I Want to Build

1. SUBMIT (Planning & Lands)

Submit a Development Permit or Checklist Application with applicable fee(s). For larger development projects a pre-consultation meeting with a Development Officer is encouraged.

2. REVIEW (Planning & Lands)

The Development Officer reviews the application and additional information may be requested. The review is not complete until all outstanding issues are resolved.

3. ISSUE (Planning & Lands)

The Development Officer approves or refuses the proposed development. If the development is approved it moves on to the next stage.

4. 2-WEEK APPEAL/PUBLIC NOTICE PERIOD (Planning & Lands)

A 2-week appeal and public notice period is legislated for all approved Development Permits. The Development Permit is not effective and the Building Permit cannot be issued until after this appeal/public notice period. NOTE: A checklist for minor development or other application type does not require the 2-week appeal/public notice period.

5. SUBMIT (Building Permit)

Submit Building and/or Mechanical Permit application(s) with application fee(s). For larger building projects, a pre-consultation meeting with a Building Inspector is encouraged.

6. REVIEW/ISSUE (Building Permit)

 The Building Inspector reviews the application(s) and additional information may be requested. The Permit is then issued and a Plan Examination specifying requested inspections is sent to the applicant by email.

7. INSPECTIONS/OCCUPANCY (Building Services Division)

Construction may begin and Inspections are performed at certain stages. The Occupancy Certificate is granted when all inspections and related documents are received.

8. BUILDING FEES

Addition (including Attached Garage)

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Checklist or a Development Permit

Residential additions to existing single-detached dwellings and duplexes require a Checklist. Additions to existing multi-attached and multi-family dwellings require a Development Permit. Additions not complying with the zoning by-law site regulations (e.g., setback, height and site coverage) require a Development Permit.

Should your addition create a new dwelling unit or change the use of the original structure, you will require a different type of Development Permit. Please refer to the Secondary Suite or Change the Use of My Property sections.

Step 2: Complete your Checklist or Development Permit Application

Any development needs to fall within the regulations of the zone where it is located. You can find out what zone you are located on our Interactive Maps page. You can find the regulations of that zone on our By-law page. Gather the property information and submit the Checklist or Development Permit Application through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with required drawings, supporting documents and application fees (no application fee is required for a Checklist).

Select "Minor Development Checklist (Garages/Sheds, Decks, Additions) - New Additions (Single Detached Dwelling or Duplex)" for Checklist application or "Development Permit - Deck/Accessory Structure (Detached Garage etc.)" for Development Permit application.

The Checklist Application typically requires a site plan, other drawings may be required at the discretion of the Development Officer. For the Development Permit Application, you will need to submit a Site Plan (including all existing and proposed structures), Floor Plans, Elevation Drawings (depicting the height and building materials of your addition), a Grading Plan, and a Landscaping Plan (site grading and landscaping information may be incorporated in the Site plan).

Step 3: Determine if your project requires a Building Permit

All residential additions greater than 10m² require a Building Permit. 

Step 4: Complete your Building Permit Application

Any development needs to fall within the regulations of the City of Yellowknife Building Bylaw, National Building Code of Canada and other Canadian Building Standards. Once your set of building plans is complete, submit the Building Permit through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with the Building Drawings and application fees.

You will need to submit a Site Plan, Floor Plans, Elevation Drawings, and all applicable Structural drawings.  

You may submit a Building Permit Application anytime after the Checklist or Development Permit Application is submitted. The Building Permit cannot be issued until the Checklist is approved or the Development Permit is approved and becomes effective after the 2-week appeal period. A Building Inspector will contact you when your Building Permit is approved or if further information is needed.

Step 5: Other agencies involved in the permitting process

Contact the GNWT Public Works and Services for inspections, registration and permits for electrical work, elevators, boilers and pressure vessels and gas installations.

Accessory Structure (including Detached Garage, Shed)

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Checklist or a Development Permit, or nothing at all.

