Building projects may be required to obtain a permit, check zoning, location, easement, or coverage requirements before building commences.
Building Permits
Building permits are required for most types of construction, whether it is a new home, a commercial building, or the renovation or expansion of an existing property.
The City of Prince George improves public safety by ensuring buildings comply with City bylaws and British Columbia Building and Plumbing Codes. The City issues building, plumbing, and sign permits and provides advice on building-related matters to Council, other City divisions, and the public.
When is a building permit needed?
Permits WILL be required for the following projects:
- Construction of a new home.
- Construction of a new building.
- Construction of a new accessory building (detached garage, shed, etc.).
- Construction of a new sun deck.
- Renovations, repairs, or additions to an existing building.
- Completion of a previously unfinished area in an existing building.
- Enclosure of a porch or roof over a sun deck.
- Enclosure of a carport.
- Building a retaining wall that is more than 1.2 metres (four feet) in height.
- Relocation or demolition of an existing building.
When is a building Permit not needed?
Permits will NOT be required for the following projects:
- Installing new fences, sidewalks, driveways, planters, or landscaping.
- Building a retaining wall that is less than 1.2 metres (four feet) in height.
- Completing any painting, decorating, or general maintenance.
- Conducting minor repairs which uses the same or similar materials and does not affect any structural or mechanical/plumbing work.
What if I'm not sure if a permit is needed?
Contact the Building Inspection division at Development Services for assistance:
Development Services
1100 Patricia Boulevard
Prince George, BC V2L 3V9
Canada
Phone: 250-561-7611
Email: devserv@princegeorge.ca
Building Permit Applications
Send completed application forms to:
Residential Building Projects
Commercial Building Projects
A Site Disclosure Statement form may be required with a building permit application package if the proposed property has any past or present Schedule 2 uses.
If you are unsure if a Site Disclosure Statement form is required for your project, check the BC Government's Site Identification guidelines to access the form and to find a complete list of Schedule 2 uses.
Plumbing Permits
A plumbing permit may not be required in certain cases. The following projects can be undertaken
without a plumbing permit:
- Removing or replacing a faucet, valve, service water heater, or other similar fixture where no change to the piping is needed.
- Clearing a stoppage or blockage.
Send completed application forms to:
When do I need a plumbing permit?
A permit is
required for the following projects:
- Installing new plumbing fixtures.
- Installing a new water meter.
- Changing, renovating, adding, or altering piping in existing buildings.
- Connecting to municipal services.
- Installing on-site servicing works.
NOTE: When adding three (3) or more fixtures and when making substantial changes to the plumbing system, a water meter is required.
How do I apply for a plumbing permit?
The Plumbing Permit must signed by a qualified plumber. Applicants are recommended to print out Plumbing Permit form, fill it, have it signed by a plumber, and bring the form to Development Services in City Hall.
Sign Permits
Send completed application forms to:
Project Preparation
Review the Designated Zoning
Review the designated zoning for the property to ensure the intended use is permitted and check the zone's development regulations (e.g. setbacks, site coverage, height, etc.). Refer to the City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw for more information or contact the Development Services at 250-561-7611.
Check Location for Depth and Services Required
Call
BC One Call to check the location and depth of services required for the following:
- City utilities
- FortisBC
- BC Hydro
- Telus telephone/Internet communications, etc.
Shaw subscribers may contact
Dig Shaw for more information.
Contact Planning and Development
Contact Planning and Development (Engineering Services) for additional information on municipal services, new service connections, and access to culverts and roads.
Check for Easements or Right-of-Ways
Check for easements or right-of-ways on the property. This can be determined by reviewing the property's title. For more information and further assistance, contact the Development Services at 250-561-7611 or the Land Titles Office.
Residential Construction Resources
Building Permit Statistics
The following information reports provide a monthly summary of issued building permits. They also provide a comparison of the issued building permits over a three year timeframe.