Whether it's a new build, conversion, secondary suite, or home renovation, navigating permits and schedules can be stressful. This page aims to provide property owners with comprehensive guidance on the entire process, from zoning inquiries to permit applications.
What do I need to know BEFORE I Start Work
The Town's Zoning Bylaw provides guidance on what type of buildings and uses of a property are allowed in each designated zone.
Uses and types of buildings are categorized as either Principal or Accessory Uses in the Zoning Bylaw.To determine the zoning for your property, follow these two steps:
Step 1: Determine the zoning of your property. Zoning can be accessed through the RDOS Public Parcel Viewer at Public Parcel Viewer. Find your address and click on your parcel. The parcel report will have a section with Zoning Information.
Step 2: With the obtained Zoning Information, reference the Town of Oliver Zoning Bylaw 1423 at Bylaws to determine the
- Principal Uses
- Accessory Uses
- Setbacks, etc.
To determine where on your property you are allowed to add/modify a structure, it is helpful to understand setbacks and parcel line relations.
Page 23 of Zoning Bylaw 1423 (Link: Bylaws) provides an illustration on various parcel shapes and setback/parcel line designations.
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Your property has likely been surveyed in the past. You can obtain a survey plan for your parcel through the Land Title Office for reference. Depending on when the survey was conducted, survey markers on your property might no longer be present or in the same location due to factors such as building activity or earthworks.
To accurately determine your property lines, hiring a registered professional surveyor is the best course of action.
Additionally, the Town Office can provide you with a satellite overlay of your estimated parcel lines and parcel dimensions.
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According to Building Bylaw 1404 Section 7.1 (Link: Building Bylaw 1404) every PROPERTY OWNER must apply for and obtain a permit prior to
(a) constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure, including a pool or retaining wall and excluding a pool liner construction or repair;
(b) moving a building or structure into or within the Town;
(c) demolishing a building or structure;
(d) occupying a new building or structure;
(e) constructing a masonry fireplace or installing a wood-burning appliance or chimney, whether attached to, part of or detached from a building.
(f) changing the use or occupancy of a building,
unless the works are the subject of another valid and subsisting building permit
Section 6.6 of Zoning Bylaw 1423 (Link: Bylaws) defines and regulates the building materials, heights and locations of Fences and Retaining Walls on a property.
Section 6.6 of Zoning Bylaw 1423 (Link: Bylaws) defines and regulates accessory structures as well as fabric covered structures and structures under 10m2 in area.
Before proceeding with any earthworks on your property, we recommend to contact BC 1 Call (www.bc1c.ca) to find out where your underground utilities are located.
If you are adding or modifying electrical or gas works as part of your project, applications must be made with each utility company where applicable.
Electrical permits are available from the Safety Authority, 1-866-566-7233, and are usually obtained by your contractor.
According to Building Bylaw 1404 Section 7.3 (Link: Building Bylaw 1404) every PROPERTY OWNER must
(a) comply with the BUILDING CODE, the requirements of this bylaw and the conditions of a permit, and must not omit any work required by the building code, this bylaw or the conditions of a permit;
(b) ensure that all permits, all plans and specifications and supporting documents on which a permit was based, all municipal inspection certificates, and all professional field reviews are available at the site of the work for inspection during working hours by the building official, and that all permits are posted conspicuously on the site during the entire execution of the work; and
(c) prior to the issuance of a building permit, execute and submit to the Town an owner’s undertaking in the form attached as Appendix A, where required by the building official.
Before submitting a Building Permit Application, do not hesitate to contact the Development Services Department for questions about Zoning, Setbacks, etc. to ensure that the application can be accepted.
Although our Building Bylaw is a substantial document, we recommend that every home owner familiarizes themselves before starting a project.
At the time of submission of your application, the following documents are required:
- Completed and Signed Application Form
- Application Fee of $150.00 (Paid in Person at the Town Office)
- Two Sets of Architectural Drawings to Scale (1/4” per foot)
- Completed and Signed Owners Authorization
- Current State of Title (current within 30 days) – Town of Oliver can obtain the Title on your behalf for a fee of $15
- Other Documents that might be required based on the scope of your project:
- Proof of New Home Warranty (BC Housing)
- Roof Truss Layout with Point Loads
- BC Energy Step Code Preconstruction Report
- TECA Ventilation Checklist Worksheet
- Schedule B with Proof of Liability Insurance
- Hazardous Waste Assessment
- Business Licence Proof of Contractors
- Site Disclosure Statement