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Home, carriage house and renovation permit documents in Kelowna
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Kelowna uses a separate building permit application for each building.
Key information
Kelowna uses a separate building permit application for each building. Prepare the project-specific drawings and title documents before starting the online form, and use the current instructions for any required full-size paper plans.
On this page
At a glance
| Task | Key detail |
|---|---|
| Which building application should I choose? | The permit directory separates single-family and carriage homes from small multifamily, apartments, accessory buildings, pools, signs, demolition and other projects. |
| Which site approvals may also be needed? | The home page lists an irrigation-district water letter, septic approval and developer approval where applicable. |
| What changes for additions or exterior renovations? | Prepare scaled architectural drawings and a site plan, with applicable structural, geotechnical and roof-truss materials. |
Sources: Kelowna home and carriage house permit applications · kelowna.ca official source · permits.kelowna.ca official source
Correct project and title documents
Which building application should I choose?
The permit directory separates single-family and carriage homes from small multifamily, apartments, accessory buildings, pools, signs, demolition and other projects. Each building needs a separate application. Attach only documents belonging to that specific permit.
Source: kelowna.ca official source
What title documents do new homes need?
The current home page asks for a State of Title dated within the last 30 days, including covenants, easements and rights of way. New homes also require confirmation of Homeowner Protection Office warranty application. Do not omit a title restriction because it is not shown on a sketch.
What design information is listed for a new home?
Requirements include applicable structural and geotechnical schedules, drawings and insurance, energy-efficiency specifications, roof truss information with future solar loading, 2024 adaptability backing and lateral bracing drawings, and solar-panel design on the truss layout. Use the linked new-dwelling checklist.
Sources: kelowna.ca official source · Kelowna home and carriage house permit applications
Drawings, services and suite applications
Which site approvals may also be needed?
The home page lists an irrigation-district water letter, septic approval and developer approval where applicable. These depend on the property. Confirm the water provider and servicing arrangements before treating City utility billing as proof that every required service approval exists.
When are full-size paper drawings required?
The current instructions request two complete sets of scaled drawings and site plans when larger than 11 by 17 inches. Deliver required full-size plans and roof-truss packages to City Hall, second floor, attention Application Centre. Follow the actual project checklist.
What is required for a secondary suite application?
The page lists a detailed floor plan and a site plan showing pathway lighting, the pathway to the suite and designated suite parking. Review the linked Secondary Suite Bulletin and Checklist for the full project, rather than using only a new-home checklist.
Sources: Kelowna home and carriage house permit applications
Renovation exceptions, payment and owner signatures
What changes for additions or exterior renovations?
Prepare scaled architectural drawings and a site plan, with applicable structural, geotechnical and roof-truss materials. A current title with covenants, easements and rights of way is listed for additions and decks. Exterior work has different submission needs from cosmetic interior work.
Does an interior renovation need a site plan or title search?
The current instructions say the site plan is not required for interior renovations, and the addition/deck title requirement is not required for interior renovations. This does not exempt structural or other regulated interior work from a building permit.
Do cosmetic changes require a building permit?
The page says painting, flooring, replacing baseboards and resurfacing cabinets do not require one. Other work must be checked against the Building Bylaw. A cosmetic exemption should not be stretched to moving plumbing, altering structure or adding a suite.
How are application fees and signatures handled?
The City emails building application fees with an online payment link; payment is part of a complete application. The live permit portal lists permit type, application, location and document details, and sends owner signature documents through Docusign. For help call 250-469-8960.
Sources: Kelowna home and carriage house permit applications · permits.kelowna.ca official source
City Hall service location
Kelowna City Hall
1435 Water Street, Kelowna, British Columbia
Use the department and floor named in this guide. General City Hall access does not replace a required application, appointment or account document.
- General service
- 250-469-8500