An accessory structure not exceeding 10m² in area or 3m in height, and not permanently attached to the ground, does not require a Checklist or a Development Permit. An accessory structure greater than 10m² less than or equal to 75m² requires a Checklist. Any accessory structure not complying with the zoning by-law site regulations (e.g., location, setback, height and site coverage) or greater than 75m² requires a Development Permit.

Should your accessory structure create a new dwelling unit or change the use of the original structure, you will require a different type of Development Permit. Please refer to the Secondary Suite or Change the Use of My Property sections.

Step 2: Complete your Checklist or Development Permit Application

Any development needs to fall within the regulations of the zone where it is located. You can find out what zone you are located in on our Interactive Maps page. You can find the regulations of that zone on our By-law page. Gather the property information and submit the Checklist or Development Permit Application through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with required drawings, supporting documents and application fees (no application fee is required for a Checklist).

Select "Minor Development Checklist (Garages/Sheds, Decks, Additions) - Shed and Detached Garage" for Checklist application or "Development Permit - Deck/Accessory Structure (Detached Garage etc.)" for Development Permit application.

The Checklist Application typically requires a site plan, other drawings may be required at the discretion of the Development Officer. For the Development Permit Application, you will need to submit a Site Plan (including all existing and proposed structures), Floor Plans, Elevation Drawings (depicting the height and building materials), a Grading Plan, and a Landscaping Plan (site grading and landscaping information may be incorporated in the Site plan).

Step 3: Determine if your project requires a Building Permit

All accessory structures greater than 10m² require a Building Permit.

Step 4: Complete your Building Permit Application

Any development needs to fall within the regulations of the City of Yellowknife Building Bylaw, National Building Code of Canada and other Canadian Building Standards.  Once your set of building plans is complete, submit the Building Permit through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with the Building Drawings and application fees.

You will need to submit a Site Plan, Floor Plans, Elevation Drawings, and all applicable Structural drawings.  

You may submit a Building Permit Application anytime after the Checklist or Development Permit Application is submitted. The Building Permit cannot be issued until the Checklist is approved or the Development Permit is approved and becomes effective after the 2-week appeal period. A Building Inspector will contact you when your Building Permit is approved or if further information is needed.

Step 5: Other agencies involved in the permitting process

Contact the GNWT Public Works and Services for inspections, registration and permits for electrical work, elevators, boilers and pressure vessels and gas installations.

Change the Use of My Property

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Change of Use Development Permit

A Development Permit for change of use is required when a resident converts their property from one permitted/conditionally permitted use to another permitted/conditionally permitted use (e.g., Commercial to Residential, Residential to Commercial, Residential to Residential and Commercial Mixed Use, etc.). Increasing the number of units within an existing residential building may require a Development Permit, please consult a Development Officer if you are changing the number of units in your building.

Step 2: Complete your Development Permit Application

Each zone has its permitted and conditionally permitted uses. You can find out what zone you are located in on our Interactive Maps page. You can find the regulations of that zone on our By-law page. If you determine that you are able to convert your property to another use you should gather the property information and submit the Development Permit Application through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with required drawings, supporting documents and application fees.

You will need to submit a Site Plan (including all existing and proposed structures), Floor Plans, Elevation Drawings (depicting the height and building materials), a Grading Plan, and a Landscaping Plan (site grading and landscaping information may be incorporated in the Site plan).

Step 3: Determine if your project requires a Building Permit

Development for change of use with building renovation/alteration requires a building permit.

Step 4: Complete your Building Permit Application

Deck

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Checklist, Development Permit, or nothing at all.

Residential decks less than 0.6m (2 feet) from the ground typically do not require a Checklist or Development Permit.  Except when a deck is projecting into required yard setbacks, a Checklist is required. If the projection is more than 40%, a Development Permit Application may be required at the discretion of the Development Officer.

Decks higher than 0.6m (2 feet) from the ground require a Checklist. When the deck is projecting into required yard setbacks and the projection is more than 40%, a Development Permit Application may be required at the discretion of the Development Officer.

Step 2: Complete your Checklist or Development Permit Application

Each zone has its setback requirements. You can find out what zone you are located in on our Interactive Maps page. You can find the regulations of that zone on our By-law page. Gather the property information and submit the Checklist or Development Permit Application through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with required drawings, supporting documents and application fees (no application fee is required for a Checklist).

