Rebuilding & Permitting

The SLRD manages the zoning and permitting process for new construction projects in the region, including projects related to wildfire loss and damage. Find detailed information about this process in our guide, linked below. Planners and building officials are available to review your rebuilding ideas and guide you through the regulations and requirements specific to your plans. 

Visit FAQs for answers to questions about powerlines, outhouses, shipping containers and RVs.

The SLRD successfully amended its building bylaw to reduce building permit costs for the reconstruction of property damaged in an event declared a provincial or local emergency. This applies to properties affected by the 2023 wildfire season as well as all emergencies in the SLRD going forward. The new policy will reduce the cost of applying for a building permit to rebuild in affected areas by 30 percent within a three-year window of the emergency being declared, whether on a provincial or local level. The reduction in fees is limited to documented damage that is linked to the emergency, as assessed.

Archeological site screening is now part of SLRD’s building permit application review process.

Although not directly related to wildfire recovery efforts, the SLRD, through a recommendation from the province, has introduced an additional level of screening for its building permit application review process. Effective January 2024, the SLRD screens all building permit applications in order to be able to advise property owners if their property requires a Site Alteration Permit (SAP) under the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA). 

The screening process applies to the entire regional district and follows the direction of local governments throughout the province. The process will see all building permit applications screened at the onset. The information is confidential. 

Applicants will be notified of one of three outcomes:

  1. There is a direct overlap with a protected archaeological site; or
  2. There is a direct overlap with an area of high archaeological potential; or
    There is no identified overlap with archaeological sites or areas of high archaeological potential.
  3. There is no identified overlap with archaeological sites or areas of high archaeological potential.

For each outcome, additional direction will be provided. For further information, visit Archeological Sites in the SLRD.

For building permit applications and rebuilding questions, please contact:
Phone: (604) 894-6371
Email: bldgofficial@slrd.bc.ca

For questions related to shipping containers, please contact:
Phone: (604) 894-6371
Email: mailto:planning@slrd.bc.ca