Building Inspection Services

Updated on March 20, 2025

Building Inspection Services

Building Inspection Services

The goal of the Building Inspection Department is to ensure the health, safety and protection of persons and property by confirming that buildings and their systems generally conform to relevant bylaws, the BC Building Code and other applicable standards.

The Building Inspection Department administers Building Regulations Bylaw 1250 and through this bylaw, the BC Building Code and other regulations.

Approximate Current Building Permit Wait Time - 11 Weeks
Times fluctuate based on volume

BC Building Code 2024 Updates

The Province of B.C. has adopted the 2024 BC Building Code, effective March 8, 2024. All building permit applications submitted on or after this date must comply with the new code, while permits issued under the 2018 BC Building Code remain unaffected.

Key Changes Effective March 2024

  • Improved requirements for radon subfloor depressurization systems.
  • Cooling requirements to maintain at least one living space below 26°C.
  • Existing ventilation standards for single dwelling units remain unchanged.

Changes - March 10, 2025

Starting March 10, 2025, all building permit applications must fully comply with the 2024 BC Building Code, Introducing:

  • Seismic Design Updates - Enhanced bracing requirements for wind and earthquake loads. The Ministry of Housing will provide additional resources, including an illustrated guide for lateral load design, to help builders and designers implement these new requirements.
  • Adaptable Dwellings - New accessibility features for apartments and condominiums.
  • Bathroom Wall Reinforcement - Wall in at least one bathroom must support future grab bar installations.
  • Zero Carbon Standards - New buildings must:
    • Measure and disclose GHG Emissions.
    • Install systems to track and report emissions.

For more information, please see our Information Bulletin.

The 2024 BC Building Code reflects B.C.'s evolving climate, safety, and accessibility priorities. Additional resources will be provided by the Ministry of Housing to support implementation.

Resources

 

Energy Step Code Requirements

As of May 1, 2023, compliance with Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code is required for all new Part 9 residential construction and substantially reconstructed homes as mandated by the Province of British Columbia and the BC Building Code. In alignment with this, all new building permit applications from May 1, 2023, onwards must meet the Energy Step Code and include a Pre-Construction BC Energy Compliance Report completed by a qualified Energy Advisor (or Engineer). 

Further information may be found on our INFORMATION  BULLETIN.

Additional Resources 

When starting the building/site design process a Certified Energy Advisor must be retained to ensure the proposed building meets the requirements of the Energy Step Code.

Energy Step Code

BC Energy Step Code Builders Guide - BC Housing

Compliance tools for Part 9 Buildings

Compliance tools for Part 3 Buildings

All Building Permits are processed and approved using our Online Building Permit Portal.

Apply for building permits, check the status of your portal application, request inspections for your approved permit, or submit bylaw complaints, all from the comfort of your home or office. Click here to apply online. (Mobile devices are not compatible with the portal) 

Demolition, Water and Sewer Permits - After permit has been applied for on the web portal, please contact our office at 250-390-6530 or email Building [at] rdn.bc.ca (Building[at]rdn[dot]bc[dot]ca) so the application may be reviewed promptly. 

title title title title   BC Building Code 2018 Energy Step Code

Building Inspection Services