Do I need a building permit? What does it cost?

Building permits — Oak Bay, British Columbia: Building and Plumbing Bylaw 4247

In the District Municipality of Oak Bay, British Columbia, building permit rules are set by Building and Plumbing Bylaw 4247, verified 2026-08-28. Permit required for: Work regulated under this Bylaw (buildings, plumbing, fireplaces, blasting), except where value <= $500 and no health/safety aspects. Permit fees: Prescribed and calculated in accordance with the Fees and Charges Bylaw. Fees set in: Fees and Charges Bylaw.

Building and Plumbing Bylaw 4247 adopted bylaw

permit required for	Work regulated under this Bylaw (buildings, plumbing, fireplaces, blasting), except where value <= $500 and no health/safety aspects.	s. 3(1), s. 4(1)
exemptions	Projects <= $500 without health/safety aspects; Building Code Part 1 exemptions; retaining walls < 1.2m; minor plumbing repairs not involving replacement/rearrangement.	s. 3(1), s. 4(2)
fee basis	Prescribed and calculated in accordance with the Fees and Charges Bylaw.	s. 12(1)
fees location	Fees and Charges Bylaw	s. 12(1)
authority	Building Official (includes Director of Building and Planning and Building Inspector)	s. 1
fine range	Fine of not more than $10,000 (Ten Thousand Dollars) or imprisonment of not more than six months	s. 27(1)(a)

scout note

Regulates building construction, plumbing installations, and related permits in Oak Bay.