Building Permits

Building permits are required for most types of construction, whether it's 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.

Do you need a building permit?

- 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.
- The enclosure of a porch or roof over a sun deck.
- The 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.
- Installing new fences, patios at grade, 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 use the same or similar materials and do not affect any structural or mechanical/plumbing work.

Applying for a building permit

Make sure to apply for the right building permit before you start your project. Download the required forms, fill them out and attach all necessary documents, and email the completed package to devserv@princegeorge.ca.

If you need to pay a permit fee, you can do it online:

Pay for permit fees

Schedule an Inspection

Request an Inspection

Permit forms

BC Energy Step Code requirements

In December 2022, the BC Building Code will require that all new builds must be 20 per cent more energy-efficient than the base building code requirements today, which is Step 3 for Part 9 buildings, and Step 2 for Part 3 buildings.

Local governments have the authority to require builders to meet one or more steps prior to the mandatory implementation of the BC Energy Step Code in December 2022. The advantage of this is to prepare builders and designers for the upcoming provincial requirement of Step 3 for Part 9 buildings, and Step 2 for Part 3 buildings.

Effective September 1, 2022, all Part 3 and Part 9 buildings must comply with Step 1. A building constructed to Step 1 is intended to have as good or better energy performance as a reference building constructed to the BCBC’s minimum prescriptive requirements for energy efficiency. As such, Step 1 of the BC Energy Step Code is intended to help builders familiar with traditional prescriptive codes make a smooth transition to building to performance codes that are focused on outcomes.

Achieving Step Code compliance

1. The builder works with an energy advisor from the design phase to create a model (energy efficiency target) for the new build.
  Find a local Energy Advisor
2. Energy Advisor provides a standardized “pre-built” report that is to be submitted at the time of building permit application.
  Refer to Step 9 Compliance Tools. Note: the building permit will not be issued without a satisfactory energy model from a qualified third party.
3. The builder and energy advisor stay in communication throughout the build. The energy model is updated with any changes to the design (e.g. window specification updates, mechanical system exchange, insulation level change, etc).
4. Optional but advised: mid-construction blower door test conducted by energy advisor to find any air leaks and allow repair BEFORE seal-up stage.
  Watch a mid-construction blower door test case study and an on-site training demo
5. Final inspection and air-tightness test conducted by the energy advisor. The energy advisor submits a standardized “as-built” report to the AHJ following construction and prior to final inspection or occupancy, to verify air tightness and energy performance.
  Refer to Step 9 Compliance Tools
6. An occupancy permit can be issued if the minimum required energy efficiency is achieved, as verified by the energy advisor in the “as-built” report.
You can learn more about the BC Energy Step Code by reviewing the following resources and/or by contacting one of our building officials:
- BC Energy Step Code is the main Provincial Step Code information site.
- Building A Legacy North is an initiative of CHBA Northern BC in collaboration with the Community Energy Association, supporting Step Code implementation, training and information sharing in northern BC. Find cold climate case studies, recorded webinars, an animated Step Code information video, upcoming events and more.
- Better Homes BC houses an up-to-date list of qualified energy advisors who can help you with your project as well as information on available incentives for new builds and retrofits.

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.

Applying for 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 or more fixtures and when making substantial changes to the plumbing system, a water meter is required.
The Plumbing Permit must be signed by a qualified plumber. Applicants are recommended to print out the plumbing permit form, fill it out, have it signed by a plumber, and bring the form to Development Services (2nd floor) in City Hall.
- Download the plumbing permit application form [PDF]

Sign permits

If you need a sign permit, you can apply for one by downloading the sign permit application form and emailing the completed package to devserv@princegeorge.ca.

Preparing your project

With your permit in tow, you're now ready to start your project. Here are some tips on what you can do to prepare your project site and minimize the possibility of hiccups happening along the way.

Getting ready

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 us at 250-561-7611.
- View the City of Prince George's Zoning Bylaw
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.
Check for easements or right-of-ways on the property. This can be determined by reviewing the property's title.
For more information and help, contact us at 250-561-7611 or the BC Land Title and Survey office.
- Visit the BC Land Title and Survey website
A professional reliance building permit application is the acceptance and reliance on information provided by qualified professionals who accept responsibility for a project. The application has a coordinating registered professional (CRP) that facilitates all aspects of the development project. This application stream does not include any review or inspections by the building official.
Professional Reliance Application Submission Information can be found here.

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.