Section 1: permit application form

The Permit Application Form must be completed and signed by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent. Information to be provided includes:

Property information

• Civic Address
  The address of the property the permit is for.
• Legal Description
  Located on the Land Title or through the GIS map.
• Parcel Identifier (PID)
  The Parcel Identifier can be found on the Land Title or through the GIS map.
• Year Built
  The year the building was originally constructed.
  If the building was built before 1990, a Hazardous Materials Report (PDF) will be required with the application package.

Project contacts

• Registered owner(s) or corporation on title
  The registered owner(s) or corporation on title must provide the following:
  • Full name of the current owner on title
  • Current mailing address and contact information of the owner, including email address.
• Authorized agent
  An authorized agent is someone who has the power to act on behalf of the owner regarding the permit. If the owner authorizes an agent to act on their behalf, the following information must be provided:
  • Full name of authorized agent
  • Current contact information, including email address
• Contractor
  The primary contact for the builder who will be on-site. The following information must be provided:
  • Full name of contractor
  • Current contact information, including email address
  • Business name
  • Current RMOW Business Licence Number
• Plumbing contractor
  The primary contact for the plumber for the site. The following information must be provided:
  • Full name of plumbing contractor
  • Current contact information, including email address
  • Business name
  • Current RMOW Business Licence Number

A Business Licence is required for all businesses performing work in Whistler. A contractor, designer/architect, or engineer based outside of Whistler, but performing work in Whistler, is required to obtain a Non-Resident Business Licence.

Section 2: development approval

Many projects require a development permit before applying for a building permit. The Planning Department will let you know if there is an applicable exemption so that you don’t need a development permit.

Provide your development permit. If your project doesn’t require a development permit, please provide an email or letter from the Planning Department to show this with your permit application.

If you need help, contact the Planning Department by phone at 604-935-8170 or by email at planning@whistler.ca.

Section 3: ownership details

• Recent Land Title Search
  A recent title search (within the last 30 days) must be provided with all applications. Using the legal description of the property, title searches can be obtained in person at the nearest Land Title and Survey Authority of BC (LTSA).
  • BC Government Agent’s Office | Phone (Squamish): 604-892-3221
  • New Westminster Office | Phone: 604-630-9630

If no land title is provided, $21 will be added to the building permit fee, payable at the time of permit application.

Ownership Details

• Singular Ownership
  The property is owned by a single individual only.
• Multiple Ownership
  The property is owned by multiple individuals.
• Corporation ownership 
  The property is owned by a corporation. 

If the property is owned by a corporation, a Corporate Summary is also required. This is an official document that lists the directors for the corporation. 

Section 4: required documents

All required documents must be included in your application package to ensure your application is complete. Incomplete permit applications are often the reason for increased wait times.

General documents

• Permit application form
  This form must be completed and signed by the owner or owner’s authorized agent. See Section 1: Permit Application Form (PDF).
• Acknowledgement of owner or owner’s agent form
  This form must be completed and signed by all registered owners on title, signing officers of the owner if it is a company, or by the owner’s authorized agent if an agent is supervising the project (see Owner’s Authorization of Agent form in Section 7).
• RMOW Zoning and Parking Bylaw No. 303 checklist
  We review building permit applications to ensure that the proposed works comply with Zoning and Parking Bylaw 303 (PDF). Read more (PDF) about the bylaw. This includes:
  • the maximum allowable Gross Floor Area (GFA)
  • maximum roof height
  • building setbacks
  • minimum number of parking stalls
  • other regulations that affect the design process.
• Hydraulic load calculation
  A hydraulic load calculation is required when an increase in load (new fixtures) is proposed, to determine the required water service sizing. Download the RMOW Hydraulic Load Calculator to calculate the total hydraulic load for your project.
• Written scope of work and declared value of construction
  Provide a detailed description of all proposed works and the declared value of construction.
  The declared value of construction is the total value of quotes to do works listed in the scope, including quotes from designers, architects, engineers, etc.
• Home warranty insurance registration
  All new dwellings require home warranty insurance. The home warranty insurance, also known as 2-5-10 home warranty insurance, provided on new single-family and multi-family homes built for sale in B.C. protects against different construction defects for specific periods of time. More information on the warranty can be found at BC Housing. Buildings that require home warranty include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Single-family dwellings
  • Duplex dwellings
  • Accessory dwelling units (carriage home, coach home, etc.)
  • Multi-family residential buildings
  • Substantial reconstruction* (75 per cent or more) of a single detached home, including an existing manufactured home
  • New manufactured home* with significant modifications or additions (75 per cent or more)
    *This does not include homes that comply with CSA-Z240.

