Building Permits

• Construction of all buildings, except for auxiliary buildings not greater than 10 square meters in building area that do not create a hazard (unoccupied buildings used for storage, i.e. garden or utility sheds). Despite any building permit exemption, buildings of any size are subject to all SCRD zoning allowances, and an auxiliary building may only be constructed if a primary use has been established on a property.
• All additions, renovations and alterations to existing buildings or structures (including decks, carports moved on buildings or structures over 10 square meters in area (including mobile homes)
• In-ground swimming pools exceeding 15 squares meters in area and one meter in depth
• Retaining walls 1.2 meters or higher
• Plumbing installations and alterations (including hot water heating and fire sprinkler systems)
• Change of use of a building
• Construction and installation of new wood burning stoves and chimneys
• Construction of a concrete pad or foundation on which equipment to be used for an industrial or commercial use is to be mounted
• Repair of a damaged building or structure
• Demolition or relocation of a building or structure

• Construction must be started within six months from the issuance date of the permit
• Construction shall not be discontinued or suspended for a period of more than one year
• Permit is valid for 24 months from date of issue
• At time of expiration, permits must be renewed (max. 2 renewals permitted)

An application for a permit to move or re-locate a building or structure must be accompanied by the following:

• $8000 bond for single family dwellings.
• $500 bond for accessory buildings.
• A professional engineer’s report, assessing the structural components of the moved in building, listing any life safety issues that must be brought up to current BC Building Code standards, including the lateral load requirements.

• A temporary permit can be issued for the use of a building or recreational vehicle to provide accommodation for the resident during construction of a principal dwelling on a parcel.
• A temporary permit is only valid for twelve months and can only be issued once the permit for the principal dwelling has been issued.
• Application for a temporary permit must be made in writing to Building Services Division stating the intended use of the temporary building.
• Application must be accompanied by a $1000 bond.

This term is often used interchangeably to describe different kinds of small housing options but is most often referred to when describing a ‘small home on wheels’ constructed on a trailer chassis. These types of units are essentially Recreational Vehicles (RVs), not buildings, and do not meet the requirements of a dwelling under Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) bylaws and the BC Building Code.

Only site-built or manufactured buildings constructed or placed under an approved Building Permit in compliance with the BC Building Code (on a permanent foundation) connected to an approved sewerage system, can serve as permanent or seasonal dwellings.

Note: SCRD Zoning Bylaws sets no minimum dwelling size (floor area), one can apply to build a small dwelling, HOWEVER, all BC Building Code and SCRD permit requirements apply regardless of a building’s size.

An RV is a recreational vehicle designed to be used as temporary accommodations for recreational, camping or travel use. RVs come in many forms such as 5th wheels, travel trailers, motor homes or campers and normally come from the factory with permanently affixed wheels. They are regulated under the BC Motor Vehicle Act and usually built to a vehicular standard such as CSA-Z240-RV.

Park Models are a larger version also designed typically for use in RV parks or campgrounds. Although they appear similar to the typical manufactured home, they are not the same as they are not recognized by the BC Building Code. Park Models are regulated under the BC Motor Vehicle Act and usually certified under the CSA Z241 standard.

Manufactured homes built and certified to either the CSA A277 (Modular) or CSA Z-240 MH (Mobile Home) standards are the only manufactured buildings recognized by the BC Building Code.

SCRD regulations require all dwellings to be contained within a building constructed under a valid building permit. Temporary dwellings are not permitted, nor can a RV or portable ‘Tiny House’ be used as a dwelling or residence. RVs, including but not limited to those bearing an CSA Z-240 RV or CSA Z-241 Park Model sticker, do not comply with the BC Building Code or Building Bylaw requirements for a building or dwelling.

Unless specifically permitted by zoning (e.g. commercial campground zones), camping in an RV or tent is not a permitted use. Given the following example: you have a family reunion one long weekend, and some guests sleep in a tent or RV in your yard, the SCRD has neither received complaints nor taken enforcement action in such a case.

The use of an RV as a dwelling has never been permitted; however, as fuel prices and RV sizes increase, there is an increase in the use of RVs as permanent (year-round) and seasonal dwellings in rural areas. Many have their wheels removed, unpermitted additions such as decks, roofs, and utility rooms constructed onto or adjacent to the unit. Some even have a wood burning stove within the unit. The concerns include:

• Environment: lack of filed/approved septic systems, often in proximity of lakes, watercourses, and wells.
• Equity: RVs are not an ‘improvement’ thus not taxable, so all other complying owners carry the additional burden.
• Safety: risk of fire from electrical overload or carbon monoxide poisoning are real and have led to deaths.
• Property value: RVs installed on neighboring parcels reduce the value and sale potential of a residence.

Other agencies which may have concerns and be involved include Vancouver Coastal Health, BC Assessment, Ministry of Environment, and the Agricultural Land Commission.

The SCRD takes these matters seriously and while they typically respond on a complaint basis, enforcement action may commence regardless of complaint.