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Building permits and application steps in Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Use Victoria’s Permit Finder before construction. Choose the checklist matching the building and work. Applicable develo
Key information
Use Victoria’s Permit Finder before construction. Choose the checklist matching the building and work. Applicable development permits must be approved before the building application. MyCity handles applications and inspection requests.
On this page
Choose the right checklist
The city has separate lists for complex-building new/exterior work, complex interior/change-of-use work, single-family/duplex new or exterior work, single-family/duplex interior/change of use, interior strip-out and demolition.
A permit representative can help at 250-361-0344 or permits@victoria.ca. Projects displacing tenants or losing rental units may need a pre-application meeting and tenant-protection development approvals.
Sources: Building permit checklists, approvals and charge instalments
Approval and scope
The 2024 BC Building Code is in effect. Refer to the project’s applicable code and city requirements rather than assuming an old plan is still compliant.
For a complex building, a partial excavation or foundation permit may be requested with the full application. It authorizes only its approved scope, not the whole project.
Sources: Building permit checklists, approvals and charge instalments
Fees and development-charge instalments
The city provides the fee and deposit summary after permit approval. Ask for any DCC/ACC instalment arrangement only after receiving that summary; the request is reviewed separately.
If instalments are approved, at least 25% is paid at building-permit issue. The remaining 75% is due before occupancy issue or within four years of building-permit issue, whichever is earlier. Financial guarantees must meet city policy.
Sources: Building permit checklists, approvals and charge instalments
Key details at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Checklist categories | Six main work/building routes |
| Development permits | Approve before building application |
| Current code stated | BC Building Code 2024 |
| DCC/ACC instalment first payment | At least 25% at permit issue |
| Remaining development charges | Before occupancy or within four years, whichever first |
Sources: Building permit checklists, approvals and charge instalments
Steps to follow
- Find permits and checklist
Match building type, scope and development approvals.
- Submit complete application
Use the proper MyCity route.
- Pay and inspect
Follow fee conditions, scope and required inspections.
Sources: Building permit checklists, approvals and charge instalments
Named service locations
Maps use the official address or named site. They do not confirm a particular accessible entrance, current opening status or available parking.
Victoria City Hall
1 Centennial Square
The Public Service Centre is on the ground floor of City Hall. Payment service hours are weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding statutory holidays.
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Sources: Building permit checklists, approvals and charge instalments
Useful questions and answers
Should I use Permit Finder before work?
Yes. The city directs applicants to identify required permits first.
Source: Building permit checklists, approvals and charge instalments
Can a development permit wait until after the building application?
No. Applicable development permits must be approved first.
Source: Building permit checklists, approvals and charge instalments
Is there one checklist for all buildings?
No. Separate checklists cover complex, house/duplex, interior, strip-out and demolition work.
Source: Building permit checklists, approvals and charge instalments
Which BC Building Code does the city currently identify?
The 2024 code.
Source: Building permit checklists, approvals and charge instalments
Can a complex project request a foundation-only permit?
A partial scope may be requested with the full application, subject to approval.
Source: Building permit checklists, approvals and charge instalments
Does a partial permit authorize all construction?
No. It only covers its approved scope.
Source: Building permit checklists, approvals and charge instalments
When do I receive the fee summary?
After the permit has been approved.
Source: Building permit checklists, approvals and charge instalments
When can I request DCC/ACC instalments?
After receiving the required fees and deposits summary.
Source: Building permit checklists, approvals and charge instalments
What portion is paid at issue under an approved instalment arrangement?
At least 25% of the total development charges.
Source: Building permit checklists, approvals and charge instalments
When is the remaining 75% due?
Before required occupancy permits or within four years of building-permit issue, whichever comes first.
Source: Building permit checklists, approvals and charge instalments