If you are unsure if your project requires home warranty insurance, please contact BC Housing to confirm. If BC Housing confirms that you do not require home warranty insurance, please provide that communication in your permit application package.

Your home warranty can be obtained through a licensed builder or as a homeowner/builder. As a homeowner/builder, you must complete a course and pass an exam to become registered with BC Housing.

Professional documents

• Wet-Sealed Schedule A
  To be provided by the Coordinating Registered Professional responsible for coordinating the design work and field reviews of the registered professionals on record for the project. A Wet-Sealed Schedule A must be submitted prior to permit issuance.
• Wet-Sealed Schedule B – Letter of Assurance
  Schedule B identifies the various registered professionals responsible for certain portions of the design and assuring it substantially complies with the BC Building Code and other applicable enactments respecting safety, except for construction safety aspects. They also provide a commitment to be responsible for the field reviews required for the project. The following professionals must submit Schedule Bs before the permit is issued:
  • Architect
  • Structural engineer
  • Mechanical engineer
  • Geotechnical engineer
  • Electrical engineer
  • Sprinkler engineer
• Copy of professional liability insurance
  All registered professionals providing a Schedule A or Schedule B for a project must also provide a copy of their Professional Liability Insurance.
• Geotechnical engineer report
  A geotechnical report documents the data and findings from the research and tests conducted by geotechnical engineers during site investigation, including general site conditions, geology, drainage, and ground cover.
  The geotechnical report also provides requirements for the structural design of foundations, and concludes whether or not the site is safe for the proposed construction.
• Civil Letter of Assurance – Schedule H Part 1
  Schedule B does not include a specific discipline for civil works within private property.
  Some projects have a separate registered professional who undertakes the design and field review of civil works, in which case, a Schedule H Part 1 must be submitted by the Civil Engineer prior to permit issuance.

Section 5: required drawings

All required drawings must be included in your application package to ensure your application is complete. Incomplete permit applications are often the reason for increased wait times.

Two sets of all drawings are required for each application. Once the application has been approved and a building permit can be issued, one set of the provided plans will be issued back to the applicant with important notes and stamps to be adhered to during the construction process.

