On shared unceded L̓il̓wat7úl and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territory

When is a building permit required? 

A building permit is required for:

New construction

  • Building a new structure, such as a house, garage, suite, shed, or commercial building.

Additions or Renovations

  • Expanding or renovating an existing structure, such as adding a room or building a second story.

Structural Changes

  • Altering load-bearing walls, beams, or columns, or adding decks, balconies, or other structural elements.

Change of Building Use

  • Converting a space, such as turning a garage into a suite or changing a residential property into a commercial space.

Plumbing, Electrical, or Mechanical Work

  • Installing or altering plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), or electrical systems, including installing or replacing a heat pump.

Demolition

  • Partially or fully demolishing a structure.

Site Preparation

  • Grading or excavating land in preparation for construction.

Retaining Walls and Driveways

  • Building or modifying retaining walls or driveways, depending on size and location.

Site Services

  • Installing or altering site services, such as water, sewer, or stormwater connections.

District Energy System (DES)

  • Disconnecting from the District Energy System (DES).

Heating Appliances

  • Installing or altering wood stoves, fireplace inserts, pellet stoves, or factory-built/masonry fireplaces.

Projects that may not require a permit

  • Cosmetic Upgrades
    Painting, flooring, or replacing cabinets that do not involve structural, plumbing, or electrical changes.
  • Small Sheds or Structures
    Structures that are less than 10 square meters in size and do not create a hazard.
  • Portable Hot Tubs or Above-Ground Pools
    Permitted if no structural or electrical work is required.
  • Fences Under 4 Feet in Height
    Fences that do not exceed 4 feet in height do not require a permit.
  • Sauna Auxiliary Buildings
    Sauna buildings less than 10 square meters in building area.

If you are unsure if your project requires a building permit, email a detailed scope of work to building@whistler.ca, and a Building Official can help determine what permits may be required.

New multi-unit building application forms

Review the application guide on how to fill out your forms.

You may also need:

Addition to a multi-unit building application forms

Review the application guide on how to fill out your forms.

You may also need:

Renovate a multi-unit building application forms

Review the application guide on how to fill out your forms.

You may also need:

Alter a site: multi-unit building application forms

Review the application guide on how to fill out your forms.

You may also need:

Demolish a multi-unit building application forms

Review the application guide on how to fill out your forms.

You may also need:

Re-roof a multi-unit building application forms

Review the application guide on how to fill out your forms.

You may also need:

Envelope restoration for a multi-unit building application forms

Review the application guide on how to fill out your forms.

You may also need:

Restoration/flood: multi-unit building application forms

Review the application guide on how to fill out your forms.

You may also need:

Revise a permit application form

Completing your building permit application

Complete your application package accurately and thoroughly. Some sections may not apply to your project. Only complete the sections listed in your application package. Review your application to make sure it’s complete.

View the Building Permit Application Guide if you have questions about any sections on the form.

Application sections

Planning, engineering & plumbing requirements

Which documents do I need to apply?
Review the checklist in your application package to confirm which documents are needed for your project.

Common requirements include:

  • Approved permits and building plans online here
  • Clear scope of work
  • Detailed construction drawings (floor plans, elevations, cross-sections)
  • Site plans showing property lines, setbacks, and existing structures
  • Truss and engineering details (if applicable)
  • Energy compliance reports (for new homes or major renovations)

Use certified consultants. See the list of professional associations. Contractors must be licensed and familiar with local regulations. The owner is responsible for compliance with all codes, bylaws, and other regulations.

Submitting your application

Make sure your application is complete and all information is clear and accurate.

  • Assign one applicant as the main contact for the duration of your project, with a secondary contact listed in case of emergency.
  • Keep a record of approvals, correspondence, and decisions from staff and meetings.
  • If your proposal needs to be revised to meet municipal policies or standards, please be flexible and respond as soon as possible.
  • Proposals that deviate from established development policies and standards, or proposals that require amendments, take longer to process.

Please submit a complete application. This helps us process your application more efficiently. If your application is incomplete, it may be bumped to the end of the line or you may be required to apply again.

It may take several weeks to complete your application review, depending on the complexity of your project and the volume of applications at the time. Please be patient with our hard-working staff.

Apply in person at the Building Department or mail to:

Resort Municipality of Whistler
4325 Blackcomb Way
Whistler, B.C. V8E 1K2

Building permit fees

Permit fees are calculated based on the estimated value of your project on the application checklist.

Table 1 of Schedule B (PDF) of the Building and Plumbing Regulation Bylaw No. 1617 can be used to calculate a Building Permit fee based on the declared value of construction. Additional fees that apply to building permits are also listed in the schedule.

Building permit application fees

The plan processing fee is non-refundable. It is due in whole or in part when you apply for a building permit.

The minimum fee payable when you apply for a building permit is $90.80.

Highway Use, Clearing and Inspection Fee

A Highway Use, Clearing and Inspection Fee is charged on permits where excavation or construction works are being conducted within 10 metres of a municipal roadway, sewer, drain, water main, or other municipal work.

After substantial completion of the project, and within two years of permit issuance, the applicant can apply for a fee refund. For more information, see the Highway Use, Clearing and Inspection Fee Refund.

Works and Service Charges

In addition to building permit fees, there may be Works and Services Charges (DCC Charges). These are one-time fees on every property in Whistler based on the building type.

  • Single-Family Homes and Duplexes – If fees have not been paid, a charging event occurs when a building permit is issued for construction valued at 50% or more of the building’s total value.
  • Multi-Family and Commercial Buildings – Fees are charged for new construction and additions, calculated per square metre.
  • To check if these fees are still owed for your property, submit a Property Record Request.

The municipality uses these fees to improve infrastructure because development increases the demand for water, sewer, transportation, recreation, and employee housing.

To review these charges and when they are payable, refer to the following bylaws:

Payment methods

You can pay by debit card, credit card, cash, cheque or bank transfer.

Credit card payments are subject to a 2.2% Credit Card Convenience fee.

Learn more about Payment Options.

Can I start construction before getting a permit?

No. Starting construction without a permit can result in:

  • Fines or penalties
  • Difficulty selling your property in the future
  • Insurance coverage issues
  • Being required to remove or modify unpermitted work

Always wait until your permit is approved