Select "Minor Development Checklist (Garages/Sheds, Decks, Additions) - Accessory Deck Development" for Checklist application or "Development Permit - Deck/Accessory Structure (Detached Garage etc.)" for Development Permit application.

The Checklist Application typically requires a site plan, other drawings may be required at the discretion of the Development Officer. For the Development Permit Application, you will need to submit a Site Plan (including all existing and proposed structures), Floor Plans, Elevation Drawings (depicting the height and building materials), a Grading Plan, and a Landscaping Plan (site grading and landscaping information may be incorporated in the Site plan).

Step 3: Determine if your project requires a Building Permit

Residential decks less than 0.6m (2 feet) from the ground do not require a Building Permit. Decks higher than 0.6m (2 feet) from the ground require a Building Permit.

Step 4: Complete your Building Permit Application

Any development needs to fall within the regulations of the City of Yellowknife Building Bylaw, National Building Code of Canada and other Canadian Building Standards.  Once your set of building plans is complete, submit the Building Permit through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with the Building Drawings and application fees.

You will need to submit a Site Plan, Floor Plans, Elevation Drawings, and all applicable Structural drawings. Deck Building Permit Application Information Form.

You may submit a Building Permit Application anytime after the Checklist or Development Permit Application is submitted. The Building Permit cannot be issued until the Checklist is approved or the Development Permit is approved and becomes effective after the 2-week appeal period. A Building Inspector will contact you when your Building Permit is approved or if further information is needed.

Step 5: Other agencies involved in the permitting process

Contact the GNWT Public Works and Services for inspections, registration and permits for electrical work, elevators, boilers and pressure vessels and gas installations. 

Demolition

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Development Permit or nothing at all.

If you are removing an existing structure that is larger than 10m² from your property, you will require a Development Permit for demolition. Demolition of a structure less than 10m² in area and 3m in height does not require a Development Permit.

Step 2: Complete your Development Permit Application

Gather the property information and submit the Development Permit Application through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with required drawings supporting documents and application fees.

Use the existing use as the Development Permit Type in CityView Portal, e.g., if the structure to be demolished is a single family dwelling, choose "Development Permit - Single Family Detached Dwelling"; if the structure to be demolished is a multi-attached dwelling, choose "Development Permit - Multi-Attached Dwelling".

You will need to submit a Site Plan (including all existing and to be demolished structures and indicating service lines to be disconnected). The Development Officer may also require a hazardous material assessment report for the structure to be demolished.

Step 3: Determine if your project requires a Building Permit

In addition to the applicable Development Permit, a demolition (building) permit is required for the removal of a building or part of a building.

Step 4: Complete your Building Permit Application

Any development needs to fall within the regulations of the City of Yellowknife Building Bylaw, National Building Code of Canada and other Canadian Building Standards.  Once your set of building plans is complete, submit the Building Permit through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with the Building Drawings and application fees.

You will need to submit a Site Plan, Floor Plans, Elevation Drawings, and all applicable Structural drawings.  

You may submit a Building Permit Application anytime after the Development Permit Application is submitted. The Building Permit cannot be issued until the Development Permit is approved and becomes effective after the 2-week appeal period. A Building Inspector will contact you when your Building Permit is approved or if further information is needed.

Fence

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Development Permit or nothing at all.

Residential fences less than or equal to 0.9m in height in the front yard (less than 0.75m in the visibility triangle if it is a corner lot) and less than or equal to 2m in the side and rear yards do not require a Development Permit. Make sure the fence is on your property. The best way to locate property lines is by hiring a Canada Lands Surveyor.

A fence higher than 0.9m in the front yard (higher than 0.75m in the visibility triangle if it is a corner lot) or 2m in the side or rear yard requires a Development Permit.

Step 2: Complete your Development Permit Application

Gather the property information and submit the Development Permit Application through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with required drawings, supporting documents and application fees. Select "Development Permit - Fence" as the Development Permit Type in CityView Portal.