Plan requirements

• General information
  The following information shall be provided on all plans:
  • the designer’s name, address, and telephone number,
  • the plan scale (must include metric),
  • the edition of the Code on which the design is based,
  • whether the building is designed under Part 3 or Part 9,
  • the major occupancy classification of the building.
• Area calculation overlays
  Provide dimensioned area calculation overlays with detailed calculations showing gross floor areas (GFA), auxiliary parking areas, and GFA exclusions (as per Part 5, “General Regulations”, Section 26. (1) of RMOW Zoning and Parking Bylaw No. 303, 2015 (PDF)) and the method by which they are obtained.
• Calculating Gross Floor Area (GFA)
  • Include floor areas within exterior walls, including hallways, bathrooms, and stairwells.
  • Exclude unenclosed balconies, patios, exterior steps, ramps, and parking garages (if specified in the zoning).
  • Basements: Fully below-grade basements may be excluded if they meet certain requirements. Partially below-grade basements may be included—check with our Planning department for your specific exclusions.
• Site plan
  Scale: 1:50 or ¹⁄4” = 1’ or 1:100 or ¹⁄8 inch, with metric dimensions detailed.
  Two copies of the Site Plan shall be provided in full size and one copy shall be provided on 11” x 17” paper. The Site Plan shall refer to a recent survey and contain the following information:
  • the civic address and legal description of the property,
  • the location and name of the streets adjacent to the property,
  • the direction north,
  • the location of water, sewer, and storm drains, and the proposed installation,
  • septic field or sewage holding tank (if any),
  • tree preservation zones (if any),
  • riparian assessment area within 30m of any property line (if any),
  • streamside protection and enhancement area as identified by Qualified Environmental Professional (if any),
  • property lines, easements, and right of ways,
  • driveway location with dimensions and grade,
  • parking areas with dimensions and grade,
  • portion of the front setback area that is hard surface material,
  • projections into required setback areas (i.e., decks, roofs, retaining walls),
  • retaining walls,
  • limiting distance complete with calculations,
  • dimensions from property lines,
  • the locations of the proposed building or buildings,
  • existing and finished ground levels to an established datum at or adjacent to the site, and show how finished grade ties in to existing, and
  • hoarding or fencing in accordance with Part 8 of the Code when construction that constitutes a hazard to the public is within 2m of a public way (i.e., deep excavations, etc.).
• Site services
  The site plan shall show the location of the service connections at the street end in relation to property lines or monuments such as hydro poles, hydro kiosks, and concrete structures. The property line dimensions can be obtained from the municipal Public Works Department. If you are not planning to use the existing service stubs located at your property line (water, sanitary, storm), you will be required to retain the services of a professional civil engineer. Additional information and details can be obtained from engineers@whistler.ca or call 604-935-8192. All duplex lots shall have two separate sanitary, storm, and water connections to the municipal main.

Building plans

Foundation plan

Scale: 1:50 or ¹⁄4” = 1’ with metric dimensions detailed.
The structural foundation plan shall indicate:

• the maximum allowable bearing pressure on the soil or rock.
• dimension and location of radon rough-in piping in compliance with 9.13.4 BCBC.

Floor plans

Scale: 1:50 or ¹⁄4” = 1’ with metric dimensions detailed.

Floor plans shall be fully dimensioned and shall indicate:

• the building envelope on each level,
• the location and dimension of each door and direction of door swing,
• the dimension and location of each window,
• required means of egress,
• the floor layout,
• room names,
• plumbing fixtures, appliances, hot water tanks, and heating equipment,
• fireplace type and location,
• the location of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as per code requirements,
• stair location and code information including rise/run and handrails/guardrails,
• bathroom and kitchen exhaust,
• cross-section locations,
• dimension and location of radon rough-in piping in compliance with 9.13.4 BCBC,
• dimension and location of conduit run from mechanical area to termination in compliance with BC Solar Hot Water Ready Regulation (PDF).
• if proposing “In Ground Basement Floor Area” where 50% of the exterior wall height is below the level of finished ground and each wall. For further clarification, see Plan Requirements If “In Ground Basement Floor Area” Is Proposed (PDF).

Roof plan

Scale: 1:50 or ¹⁄4” = 1’ with metric dimensions detailed.

The roof plan shall show:

• demonstrate that the roof will effectively shed rain and prevent the entry of water due to ice damming (see Div. B Article 9.26.1 BCBC 2018),
• the slope of each roof component,
• the type of roofing material used (an applicable code standard), exposure (where applicable), and the section of the code under which the installation is regulated,
• a section through the roof showing details of the roof system,
• a plan view of the roof showing the required ventilation area and the distribution of ventilation,
• chimneys, chases, and other features that impact the performance of the roof,
• large-scale drawings showing details of roof ventilation and valley, roof and wall intersection flashings,
• specifications for ventilation components and other components of the roof (i.e., membranes, etc.) to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the code,
• slabs above living space, including garage slabs.
• dimension and location of area designated for future location of solar hot water collectors in compliance with BC Solar Hot Water Ready Regulation (PDF).

Elevations

Scale: 1:50 or ¹⁄4” = 1’ with metric dimensions detailed.

