Building & Renovating

You will usually need a building permit for the following projects:

• Building a Single Family Dwelling or a Duplex
• Building an addition
• Building a deck
• Building a detached garage, accessory building, or shed larger than 100 sq. ft.
• Adding a secondary suite or garden suite
• Adding a swimming pool (in-ground or above-ground)
• Finishing a basement
• Flood or fire restorations
• Moving any building, structure, or mobile home
• Some interior renovations
• Demolishing a building
• Installing a new wood stove or chimney
• Changing the use or occupancy of a building
• Constructing a retaining wall

Please note this is not a complete list. Separate permits are required for gas and electrical work. For gas and electrical permits contact Technical Safety BC. Plumbing work is included in the building permit. If you are only doing plumbing work, a separate permit is required. Visit the How to Apply page for more details.

You don't need a building permit for non-structural, minor modifications projects such as:

• Replacing flooring
• Minor repairs to the exterior of your home
• Painting
• Changing cabinets (as long as the drywall is not affected)
• Landscaping
• Sidewalks

Although the above work does not require permits, homeowners should ensure that the construction conforms to the requirements of the BC Building Code as well as City of Pitt Meadows bylaws If you are unsure about requirements, it is recommended you contact the Building Department at building@pittmeadows.ca or 604-465-2428.