What is a building permit?
When do I need a building permit?
When do I need a development permit?
How do I apply for a building permit?
Who can apply for a building permit?
How long does it take to get a building permit?
How much does a building permit cost?
What documents do I need to apply?
How do I revise my application if I change my scope of work or design?
If your permit has already been issued, you can still modify your scope of work or design by submitting a revision application (PDF).
What inspections are required after I get a permit?
How can I find out what my property is zoned for?
What is a covenant and where do I get a copy?
How do I calculate my gross floor area (GFA)?
How do I calculate snow load in Whistler?
How do I know if Works and Services Charges (DDC charges) are applicable to my property?
How do I apply for an In-ground Basement Exclusion?
Can I start construction before I get a permit?
What happens if I don’t get a building permit?
Can I do my own plumbing?
Where can I find professionals to work with on my project?
Architects – Architectural Institute of British Columbia – www.aibc.ca
BC Building Codes – www.bccodes.ca (including all BCBC Schedules)
BC Housing – www.bchousing.org/licensing-consumer-services
Biologists – BC College of Applied Biology – www.cab-bc.org
Builders/General Contractors – Canadian Homebuilders Association BC Chapter –www.chbabc.org; Building Officials Association of BC – www.boabc.org
Developers – Urban Development Institute – www.udi.bc.ca
Electricians – Association of Professional Engineers of BC – www.apeg.bc.ca
Energy Step Code – www.energystepcode.ca
Heating, Ventilation & Cooling – Thermal Environment Comfort Association –www.teca.ca
Land Surveyors – The Association of BC Land Surveyors – www.abcls.ca
Landscape Architects – BC Society of Landscape Architects – www.bcsla.org
Lawyers – The Law Society of BC – www.lawsociety.bc.ca
Planners – Planning Institute of BC – www.pibc.bc.ca
Plumbers – Plumbing Officials’ Association of BC – www.bcplumbingofficials.com
Vancouver Coastal Health – Health protection, permits and licensing
WorkSafeBC – www.worksafebc.com
Can I be the builder for my own property?
Yes. You must obtain the necessary permits and any other requirements for your project.
If you are building a new home or auxiliary building with a residential unit, owner builder authorization is required from BC Housing to be able to register for the required home warranty.
Where is my water, sanitary, or storm connection?
To find your water, sanitary, or storm service connection, email engineering@whistler.ca.
For shutting off your water supply: Most homes have a main water shut-off valve where the service line enters the building, typically in the basement or crawlspace. Turn the valve handle clockwise to stop the water flow.
To report after-hours public works emergencies (e.g., major leaks, infrastructure issues), call the Utilities hotline at 604-935-8190.
Where do I get a gas or electrical permit?
The RMOW does not issue electrical or gas permits. For gas and electrical permit information and applications, visit the Technical Safety BC website.
Do you need a permit for pools, sauna, and hot tub?
General Requirements
Even if a building permit is not required, you must comply with zoning bylaws, including setbacks, height restrictions, and lot coverage limits.
A development permit may be needed in certain areas (e.g., the Official Community Plan and environmentally sensitive zones).
Electrical and plumbing work always require separate permits.
Saunas
- Indoor Saunas: A building permit is required if structural, electrical, plumbing, or ventilation changes are involved.
- Outdoor Saunas: A building permit is required if the structure exceeds 10 m² (108 ft²). Smaller saunas must still follow zoning bylaws.
- Electrical & Plumbing: Permits are required for wiring, heaters, lighting, or plumbing installations.
Pools
- In-Ground Pools: Always require a building permit due to excavation, structural, electrical, and plumbing work. A development permit may also be needed.
- Above-Ground Pools: Smaller, temporary pools may not require a permit, but larger, permanent ones often do. Check local regulations.
- Safety: All pools must meet fencing and gate requirements per the BC Building Code.
Hot Tubs and Spas
- Portable Hot Tubs: No building permit needed, but an electrical permit is required for new wiring.
- Built-In Hot Tubs: Require a building permit if structural, plumbing, or electrical work is involved.
For clarification and a clear understanding of your requirements, please contact the RMOW Building Department at building@whistler.ca / 604-935-8150.
What permits do I need to have a dock, barge or private moorage?
B.C. freshwater foreshore is typically unceded territory managed by the Province (Crown land). It is regulated by the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship through the Land Act. All privately owned docks on Whistler lakes require provincial authorization under the B.C. Land Act.
Property owners in Whistler need to acquire a foreshore licence for all existing or new docks from the Province of BC.
This can be provided through granting of a tenure, which requires an application. Whistler is in a specific permission application-only area.
A complete application package for specific permission includes:
- Crown Land application for a private moorage dock (mandatory application)
- Private moorage requirements: List (PDF)
- Ensure compliance with local government bylaws and zoning requirements
- A one-time $250 application fee is required
- If the applicant of the proposed dock is not the upland owner, written consent of the upland owner will be required.
Please visit the Province of British Columbia’s website for full application details.
If you require additional assistance, please contact FrontCounter BC toll free at 1-877-855-3222 or visit FrontCounterBC to find your local office.
How do I report construction without a permit?
Please email your concern to building@whistler.ca. Include the address and a summary of the issue.
We keep your identity confidential. But if this goes to court, we may be required to disclose your identity if subpoenaed.