied by the appropriate application processing fee. The application fee is non-refundable. The building permit fee is based on a percentage of the value of construction, including material and labour and is payable when the building permit is ready to issue. Depending on the project, additional inspection fees may also apply.

Building Fees & Fines

Building Permit Checklist

Parkland Development Cost Charges (DCC) are fees collected to support the acquisition and development of electoral area parks and trails, ensuring that these important community amenities continue to meet the needs of residents as the population grows.

Beginning December 5th, 2024, parkland development cost charges will be collected for each new dwelling at the time of building permit issuance. Prior to this change, some development cost charges were collected per lot at the time of subdivision while others were collected per dwelling unit at building permit issuance.

Bylaw - Parkland Development Cost Charges

Frequently Asked Questions

What changes have been made to the parkland development cost charges (DCC)?
On January 23, 2024 the CVRD made the following changes to the parkland development cost charge bylaw. These changes are effective December 5, 2024.

• Development cost charge for tourist accommodations will be collected per-bedroom rather than per room;
• All development cost charges will be collected at the time of building permit issuance. Previously, some development cost charges were collected at the time of subdivision approval while others were levied at time of building permit issuance;
• All residential development cost charges will be collected on a per dwelling unit basis. Previously, some residential development cost charges were collected per lot while others were collected per dwelling unit;

Why were these changes made?
The Province of British Columbia requires that local governments review development cost charge bylaws every five years. Following a 2023 review, the CVRD amended the bylaw to make it inconsistent with other CVRD bylaws, to clarify requirements for tourist accommodations, and to streamline the collection process.

Who pays parkland development cost charges?
Parkland development cost charges (DCC) are paid by anyone constructing one or more new residential dwelling units or tourist accommodation for which a DCC has not already been paid. See the Comox Valley Regional District Parkland Development Cost Charges Bylaw No. 238, 2012 bylaw for further details.

What dwelling units are subject to parkland development cost charges?
Parkland development cost charges are required for all new residential dwelling units and tourist accommodations. They are not required for renovations or alterations of existing dwellings, for dwellings for which a charge has already been paid, or dwellings with floor areas of 29 square metres or less. A dwelling unit is a self-contained residential unit.

What happens when development cost charges were paid prior to December 5, 2024?
Parkland development cost charges will be collected for all new dwelling units accept where a fee was paid at subdivision prior to December 5, 2024. In these cases, a charge will be collected each new dwelling units less one.

What do parkland DCC pay for?
Parkland development cost charges go towards developing new parks and adding new infrastructure to existing parks within the Comox Valley Regional District. Parkland development cost charges do not cover park operations and maintenance costs.

In 2025, Water Development Cost Charges (DCC) are increasing in the Black Creek-Oyster Bay and Union Bay Water Local Service Areas. Water DCCs are used to fund capital projects related to growth and are used to ensure expansions or upgrades required to the water system are paid for by the development and not existing users.

Note: these DCCs apply to new construction builds other than primary detached dwellings (secondary detached dwellings and Industrial, Commercial and Institutional buildings). For more information on DCCs in these areas, visit our Water Systems page and select the applicable water system.