Elevations shall show:

• existing and proposed finished grades,
• lowest average grade for the purpose of Code and zoning height calculations,
• flood levels (if applicable),
• roof slope,
• building height,
• building materials,
• stairs,
• decks,
• guardrails,
• chimney,
• windows, doors, and skylights, in compliance with the RMOW Energy Step Code Pre-Construction Compliance Report. Specifically, provide the U value of the windows, doors, and skylights, and
• if proposing “In Ground Basement Floor Area”: the level of the lowest finished floor, the level of the underside of the floor system above, the level of finished ground adjoining the building and where 50% of the wall height is below finished ground.

Cross sections

Scale: 1:50 or ¹⁄4” = 1’ with metric dimensions detailed.

Cross sections shall show:

• structural and non-structural details,
• height of ceilings,
• construction materials,
• dimension and location of radon rough-in piping and gas permeable layer in compliance with 9.13.4 BCBC,
• roof, floor, and wall assemblies, in compliance with the RMOW Energy Step Code Pre-Construction Compliance Report. Specifically, provide the nominal R and effective RSI insulation values of the roof, and exterior floor and wall assemblies,
• exterior cladding – Provide sufficient detail to demonstrate that exterior cladding systems including flashing, trim, rainscreens (if applicable), and other special purpose accessory pieces will effectively restrict the entry of precipitation into the wall assembly (see Div B Article 9.27.2.1 BCBC 2024). NOTE: Stone facing is considered an exterior cladding,
• required fire separation and fire resistance rating for wall, floor, and ceiling (if applicable). Specifically, provide the wall or assembly number, description, and fire resistance rating in conformance with 9.10.3.1(1) BCBC,
• stair details,
• existing and proposed grades,
• crawl space heights,
• flood levels (if applicable),
• perimeter drainage, and
• roof and crawl space ventilation detail.

Detail drawings

Scale: 1:25 or ¹⁄2” = 1’ with metric dimensions detailed.

Large-scale detail drawings shall be provided for the following features:

• construction details of masonry chimneys including required combustibles,
• details of interior and exterior stair guards,
• sump pits for perimeter drainage.
• flashing details for windows, doors, and junctions where finishes intersect. Assemblies? And how they meet required thermal values?

Structural drawings

Scale: 1:50 or ¹⁄4 inch with metric dimensions detailed.
Structural drawings shall be sealed with the professional seal of an engineer and be signed by them.

Structural drawings shall indicate:

• the name, address, and telephone number of the person responsible for the structural design,
• the ground snow load for Whistler in accordance with BC Building Code and confirm elevation.
• the specified snow loads used for structural drawings,
• the date of issue of the Code and the standards to which the design conforms,
• the dimensions, location, and size of all structural members in sufficient detail to enable the design to be checked,
• confirmation that the area for future installation of solar collectors has been factored into the dead load calculation, in compliance with BC Solar Hot Water Ready regulations.

Plan requirements if in-ground basement floor area is proposed

Lowest floor plan detailing the following:

• point where 50 per cent of the exterior wall height is below the level of finished ground at each wall.

All elevations detailing the following:

• the level of the lowest finished floor,
• the level of the underside of the floor system above,
• the level of finished ground adjoining the building,
• point where 50 per cent of the exterior wall is below finished ground.

Area Overlay for the lowest floor detailing the following:

• point where 50 per cent of the exterior wall height is below the level of finished ground at each wall and a line through the plan labeling floor areas as either excluded area or gross floor area.

Section 6: Energy Step Code requirements

The BC Energy Step Code is a provincial set of standards to construct energy-efficient and airtight buildings.

Section 7: additional project requests

Additional documents

Owner’s Authorization of Agent form

This form is required only if the owner wishes to give the contractor, designer, or other person authorization to act on their behalf. For example, if the owner wishes the designer to submit the application on their behalf and the contractor to pick up the building permit upon issuance, they must complete two Owner’s Authorization of Agent forms (PDF) (one each for the designer and contractor).

The form must be completed and signed by ALL registered owners on title (or signing officers if the owner is a company).

Hazardous Material Report forms

Hazardous Material Report forms and third-party test reports are required for all demolition and renovation permit applications for structures built prior to 1990.

Hazardous material means a hazardous substance, or material containing a hazardous substance, including asbestos-containing material, lead or any other heavy metal, or toxic, flammable or explosive material.

