Permits & Applications

A building permit is required for any new build, changes, alterations or additions to a structure, as well as demolishing part of, or a whole structure. Before making an application, it is highly recommended that you speak with Planning and Community Services staff prior to building. Staff will be able to assist with any questions you have and walk you through the various steps in order to make your build/renovation successful.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

Use our maps to find out the zoning of the lot you want to build on: Zoning Bylaw #5000, Zoning Map and North Okanagan GIS Mapping
Check if the lot is located near environmental areas: North Okanagan GIS Mapping
Check for any conditions or restrictions on the lot when you request a Title Search from the Land Title Office.
For building questions or clarification: email buildingcounter@vernon.ca
For planning(zoning) questions: email: planning@vernon.ca
For inquiries on a property (regarding building, zoning and bylaw infractions): Submit a Property Information Request (PIR)
Check out the BC Building Code
Check out Vernon Building Bylaw
Check out Vernon Fees and Charges Bylaw
Once a Building permit has been approved and you are ready to book an INSPECTION,
call: 250-550-3592 or email: buildinginspection@vernon.ca

- Appointment of Agent - Schedule 2
- Building Bylaw #5900
- Building Permit Application
- Checklists - see individual checklists that correspond with what you are doing
- Contaminated Sites Regulation
- Contaminated Sites Regulation Site Disclosure Statement - Schedule 1 - Ministry of Environment
- Drawing Checklist
- Grease Laden Vapour Form
- Hazardous Materials Summary Form
- Owners Undertaking Form - Schedule 1
- Pre-Construction Airtightness Test Form
- Pre-Construction Airtightness (BC Information Bulletin, 2019)
- Sample Site Plan
- Worksafe Bulletin (hazardous material, asbestos)
- Ventilation Checklist

Building Permit Application & Checklists

SAMPLE SITE PLAN

Land Use and Development Applications

Before making an application, it is highly recommended that you speak with Community Infrastructure and Development staff prior to developing detailed building or subdivision plans. Staff will be able to assist with any questions you have and walk you through the various steps in order to successfully submit your development application.

To book a pre-application meeting with a Planner, please email planning@vernon.ca and include the following in your request:

Subject Site Address(es)
Description of the proposed development/subdivision
Preliminary Site plan, Elevations, and/or subdivision plans

STANDARD DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION FORM

Types of Development:

There are various types of property development applications, and they all have unique requirements.

All areas in the City of Vernon fall within Development Permit Areas. Development Permit Areas are designed to address one or more of the following:
- Multiple family residential use where a project exceeds three dwelling units
- Commercial use
- Industrial use
- Agritourism on ALR Land
- Areas of medium and high environmental conservation value
- Riparian areas
- Hillside development
- Fire Interface Areas within medium to high risk
- Flood Construction Areas
Please refer to the Official Community Plan for Guidelines to Develop within these areas
The City of Vernon does not accept individual or small block boundary extension applications. Large block applications (e.g. multiple parcels) may be eligible for a boundary extension, as set out in the City's Official Community Plan (see link below). Such applications are considered annually after the deadline of March 1st. Properties must meet the criteria of the Official Community Plan’s Boundary Extension Policies and the Government of British Columbia’s Municipal Boundary Extension Process and Policies.
- Boundary Extension Application
- OCP Boundary Extension Policies (document)
- Municipal Boundary Extension PROCESS guide
- Municipal Boundary Extension POLICIES guide

Agricultural Land Reserve

A landowner may apply to the Agricultural Land Commission to:
- Include land in the ALR
- Exclude land from the ALR
- Subdivide land in the ALR
- Use land in the ALR for non-farm purposes
These applications must be made through the Agricultural Land Commission’s Application Portal.

OCP Amendment Applications

Vernon’s Official Community Plan is the guiding document for growth and development for the city. It outlines what sort of place Vernon will be in the future. The plan focuses primarily on land use, transportation, environmental policies and a number of other topics that are key to how Vernon will grow and change. The Official Community Plan can be amended annually, with a deadline to apply by March 1st of each year.
- Official Community Plan
- OCP Amendment Application

Heritage Applications

Heritage Register
- Heritage Alteration Permit Application
- Heritage Restoration Grant Program (document)
- Heritage Restoration Grant Application
- Heritage Retention Incentive Grant Program (document)
- Heritage Retention Incentive Grant Application
- Heritage Revitalization Agreement Application

Landscape Applications

Landscape Standards Bylaw #5015

Tree Bylaw #4152
- Tree Removal/Cutting Permit Application

Customer Satisfaction Survey

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this survey and…

North Okanagan Map

A comprehensive GIS map of the North Okanagan.