The Building Permit Process

You will require permits from the City if you are planning to build, renovate, or change the use of a building or property. The Building Inspections Division is responsible for issuing Building Permits as well as permits for the demolition of buildings, the erection of signs, and the installation of heating, ventilation and plumbing services. These permits can all be found in .pdf format in the left margin.

The process for building permits is as follows:

1. Apply for a development permit (if needed);
2. Apply for a building permit.

Development Permits

Prior to applying for a Building Permit, a Development Permit may be required for your project. Development Permits deal with a development's impact on surrounding properties and are required for most projects requiring aBuilding Permit. Applications for Development Permits are reviewed for conformance to the Zoning By-law, and issued by a Development Officer from the Planning & Lands Division. For further information relating to Development Permits, please contact the Planning & Lands Division at 920-5672.

Building Permits

When do you require a Building Permit?

Building Permits deal with the structural sufficiency of buildings and the health and safety of the building's occupants. A Building Permit is required for the construction, addition, alteration, repair, reconstruction or relocation of a building. Building Permits may not be required for fences, patios (less than 600mm above grade)or small accessory buildings used for cold storage.

Making an Application

Application forms for Development, Building, Mechanical and other permits are available at City Hall from the Building Inspections Division. When applying for these permits, ensure that sufficient information is provided in order to show that the proposed work will conform to Yellowknife's by-laws and the National Building Code. Plans are required to be drawn to scale and must indicate the nature of the work in sufficient detail so that it can be determined that the proposed work will conform to by-laws and the NBC. Additional pamphlets are available from the Inspections Division to assist you in making application for your specific project.

Preparing Plans

Preparing drawings requires solid knowledge of building codes and regulations. If you are not familiar with these regulations, we recommend that you find someone with a background in this area who can help you prepare your plans.

Proper plans help to ensure that your application is processed quickly and minimize problems during construction.

Processing the Application

Once your Development Permit is approved, a Building Inspector will review your Building Permit application. If the information submitted with your application is complete, your Permit will be issued promptly. If the plans do not comply or are incomplete, you will be asked to make appropriate changes to your application. You will be contacted onceyour permit is approved and ready for pick-up. Your plan review sheet will list the inspections that will be required by the Inspections Division.

Please note that your Building Permit is not valid until you receive your permit for posting on site.

Processing Time

Processing time for Building Permits can vary throughout the year. During the busy construction season (April to October), please allow up to 3 weeks for Building Permit approval. An incomplete application or drawings with insufficient information will delay the process.

Fees

For Single Family Dwellings, Duplexes & Additions, Building Permit fees are based on the following calculation:
    $30.32 + $4.63 per sq. m.
    ($30.32 + $0.43 per sq. ft.)