Frequently Asked Questions

1. I have a general question, who should I talk to?
2. When do I need a building permit to do work in the Regional District?
3. Do I need a permit for a deck or garden shed?
4. How do I obtain a building permit?
5. I am working on a property with a watercourse. Are there any special requirements or regulations I need to follow?
6. What Zone is my property in? And what are the zoning regulations?
7. Do you release copies of building inspection records?
8. How much does a permit cost?
9. How can I pay for my building permit?
10. How long does it take to process a building permit?
11. Can I get the permit process started before I have a complete application?
12. How long is a building permit good for?
13. Where can I get a copy of the building code?
14. How and when can I book building inspections?
15. What building inspections are required in the RDN?
16. What time will my inspector come to do the inspection?
17. Where can I find information on my septic system / well?
18. Do I require a building permit for a farm building?

Question: - I have a general question, who should I talk to?

Answer:- You may call (250)390-6530 and speak with a Building Clerk. The clerk will be able to answer your question or re-direct your call to the appropriate staff member.

Question: - When do I need a building permit to do work in the Regional District?

Answer:- Building permits are required for any new construction, alteration or addition to a structure in a Regional District of Nanaimo building inspection area. Separate permits are required for gas and electrical work from the BC Safety Authority, 155 Skinner Street, Nanaimo, BC, 250-716-5200.

Question: - Do I need a permit for a deck or garden shed?

Answer:- Sheds that are a maximum of 10 sq. m. (107 sq. ft.) do not require a Building Permit. Minimum setbacks to property lines apply and depend on which Zone the shed is located in. Larger sheds do require a permit.

If the deck structure is 2ft. or greater in height, setbacks must be met and a building permit is required for ALL decks. If you are unsure about a specific project, contact our office.

Question: - How do I obtain a building permit?

Answer:- To apply for a building permit you must bring in all the information required on the Building Permit Application Requirements.

Question: - I am working on a property with a watercourse. Are there any special requirements or regulations I need to follow?

Answer:- You must first complete the Riparian Areas Regulation Property Declaration form and if you are building within a Riparian Assessment Area you must have an assessment done on the property by a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP). You may also be required to obtain a development permit. Please contact the planning department for specific information.

Question: - What Zone is my property in? And what are the zoning regulations?

Answer:- Please contact the Planning Department (250-390-4111) to discuss your zoning regulations. If you are inquiring about a property on Gabriola Island or in the District of Lantzville please contact the appropriate authorities for those jurisdictions.

Question: - Do you release copies of building inspection records?

Answer:- To obtain copies of building inspection records for a specific property you can complete a request for information form and submit it to Building Services. Make sure to include what information you require. These requests generally take 2 business days and a fee of $40 (+ HST) is charged.

Question: - How much does a permit cost?

Answer:- The building permit fee is based on 1% of the value of construction, including material and labour (as determined by the Marshall Swift Appraisal System). Depending on the project, additional inspection fees may apply. For a full fee schedule please click here.

Question: - How can I pay for my building permit?

Answer:- You will pay for the balance or your building permit when you pick it up. Permit fees shall be paid by way of cash, cheque, debit or money order payable to the Regional District of Nanaimo. We do not accept credit card payment.

Question: - How long does it take to process a building permit?

Answer:- We are committed to processing all permit applications as quickly as possible. For residential construction (new houses, additions, alterations and accessory buildings) the processing time can be 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the time of year and volume of permits. Permits for small projects are processed much quicker while the commercial permits vary from one project to the next. For large commercial projects with Development Permit implications, a pre-application meeting with staff from our Building Inspection and Planning Departments can be arranged to provide further information including an estimate of the permit processing time.

Question: - Can I get the permit process started before I have a complete application?

Answer:- No. You need to have a complete application to apply. If you are missing any of the required information your application will not be accepted. This also helps keep processing times down.

Question: - How long is a building permit good for?

Answer:- Once a permit is issued, it remains valid for two years, subject to the first inspection being made within 6 months from permit issue date. All permits expire two years after the date of issuance. Under some conditions, permits for owner-built homes (with HPO registration) can be renewed up to two times with a $100 processing fee, to allow the owner-builder to complete the project over an extended period of time. Contact the Building Services Department at 250-390-6530 for more information on Conditional Occupancy.

Question: - Where can I get a copy of the building code?

Answer:- You may obtain a copy of the current BC Building Code from a local book retailer or you may order a copy from The Queens Printer. You can also purchase an online version of the code through Queens Printer,

Question: - How and when can I book building inspections?

Answer:- To book a building inspection call 250-390-6530 with your building permit number, type of inspection required and what date you would like the inspection. We require 24-48 hours notice to book inspections. You can book an inspection Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. If you leave a message outside of office hours there is no guarantee that your inspection will be booked. Gabriola inspections are only booked for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Inspections in all other areas are done Monday to Friday.

Question: - What building inspections are required in the RDN?

Answer:- For a complete list of required building inspections please see the Schedule of Inspections

Question: - What time will my inspector come to do the inspection?

Answer:- Inspections are done Monday to Friday between 8:30 and 4:30. If you wish, you may call Building Services at 250-390-6530 the morning of your inspection for an approximate time your Inspector will be on site.

Question: - Where can I find information on my septic system / well?

Answer:- The RDN may have septic and well information on file if building permits were previously issued on a property. This information may be obtained through a Property Information Request. The majority of this information however comes from the Vancouver Island Health Authority

Question: - Do I require a building permit for a farm building?

Answer:- Farm buildings constructed on properties with agricultural zoning and farm status under the Assessment Act are exempt from permit requirements. Owners must still comply with the requirements of the National Farm Building Code and the zoning regulations for property.