Building permits

A building permit gives you legal permission to start a project. It protects the health and safety of the people who will use the building.

Cranbrook issued a record $102.5 million in building permits in 2025, and passed $243 million in the first three months of 2026. See building permit activity.

When you need a permit

• Building anything new, including garages, decks, swimming pools and mobile homes
• Adding to, altering, repairing, moving or demolishing a building
• Finishing a recreation room or adding a fireplace
• Repairs that affect the structure

Some small projects don’t need a permit but must still meet the BC Building Code. Not sure? Ask a building inspector.

What to include

1. The completed application form: standard buildingPDF or complex buildingPDF
2. The property’s legal description and address
3. A site plan showing the lot size, street, existing and new buildings with distances to property lines, and driveway access
4. Two full sets of scaled drawings: foundation, floor plans with room uses, elevations, a cross-section and exterior finishes
5. What’s next to the property, and how the land and buildings will be used
6. The owner’s authorizationPDF and, before the permit is issued, the owner’s acknowledgement of responsibilityPDF

Read the building permit application guidePDF and the permit feesPDF.

Review

Staff check that your application is complete and meets the building, zoning, development cost charge, erosion control, heritage, servicing and other bylaws. Simple projects are usually quick; complex ones take longer. If there’s a problem, staff will talk it through with you before refusing a permit.

Your project may also need a development permit, a provincial site profile, or approval to move or deposit soil.

After your permit is issued

• Keep the permit and approved drawings on site.
• Start work within 6 months. The permit expires after 24 months.
• Book each inspection at least 24 hours ahead.

Code notices

• 2024 code bulletin: cooling in new homesPDF
• 2024 BC Building and Plumbing Code changesPDF
• Cold weather constructionPDF
• Mobile home placementPDF

Other agencies

• Technical Safety BC (gas and electrical permits), 600 Industrial Road 1: 1-866-566-7233
• BC Housing new home registration: 1-800-407-7757
• WorkSafeBC asbestos rules: 1-800-663-4962