Determine if the structure in question was built before 1990, inspect the site, collect samples and test the material in accordance with WorkSafe BC – OHS Regulations 20.2.1(1) and (2).

Forms required:

• Hazardous Materials Form
• Hazardous Materials Test Report

Removal and deposit of soil permit

If the owner is removing or depositing material more than 200 cubic meters, then a Removal and Deposit of Soil Permit is required as per RMOW Soil Removal and Deposit Bylaw link (PDF). To obtain a Removal and Deposit of Soil Permit Application, visit here (PDF).

For additional information, please contact engineers@whistler.ca or call 604-935-8192.

Schedule O – Strata Common Property Consent Form

Required for any work proposed in a stratified building.

If the Schedule O form has been signed by members of the strata council, a copy of recent strata meeting minutes (or other such documentation) confirming their positions on council is required.

Download the Strata Common Property Consent Form (Schedule O) (PDF).

Hydraulic load calculation

A hydraulic load calculation is required when an increase in plumbing load (new fixtures) is proposed. Download the RMOW Hydraulic Load Calculator – 2018 BC to calculate the total hydraulic load for your project.

Residential pressure reducing valves (PRV)

Property owners are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all water and sewer piping within their property’s boundaries. This includes having a pressure reducing valves (PRV) that is maintained and operational.

The RMOW is committed to minimizing any utility disruption to residents. Municipal water pressure can vary due to a range of factors, from preventative maintenance carried out by the municipality, to a water main break or a municipal emergency such as a fire. When this occurs, water pressure changes can strain internal plumbing fixtures if your PRV is not functioning.

The BC Plumbing Code requires each property to have a PRV, ​where static pressure exceeds 550kPa (80 PSI). They are available at local hardware and plumbing stores. Homeowners should have their PRV installed and maintained regularly by a professional plumber.

WorkSafeBC Notice of Project

Before starting work activity on certain projects, owners, contractors, and/or employers are required by the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation to send WorkSafeBC written notice of the project and its anticipated duration.

A copy of the WorkSafeBC Notice of Project is required prior to permit issuance when:

• hazardous materials have been detected on site,
• the project is being overseen by a registered professional (Architect or Engineer), or
• the declared value of construction is $100,000 or more.

Home Warranty Insurance Registration

All new dwellings require a home warranty. The home warranty insurance provided on new single-family and multi-family homes built for sale in BC protects against different construction defects for specific periods of time. Better known as 2-5-10 home warranty insurance. More information on the warranty can be found at section 4 on BC Housing.

If an excavation permit is requested

The RMOW Building Department may issue a partial building permit for excavation works only in advance of a main building permit.

Excavation work is limited to:

• Excavation for foundations
• Geotechnical works
• Rough-in for vehicular access and off-street parking
• Site servicing works

With the understanding that the owner is proceeding entirely at their own risk as the building permit has not yet been approved, the owner/agent may request an excavation permit once a complete building permit application has been made.

To apply for an excavation permit, the following must be submitted:

• Written scope of excavation work: A detailed description of all proposed excavation work.

NOTE: there are no additional permit fees payable at the time of excavation permit issuance.

If a foundation permit is requested

The RMOW Building Department may issue a partial building permit for foundation works only in advance of a main building permit.

Foundation work is limited to:

• pouring foundation

With the understanding that the owner is proceeding entirely at their own risk as the building permit has not yet been approved, the owner/agent may request a foundation permit once a complete building permit application has been made.

To apply for an excavation permit, the following must be submitted:

• Site plan detailing: the proposed work to be done on the existing property. See Section 5.
• Foundation plan detailing: all foundation details and crawlspaces. See Section 5.
• Professional quality, wet-sealed structural foundation plan: Shall indicate the maximum allowable bearing pressure on the soil or rock below the proposed foundation. To be submitted by a registered professional.
• Section detailing: a typical section through the house.
• Elevations detailing: all four (4) sides of the building.

A non-refundable fee of $459.96 will be paid when the foundation permit is issued, which will be credited to the building permit fee when we issue the building permit.