You will need to submit a Site Plan (showing the fence location), Elevation Drawings (depicting the fence height and materials), and any other drawings may be required by the Development Officer. Where the height exceeds 10% of the specified standard, the receipt of approval by an adjoining property owner or condominium association is required.

Step 3: Determine if your project requires a Building Permit

Step 4: Complete your Building Permit Application

Grading My Property

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Development Permit or nothing at all.

Site grading with more than 0.6m grade change requires a Development Permit. If the grade change is less than or equal to 0.6m, no Development Permit is required.

If blasting is required for the site grading, the contractor/blasting company shall obtain proper blasting permit from the Workers Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC). Blasts are regulated under the NWT Explosives Act which is enforced by the WSCC. Prior to commencing a blast, blasting companies are also required to notify the City's Fire Division, Municipal Enforcement Division and Department of Public Works and Engineering.

Step 2: Complete your Development Permit Application

Gather the property information and submit the Development Permit Application through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with required drawings, supporting documents and application fees.

Select the Development Permit Type in CityView Portal based on the use of your property, e.g., if your property is used for single family dwelling, choose "Development Permit - Single Family Detached Dwelling" as the Development Permit Type; if your property is used for multi-attached dwelling, choose "Development Permit - Multi-Attached Dwelling" as the Development Permit Type.

You will need to submit a Site Plan and a Grading Plan for the application.

Step 3: Determine if your project requires a Building Permit

No Building Permit is required for site grading.

Mechanical Only

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Development Permit

Unless you are building a new structure that is greater than 10m² you will not require a Checklist or Development Permit. A Checklist or Development Permit is required if the structure is greater than 10m², please refer to the Addition or Accessory Structure sections.

Step 2: Determine if your project requires a Mechanical Permit and a Building Permit

Any mechanical work requires a Mechanical Permit and may require a Building Permit.

Step 3: Complete your Mechanical Permit and Building Permit (if applicable) Application

Mixed Use Structure

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Development Permit

Building a new mixed-use building (e.g. ground floor Commercial and Residential Units above) requires a Development Permit.

Step 2: Complete your Development Permit Application

Any development needs to fall within the regulations of the zone. You can find out what zone you are located in on our Interactive Maps page. You can find the regulations of that zone on our By-law page. Gather the property information and submit the Development Permit Application through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with required drawings, supporting documents and application fees.

Select the predominant use of the proposed building as the Development Permit Type in CityView Portal and choose ONE item (type) only, e.g., if the building comprises ground floor commercial and more than one storey residential units above (residential is the predominant use), choose "Development Permit - Multi-Family Dwelling" as the Development Permit Type; if the building comprises more commercial than residential, choose "Development Permit - Commercial Use" as the Development Permit Type. At the time of application only the selected use will be calculated for application fees, additional application fees for unselected use(s) will be calculated at the time of Development Permit review and the Applicant will be notified of the additional payment required.

You will need to submit a Site Plan (including all existing and proposed structures), Floor Plans, Elevation Drawings (depicting the height and building materials), a Grading Plan, a Landscaping Plan, and any other drawings/documents may be required by the Development Officer.

Step 3: Determine if your project requires a Building Permit

Building a new Mixed-Use building requires a Building Permit.

Step 4: Complete your Building Permit Application

Any development needs to fall within the regulations of the City of Yellowknife Building Bylaw, National Building Code of Canada and other Canadian Building Standards.  Once your set of building plans is complete, submit the Building Permit through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with the Building Drawings and application fees.

You will need to submit a Site Plan, Floor Plans, Elevation Drawings, and all applicable Structural drawings.  

You may submit a Building Permit Application anytime after the Development Permit Application is submitted. The Building Permit cannot be issued until the Development Permit is approved and becomes effective after the 2-week appeal period. A Building Inspector will contact you when your Building Permit is approved or if further information is needed.

Step 5: Other agencies involved in the permitting process

Contact the GNWT Public Works and Services for inspections, registration and permits for electrical work, elevators, boilers and pressure vessels and gas installations.

