Every successful basement development in Victoria, BC starts with a permit. However, without the proper guidance, it’s easy to get bogged down in the minutiae and the fine print. To ensure your basement renovation project goes off without a hitch, here’s everything to know about obtaining permits, the application process, and more.

Before Starting a New Project

Before starting a construction project, you need to get the necessary permits and permissions. What you need depends on both the type and location of the project.

First, find out if your project requires development approval before applying for a building permit. This depends on the development permit area, zoning, and heritage status of your property, as well as what’s allowed in your zone. 

For many commercial, industrial, multi-family, garden suites, small lots, duplexes, and panhandle lot properties, a development permit is usually required before you can apply for a building permit.

The Importance of Having a Permit for Basement Development in Victoria

Obtaining a permit for basement development in Victoria, BC is key if you want your home renovation to go smoothly. Here’s why.

• Safety and Building Standards: A permit ensures that the construction meets local building codes and safety regulations. This includes proper ventilation, electrical, plumbing, fire safety, and structural integrity, which help protect the occupants and the property.
• Legal Compliance: Basement development without a permit is illegal and can lead to fines or legal action. If work is done without approval, you may be required to undo the renovations or make costly corrections to meet the code.
• Insurance Coverage: Homeowners’ insurance may not cover damages or accidents related to unpermitted basement development. Insurance claims could be denied if the work doesn’t comply with the code.
• Property Value and Resale: Having the necessary permits ensures the basement is recognized as a legal living space, which can increase property value. If you plan to sell or use it as a rental, potential buyers or mortgage lenders will require proof of permit for any major renovations.
• Avoiding Future Issues: Permits ensure that the basement is safe and up to standard, preventing future issues with plumbing, electricity, or structural problems that could lead to expensive repairs.

Permits for Basement Development in Victoria

Before starting any work on your project, you have to get a building permit. The Building and Plumbing Regulation Bylaw oversees the construction, alteration, repair, and demolition of buildings and structures in the City of Victoria. Additionally, the B.C. Building Code 2024 is currently in effect and must be followed.

Planning Permits

Planning permits allow you to develop or use land in specific ways. You may need one for projects like building a new home, extending or renovating, or adding another dwelling.

The local council issues planning permits. If you need a planning permit, you have to get it from the council before you can apply for a building permit.

You may need to consult a town planner to find out if your project needs a planning permit. When applying for a planning permit, your submission might need to include the design, a planning report, shadow diagrams, and other relevant documents.

Building Permits

A building permit certifies that a proposed building meets the required building regulations. It is official approval from either a private or municipal building surveyor, allowing construction to proceed based on approved plans, specifications, and other relevant documents.

Having a building permit offers several protections, including:

• Ensuring the general contractors and building professionals on your project are registered and properly insured.
• Providing the necessary documentation so the construction follows building laws correctly.
• Ensuring key stages of the work are inspected by an independent party.
• Confirming that your building is safe and ready for occupation.

The permit will indicate whether an occupancy permit or a final inspection certificate is needed once the work is completed. Not all projects need a building permit and exemptions can include:

• Minor alterations or demolitions
• Pergolas attached to homes
• Small garden sheds under 10m²
• Maintenance and repair work

Permit Applications

Before applying for a building permit for your basement development in Victoria, you have to appoint a registered building surveyor, who will handle the permit application.

You can appoint an agent to apply on your behalf, but you need to provide written authorization first. If someone else is applying for the permit for you, be sure to review all the relevant documents and the permit before any work starts. Never sign blank forms giving others permission to represent you.

To apply for a building permit, you need to submit at least three copies of drawings, specifications, and allotment plans, along with the completed application form and required documents. What’s more, you have to pay the building permit levy yourself or through your authorized representative.

Once Your Permit Has Been Issued

A building permit for basement development in Victoria can’t be issued until any required planning permit is obtained. It will only be issued after the building levy is paid, and a building permit number has been assigned.

The building surveyor cannot issue the permit until all necessary approvals from other authorities, such as the local council or water authority, are received. 

The building surveyor may issue a permit with or without conditions, either for the entire project or just a portion. The permit will list the mandatory inspections required during construction.

Also, the surveyor may adjust the inspection schedule if necessary. Your permit will also indicate whether you need an occupancy permit or a certificate of final inspection at the end of the project.

If you plan to build close to a neighbour’s property, the building surveyor might require measures to protect the neighbouring property.

In some cases, the building surveyor may refuse to issue a permit. If this happens, you can either modify your application to meet the regulations or appeal the decision with the Building Appeals Board.

Lapsed Permits

If a building permit for basement development in Victoria expires but construction continues, the work becomes illegal. In this case, the building surveyor may issue an order to stop the work.

Some inspections are required at specific stages of construction, and if work continues without these inspections, it’s hard to confirm if the building meets the necessary standards. If the owner ignores the stop-work order, the building surveyor will escalate the issue to the VBA (Victorian Building Authority) for further action.

The building surveyor who issued the original permit may refuse to approve the work or require parts of the building to be exposed to verify compliance before issuing an occupancy permit or final inspection certificate.

If the permit has expired but only certificates (like plumbing compliance) are needed to prove everything is up to code, you might not need a new building permit. The surveyor can issue an occupancy permit or final inspection certificate once the certificates are submitted.

If the permit has lapsed and the construction is incomplete, you’ll need a new building permit to finish the project. You have to apply for this permit with the same building surveyor unless you get approval from the VBA to switch surveyors. The application will require updated plans showing the remaining work, and you’ll need to pay the necessary fees and levies for that work.

Call Upper Deck Construction & Consulting for Your Basement Development in Victoria

Elevate your home with a beautifully designed basement development in Victoria by Upper Deck Construction & Consulting. From creating a modern entertainment space to adding a guest suite or home gym, we handle every detail with precision and expertise. 

Maximize your living area and boost your property’s value with our professional basement development services in Victoria. Call us today to start transforming your space!