Building and Renovating

Building permits help keep our community safe. They ensure that construction, renovation, and demolition projects in Sooke meet the BC Building Code and local bylaws.

The Province of British Columbia develops and updates the BC Building Code, which sets standards for health, safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, and structural integrity in buildings. The District of Sooke is responsible for administering and enforcing the Code locally through the building permit process.

Permits protect you, your neighbours, and your investment by confirming that work is done safely and to standard. While contractors may complete the work, it’s the property owner’s responsibility to make sure a building permit is obtained before any work begins. Use this page to learn what requires a permit and how to start your project safely.

Before You Start

Not sure where to begin? These quick guides will help you find out when a building permit is needed, what work can be done without one, and whether other approvals may apply before your project starts.

Tip: When in doubt, contact Building Services at 250.642.1634 before starting work. Our team is happy to help you understand what’s required.

Do I Need a Permit?

Before starting work, check whether your project needs a permit.

What work requires a building permit?

Construct a new building or structure
Construct a new accessory building
Make alterations, additions or repairs to an existing building or structure
Complete a previously unfinished area in an existing building, (e.g., a recreation room or bathroom)
Make interior structural renovations
Demolish or relocate a building or structure
Locate or relocate a manufactured or mobile home on a lot
Remodel or construct a deck
Construct a swimming pool
Install or alter plumbing within a building or structure or on a property (note: apply to piping, not changing fixtures)
Connect to a municipal sanitary or storm sewer system
Install a new chimney or fireplace
Enclose your carport
Install solar panels
Change the use/occupancy of an existing building, (i.e., from office to retail
Replace exterior building envelope (siding/cladding)

This is not a comprehensive list. If you are unsure whether your project will require a permit, please call Building Inspection Services at 250.642.1634.

You may not start any stage of a project, including demolition or excavation until a building permit has been issued.

What work can be done without a permit?

Some small or cosmetic projects don’t require a building permit, as long as no structural, plumbing, or mechanical changes are made.

Examples include:

Painting, wallpaper, flooring, cabinets, or countertops
Kitchen renovations with no new plumbing
Roofing repairs or replacements (provided no structural changes are made)
Landscaping
Fences under 6 feet (1.8 m)
Retaining walls less than 1.0 metre in height, that retain less than 1.0 metre of earth
Small sheds under 10 m² (108 ft²) with no plumbing or heating
Farm buildings on land designated for agricultural use and with farm status under the Assessment Act
(Note: Farm buildings must still comply with the National Farm Building Code and applicable zoning regulations, such as setbacks.)

Are there other permits or approvals that may be required?

Yes, these are a few examples of other permits or approvals that might be required:

Electrical Permits are regulated through the Technical Safety BC.
Soil Permit
Sewer Connection Request
Highway Use Permit

How to Apply

Follow these steps to help your application move smoothly.

Step 1: Confirm Requirements

Before you apply, make sure your project is permitted under current zoning and bylaws.

Review the “Do I Need a Permit?” section above to confirm whether a permit is required.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all necessary information and drawings before submitting your application.

You’ll typically need:

A completed application form
A site plan and construction drawings
Certificate of title from the land title office, within 30 days of your application
Structural and engineering details (if required)

Step 3: Submit Your Application

You can apply in one of the following ways:

By Email: building@sooke.ca
In person: District of Sooke Municipal Hall, 2205 Otter Point Road
Online - Coming soon, please check back.

Step 4: Pay Fees

Application and permit fees vary depending on the type and size of your project.

Application fees are paid when you submit your application and cover the cost of reviewing your plans.
Permit fees are paid once your application is approved and cover the cost of inspections and administration throughout your project.

See Fees and Charges Bylaw for current rates and detailed information.

Step 5: Review and Approval

Once your application is received, our Building team will review it to ensure it meets all requirements. We may contact you if additional information is needed.

After your permit is approved, you’ll receive a copy and can begin your project.

Contact Us

District of Sooke
2205 Otter Point Road
Sooke, BC V9Z 1J2

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm
Phone: 250-642-1634

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