New Residential Building

Renovation (Alterations and Improvements)

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Development Permit

Any interior improvements on your structure does not require a Development Permit, however, if you change the building's footprint, create a new dwelling unit or change the use of the original structure, you will require a Development Permit. Please refer to the Addition, Secondary Suite or Change the Use of My Property sections.

Retaining Wall

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Development Permit or nothing at all.

If the proposed retaining wall is less than or equal to 0.6m high, and the site excavation or filling works do not alter the ground level in excess of 0.6m, a Development Permit is not required. Otherwise a Development Permit is required.

Step 2: Complete your Development Permit Application

Gather the property information and submit the Development Permit Application through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with required drawings, supporting documents and application fees. Select "Development Permit - Fence" as the Development Permit Type in CityView Portal.

You will need to submit a Site Plan (showing the retaining wall location), Elevation Drawings (depicting the retaining wall height and materials), a Grading Plan and any other drawings may be required by the Development Officer.

Step 3: Determine if your project requires a Building Permit

Building a retaining wall requires a Building Permit

Step 4: Complete your Building Permit Application

Secondary Suite

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Development Permit

Construction of a secondary suite requires a Development Permit.

Step 2: Complete your Development Permit Application

Any development needs to fall within the regulations of the zone where it is located. You can find out what zone you are located in on our Interactive Maps page. You can find the regulations of that zone on our By-law page. Gather the property information and submit the Development Permit Application through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with required drawings, supporting documents and application fees.

Secondary suite, either an in-home secondary suite or a detached secondary suite, is considered a new dwelling unit for application and fee calculation. Select "Development Permit - Single Family Detached Dwelling" as the Development Permit Type in CityView Portal.

You will need to submit a Site Plan (including all existing and proposed structures), Floor Plans, Elevation Drawings (depicting the height and building materials), a Grading Plan, a Landscaping Plan, and any other drawings/documents may be required by the Development Officer.

Step 3: Determine if your project requires a Building Permit

Construction of a secondary suite requires a Building Permit.

Step 4: Complete your Building Permit Application

Any development needs to fall within the regulations of the City of Yellowknife Building Bylaw, National Building Code of Canada and other Canadian Building Standards.  Once your set of building plans is complete, submit the Building Permit through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with the Building Drawings and application fees.

You will need to submit a Site Plan, Floor Plans, Elevation Drawings, and all applicable Structural drawings.  

You may submit a Building Permit Application anytime after the Development Permit Application is submitted. The Building Permit cannot be issued until the Development Permit is approved and becomes effective after the 2-week appeal period. A Building Inspector will contact you when your Building Permit is approved or if further information is needed.

Step 5: Other agencies involved in the permitting process

Contact the GNWT Public Works and Services for inspections, registration and permits for electrical work, elevators, boilers and pressure vessels and gas installations.

Addition, Accessory Structure

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Development Permit

Development of an addition, an accessory structure (such as shed, fuel tank, deck or other accessory use), or a fence on a non-residential property requires a Development Permit, except if the accessory structure does not exceed 10m² in area or 3 metres in height and is not permanently attached to the ground, no Development Permit is required provided that the structure complies with the zoning by-law regulations.  

Step 2: Complete your Development Permit Application

Any development needs to fall within the regulations of the zone where it is located. You can find out what zone you are located in on our Interactive Maps page. You can find the regulations of that zone on our By-law page. Gather the property information and submit the Development Permit Application through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with required drawings, supporting documents and application fees. Select "Development Permit - Commercial" or "Development Permit - Industrial" as the Development Permit Type in CityView Portal.

You will need to submit an Elevation Drawing (a drawing depicting the height of the structure), a Site Plan (including all existing and proposed structures), Floor Plans, a Grading Plan, and a Landscaping Plan.

Step 3: Determine if your project requires a Building Permit

Construction of an addition/accessory structure greater than 10m² or a fence on a non-residential property requires a Building Permit. 

Step 4: Complete your Building Permit Application

Any development needs to fall within the regulations of the City of Yellowknife Building Bylaw, National Building Code of Canada and other Canadian Building Standards.  Once your set of building plans is complete, submit the Building Permit through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with the Building Drawings and application fees.

