Building permits in Nanaimo

Nanaimo requires a permit for a new deck, structural deck repair or deck rebuild. A permit can be avoided only when all published exemption conditions are met, including low height, no roof and no attachment.

Nanaimo requires a building permit for a new detached accessory building such as a garage, shed or workshop over 10 m².

Nanaimo requires permits for structural alterations, additions and layout/use changes; basement work depends on whether those regulated changes are part of the project.

Nanaimo requires a permit for construction of a new secondary suite or upgrading an existing suite.

Nanaimo states that a building permit is required when altering an existing dwelling, including constructing additions.

Nanaimo requires permits for structural alterations and layout/use changes; purely cosmetic interior work does not automatically fall into those categories.

Nanaimo explicitly requires building permits for structural alterations.

Nanaimo requires a permit for construction or installation of a swimming pool.

Nanaimo requires a building permit for detached garages and other standalone accessory buildings over 10 m²; attached or other garage/carport scopes can follow different alteration rules.

Nanaimo requires permits for additions, alterations, relocations or removals of water-supply and drain-waste-vent piping and has separate service permit routes; exact trade requirements depend on scope.

Nanaimo explicitly states that no building permit is required for a fence, although the fence must comply with the Zoning Bylaw.

Nanaimo states that a building permit is generally required when a retaining wall is over 4 feet high, but other factors can change whether a permit is needed.

Nanaimo requires a separate demolition permit for complete demolition of a building or removal of a mobile/prefab home; decks and specified non-structural removals do not require a separate demolition permit.