If you are planning to renovate your existing Whistler home or build a new one, there are several factors to consider. If you are planning to construct or renovate your home, you will need a building permit. The information provided below is for reference. If you need more detailed information regarding your project, please contact municipal hall.

"No person shall commence or continue any construction, alteration, reconstruction, demolition, removal, relocation or change the occupancy of any building, structure or plumbing system including excavation or other work related to construction unless a building official has issued a valid and existing permit for the work."

• The B.C. Building Code, which sets standards for design and materials
• The local zoning bylaw and its controls on buildings and uses that are suitable to the area
• Other health and safety regulations

When are building permits required?
Building permits are required whenever you wish to: 

• Construct a new home
• Construct a new accessory building or structure  over 10M2 in area
• Repair, renovate or add to an existing building
• Remove, relocate, alter or construct interior walls
• Complete a previously unfinished area in a an existing building
• Construct, cover or enclose a porch or sun deck
• Construct a swimming pool, built in hot tub or spa pool
• Demolish a building
• Add new plumbing fixtures

Building permits are NOT required for non-structural minor modifications such as:

• Cupboards
• Painting
• New flooring

Do renovations need to be inspected?
Yes. All or some of these inspections may be required before final inspections are performed. Please speak to your inspector in the building department for details on which inspections will be required for the work encompassed by your building permit. 

Building Permit Inspections

• Sewer / Water Line
• Footing Formwork
• Foundation Formwork
• Damp-proof / Drain tile
• Slab Preparation
• Framing and Sheathing
• Insulation / Vapour Barrier
• Chimney/Fireplace Rought In

Plumbing Permit Inspections

• Plumbing Underground
• Plumbing Rough-in
• Tubs and Shower

The following final inspections are required before an Occupancy Permit can be issued:

• Plumbing/Water Meter Final (if applicable)
• Fireplace Final (if applicable)
• Building Final
• Site Final

The following final inspections are required before the release of the damage deposit:

• Roads Final
• Utilities Final