You will need to submit a Site Plan, Floor Plans, Elevation Drawings, and all applicable Structural drawings.  

You may submit a Building Permit Application anytime after the Development Permit Application is submitted. The Building Permit cannot be issued until the Development Permit is approved and becomes effective after the 2-week appeal period. A Building Inspector will contact you when your Building Permit is approved or if further information is needed.

Step 5: Other agencies involved in the permitting process

Contact the GNWT Public Works and Services for inspections, registration and permits for electrical work, elevators, boilers and pressure vessels and gas installations.

Changing the Use of My Property

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Change of Use Development Permit

A Development Permit for change of use is required when an applicant converts their property from one permitted/conditionally permitted use to another permitted/conditionally permitted use (e.g., Residential to Commercial, Commercial to Industrial, Commercial to Office, Commercial to Food/Beverage Service, etc.).

Step 2: Complete your Development Permit Application

Each zone has its permitted and conditionally permitted uses. You can find out what zone you are located in on our Interactive Maps page. You can find the regulations of that zone on our By-law page. If the regulations allow you to convert your property to another use, you may gather the property information and submit the Development Permit Application through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with required drawings, supporting documents and application fees.

You will need to submit a Site Plan (including all existing and proposed structures), Floor Plans, Elevation Drawings (depicting the height and building materials), a Grading Plan, and a Landscaping Plan (site grading and landscaping information may be incorporated in the Site plan).

Step 3: Determine if your project requires a Building Permit

Development for change of use with building renovation/alteration requires a building permit.

Step 4: Complete your Building Permit Application

Any development needs to fall within the regulations of the City of Yellowknife Building Bylaw, National Building Code of Canada and other Canadian Building Standards. Once your set of building plans is complete, submit the Building Permit through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with the Building Drawings and application fees.

You will need to submit a Site Plan, Floor Plans, Elevation Drawings, and all applicable Structural drawings.  

You may submit a Building Permit Application anytime after the Development Permit Application is submitted. The Building Permit cannot be issued until the Development Permit is approved and becomes effective after the 2-week appeal period. A Building Inspector will contact you when your Building Permit is approved or if further information is needed. 

Demolition

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Development Permit

If you are removing an existing structure that is larger than 10m² from your property, you will require a Development Permit for demolition. Demolition of a structure less than 10m² in area and 3m in height does not require a Development Permit.

Step 2: Complete your Development Permit Application

Gather the property information and submit the Development Permit Application through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with required drawings, supporting documents and application fees.

Use the existing use as the Development Permit Type in CityView Portal, e.g., if the structure to be demolished is for commercial use, choose "Development Permit - Commercial".

You will need to submit a Site Plan (including all existing and to be demolished structures and indicating service lines to be disconnected). The Development Officer may also require a hazardous material assessment report for the structure to be demolished.

Step 3: Determine if your project requires a Building Permit

In addition to the applicable Development Permit, a demolition (building) permit is required for the removal of a building or part of a building.

Step 4: Complete your Building Permit Application

Any development needs to fall within the regulations of the City of Yellowknife Building Bylaw, National Building Code of Canada and other Canadian Building Standards. Once your set of building plans is complete, submit the Building Permit through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with the Building Drawings and application fees.

You will need to submit a Site Plan, Floor Plans, Elevation Drawings, and all applicable Structural drawings.  

You may submit a Building Permit Application anytime after the Development Permit Application is submitted. The Building Permit cannot be issued until the Development Permit is approved and becomes effective after the 2-week appeal period. A Building Inspector will contact you when your Building Permit is approved or if further information is needed.

Commercial/Industrial/Institutional Structure

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Development Permit

Construction of a non-residential structure requires a Development Permit.

Step 2: Complete your Development Permit Application

Any development needs to fall within the regulations of the zone where it is located. You can find out what zone you are located in on our Interactive Maps page. You can find the regulations of that zone on our By-law page. Gather the property information and submit the Development Permit Application through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with required drawings, supporting documents and application fees.

You will need to submit a Site Plan (including all existing and proposed structures), Floor Plans, Elevation Drawings (depicting the height and building materials), a Grading Plan, a Landscaping Plan, and any other drawings/documents may be required by the Development Officer.