Engineer requirements if retaining walls over 1.5m in height are proposed

Provide two (2) sets of engineered plans for all retaining structures higher than 1.5 metres and which are independent of buildings. Include:

• Site plan detailing: contours and location of walls (Per Section 5, Section 7(1)(D) of RMOW Zoning and Parking Bylaw No. 303, 2015);
• Typical section through retaining wall detailing: construction type, height, drainage, and other appropriate detail. See Section 5;
• Section(s): Through site showing the relationship of multiple retaining structures to each other, to buildings, to roads, and parking areas;
• Wet-Sealed Schedule B – Letter of Assurance from Professional Engineer
• Copy of Professional Liability Insurance for Professional Engineer

NOTE: Retaining walls 1.5 metres or more in height that support or shelter any use or occupancy may require guards to be installed per Div B Sentence 9.8.8.1(1) of the 2018 BC Building Code.

NOTE: Required documentation for retaining structures must be submitted separately from that required for buildings.

Geotechnical engineer requirements if investigative works are proposed

If geotechnical investigative works are proposed, the following documents are required to be submitted:

• Wet-Sealed Schedule B – Letter of Assurance: The geotechnical engineer responsible for the proposed investigative works must provide a wet-sealed Schedule B – Letter of Assurance;
• Copy of professional liability insurance: Investigative works require a copy of professional liability insurance provided by the geotechnical engineer;
• Wet-Sealed Geotechnical Engineer Report, if applicable: An investigative report detailing the soil conditions of the site. To be provided by the geotechnical engineer.

Civil engineer requirements if site servicing is proposed

If site servicing works are proposed, the following documents are required to be submitted:

• Two (2) copies of wet-sealed site servicing drawings: If site servicing is proposed outside of property lines. See Section 5;
• Civil letter of assurance: Schedule H of the Building and Plumbing Regulation Bylaw No. 1617, 2002;
• Wet-Sealed Schedule B: Site servicing work requires a wet-sealed Schedule B from the registered professional engineer;
• Copy of professional liability insurance: Site servicing works require a copy of professional liability insurance provided by the registered professional engineer.

Section 8: project attributes

Employee-restricted housing

Restricted housing is subsidized partially by the provincial government and the Whistler Housing Authority. Restricted housing provides affordable housing for people employed in Whistler.

Will a secondary suite be constructed?

Secondary suites, or auxiliary dwelling units, are permitted in most single-family residential zones which are regulated by the 2024 BC Building Code and have additional requirements as outlined below.

2024 BC Building Code requirements

Auxiliary residential dwelling units are defined as “secondary suites” in the BC Building Code and must conform to Section 9.37 “secondary suites” of the 2018 BC Building Code.

RMOW Zoning and Parking Bylaw No. 303, 2015 Requirements

In Part 2, “Interpretation” of RMOW Zoning and Parking Bylaw No. 303, 2015 “auxiliary residential dwelling unit” means a dwelling unit which is ancillary to the principal use being made of the parcel upon which the auxiliary dwelling unit is located.

Auxiliary residential dwelling units must conform to the regulations as outlined in each specific zone, Part 5, “General Regulations”, Section 3 of RMOW Zoning and Parking Bylaw No. 303, 2015 and Part 6, “Parking and Loading Regulations”, Section 2 (1)(a) and Table 6-A of RMOW Zoning and Parking Bylaw No 303, 2015.

Amount of soil to be removed or added to site

If the owner is removing or depositing more than 200 cubic metres of material, a Removal and Deposit of Soil Permit is required by the RMOW Soil Removal and Deposit Bylaw (PDF).

For additional information, please contact engineers@whistler.ca or call 604-935-8192.

Will a plumbing system be proposed for the new dwelling?

Plumbing systems require specific planning and drawings for installation. Proper documents and permits are required before proceeding.

Will the new dwelling require new construction or renovation?

Any construction or renovation must be approved under the new building codes and by RMOW regulations to ensure compliance with all safety and planning standards.

Is a geotechnical engineer required for this project?

If the project involves extensive excavation, soil testing, or work in sensitive areas, the assistance of a geotechnical engineer may be required to ensure proper planning and safety.