RDKB Building Permit Applications

Plan & Build

How to Obtain a Building Permit

Notice - Energy Step Code

From May 1, 2023, BC has mandated an increase in the base energy efficiency requirement for new buildings by 20 per cent. This is equivalent to Step 3 for Part 9 (Simple) buildings and Step 2 for Part 3 (Complex) buildings.

When you apply for a building permit from the RDKB building inspection services after May 1, 2023, you need to comply with this 20% better requirement and include a Pre-Construction Energy Compliance Report (Part 9) or Pre-Construction Energy Design Report (Part 3). Click for more information.

Please plan ahead! Processing times for building permit applications are longer in the summer, and can be as much as 8-10 weeks.

1. Complete building permit application forms

*Check to make sure you have included all the required information.
You may print out the following forms by clicking on the title from the list below. This can then be faxed to the Building Department in Trail at 250.368.3990 or in Grand Forks at 250.442.2688. You can also choose to email them to the Building Inspection Department or drop them into a drop box outside either office in Grand Forks (2140 Central Ave.) or Trail (843 Rossland Ave.).

Area	Permit Applications	Fee Schedule*
Electoral Areas A & B (Trail Office) -	Application	Fee Schedule
Warfield -	Application	Fee Schedule
Trail -	Application	Fee Schedule
Montrose -	Application	Fee Schedule
Fruitvale -	Application	Fee Schedule
Electoral Areas C, D & E (GF Office) -	Application	Fee Schedule
Midway -	Application	Fee Schedule
Greenwood -	Application	Fee Schedule
A Building Permit Fee is a charge levied for inspection costs and are based on the construction cost of the building. The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary is contracted by each municipality to ensure that all buildings conform to the B.C. Building Code and applicable bylaws. These are the fee schedules for the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary and each Municipality that is in the Regional District. Check to make sure you have included all the required information.

2. Submit Two Sets of Detailed Building Plans - Including:

Floor Plans

Example floor plan
Click for Sample

• Scale not less than 1:50 metric (1/4" to 1 foot);
• All rooms, size and use of each room;
• Size and location of windows and doors;
• Location of all plumbing fixtures;
• All dimensions;
• Finished and unfinished areas;
• Location of all mechanical equipment;
• Details of construction components.

Elevation Plans

elevation plan sample
Click for Sample

• Building height;
• Finish grades;
• Exterior finish.

Cross Sectional Plans

cross section plan sample
Click for Sample

• Scale not less than 1:50 metric (1/4" to 1 foot);
• Show all components of construction;
• Show all structural details, i.e. joist size and spacing, size of beams and columns.

3. Submit a Site Plan

Full legal description of lot: lot number, plan number, district lot number (from your tax notice or title);
Lot dimensions;
Adjoining street names;
Locations and uses of existing and proposed building or additions;
Distances from all property lines for existing and proposed building or additions;
Location of legal road access to the property;
Size, location and number of parking spaces (for commercial uses only);
Existing and proposed wells or other water sources;
Location of existing or proposed sewage disposal fields on property;
Location of any watercourses on property showing distances from existing or proposed buildings or additions.

Click for Sample

4. Submit Supporting Documentation

Stamped engineered truss drawings and truss layout required prior to issuance of permit (if applicable).
Submit copies of any Restrictive Covenants or similar documents such as statutory right of ways that may be registered on your title.
For buildings using ground sewage disposal a permit is required from the appropriate Health Unit office (see other related agencies). Submit copy with the building permit application.
For new construction, submit the required License and Consumer Services' forms (Residential Builder's form - Owner building form) Telephone (604) 646-7050 or 1-800-407-7757 and Fax No. (604) 646-7051 (Grand Forks fax number is 250.442.2688) [see other related agencies].
For new construction that chooses the BC Energy Step Code energy performance compliance pathway, submit the additional requirements for Part 9 (Simple) or Part 3 (Complex) Buildings.