Step 3: Determine if your project requires a Building Permit

Construction of a non-residential structure requires a Building Permit.

Step 4: Complete your Building Permit Application

Any development needs to fall within the regulations of the City of Yellowknife Building Bylaw, National Building Code of Canada and other Canadian Building Standards.  Once your set of building plans is complete, submit the Building Permit through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with the Building Drawings and application fees.

You will need to submit a Site Plan, Floor Plans, Elevation Drawings, and all applicable Structural drawings.  

You may submit a Building Permit Application anytime after the Development Permit Application is submitted. The Building Permit cannot be issued until the Development Permit is approved and becomes effective after the 2-week appeal period. A Building Inspector will contact you when your Building Permit is approved or if further information is needed.

Step 5: Other agencies involved in the permitting process

Contact the GNWT Public Works and Services for inspections, registration and permits for electrical work, elevators, boilers and pressure vessels and gas installations.

Grading My Property

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Development Permit or nothing at all.

Site grading with more than 0.6m grade change requires a Development Permit. If the grade change is less than or equal to 0.6m, no Development Permit is required.

If blasting is required for the site grading, the contractor/blasting company shall obtain proper blasting permit from the Workers Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC). Blasts are regulated under the NWT Explosives Act which is enforced by the WSCC. Prior to commencing a blast, blasting companies are also required to notify the City's Fire Division, Municipal Enforcement Division and Department of Public Works and Engineering.

Step 2: Complete your Development Permit Application

Gather the property information and submit the Development Permit Application through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with required drawings, supporting documents and application fees.

Select the Development Permit Type in CityView Portal based on the use of your property, e.g., if it is a commercial property, choose "Development Permit - Commercial" as the Development Permit Type.

You will need to submit a Site Plan and a Grading Plan for the application.

Step 3: Determine if your project requires a Building Permit

No Building Permit is required for site grading.

Mechanical Only

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Development Permit

Unless you are building a new structure that is greater than 10m² you will not require a Development Permit. A Development Permit is required if the structure is greater than 10m², please refer to the Addition, Accessory Structure section.

Step 2: Determine if your project requires a Mechanical Permit and a Building Permit

Any mechanical work requires a Mechanical Permit and may require a Building Permit.

Step 3: Complete your Mechanical Permit and Building Permit (if applicable) Application

Renovation (Alterations and Improvements)

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Development Permit

Any interior improvements on your structure does not require a Development Permit, however, if you change the building's footprint or change the use of the original structure, you will require a Development Permit. Please refer to the Addition, Accessory Structure or Change the Use of My Property sections.

Sign

Step 1: Determine if your project requires a Development Permit

Putting up a sign may or may not require a Development Permit. Please refer to Zoning By-law No. 5045 Section 7.9 - Sign Regulations or speak to a Planner to determine whether your sign project requires a Development Permit.  

Step 2: Complete your Development Permit Application

Submit the Development Permit Application through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with required drawings, supporting documents and application fees.

You will need to submit a Site Plan (indicating the location of the sign), a Sign Plan and Elevation Drawings (indicating overall dimensions of the sign, the sign face design and the manner of illuminating where applicable), and any other drawings/documents may be required by the Development Officer.

Step 3: Determine if your project requires a Building Permit

Putting up a sign requires a Building Permit.

Step 4: Complete your Building Permit Application

Any development needs to fall within the regulations of the City of Yellowknife Building Bylaw, National Building Code of Canada and other Canadian Building Standards.  Once your set of sign plans is complete, submit the Building Permit through the City's online permitting system, CityView, along with the drawings and application fees.

You may submit a Building Permit Application anytime after the Development Permit Application is submitted. The Building Permit cannot be issued until the Development Permit is approved and becomes effective after the 2-week appeal period. A Building Inspector will contact you when your Building Permit is approved or if further information is needed.

Temporary Structure

Temporary structures are reviewed based on the actual use of the structure. Please refer to the Commercial/Industrial/Institutional Structure section for permit procedure.