Squamish building permits: fees, steps and inspections

By Mark Dupuis · Last reviewed: November 1, 2026

Inside the District of Squamish, building permits are issued by the District’s building department. Properties outside the District, in the surrounding electoral areas, fall under the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD). Fees here come from the District’s Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 3185, 2025, in the consolidation dated April 2026.

On this page

1. What needs a permit
2. Permit fees (Bylaw 3185, Schedule 4)
3. Process and plan-check list
4. What a permit revision really costs
5. Inspections and expiry
6. Who to contact

What needs a permit

The District’s FAQ says a shed of 10 m² (107 ft²) or less does not need a building permit, and a deck 0.6 m (2 ft) or more above grade does. New buildings, additions, structural alterations, plumbing and demolition all need permits. Zoning still applies to exempt structures.

Permit fees (Bylaw 3185, Schedule 4)

• Building permit fee: $11 per $1,000 of development value. The rate is $7 for low-carbon self-sufficient buildings and non-residential tenant improvements, and $9 for privately built affordable housing.
• Permit and plan processing fee: minimum $200; $500 for projects over $100,000 (except non-residential tenant improvements and accessory dwelling units); $1,000 over $1 million; $3,000 over $5 million. The minimum fee is non-refundable.
• Plumbing $15 per fixture (minimum $45); masonry fireplace $50 per flue; retaining walls $50 each; fire suppression $75.
• Demolition: accessory building $90, single or two-unit dwelling $200, other buildings $500. A refundable demolition diversion fee of $20 per m² also applies.
• Re-inspection $100; service connection $30.
• Damage deposit for a single-family home or duplex: $1,000 per lot.
• Credit card payments carry a 2.4% surcharge, and the FAQ says cards are accepted up to $2,000.

Worked example: a $150,000 residential project at the standard rate is 150 × $11 = $1,650. Because the value is over $100,000, the schedule also lists a $500 processing fee. The bylaw does not say plainly whether that fee is credited against the permit fee, so confirm with the District. Fees paid at issuance can also include development cost charges, deposits and lot grading charges. Compare cities in the BC permit fee estimator.

Starting without a permit adds a 150% surcharge, with a $1,000 minimum. If no work has started, 75% of the permit fee is refundable.

Process and plan-check list

1. Confirm zoning and any development permit area.
2. Prepare a complete package; incomplete applications slow everything. See how to submit permit drawings.
3. Submit and pay the processing fee.
4. Plan review, followed by a “ready to issue” notice. The FAQ says an application is cancelled if the permit is not paid within 60 days of that notice.
5. Off-site services must be connected before the permit is issued.
6. Pay the issuance fees, then book inspections as you build.

For current wait times, the District asks you to call 604-815-6872.

A note on drafters: the District’s fees cover review only. Your designer bills separately for drawings and changes; there is no official published rate, so get a written quote that covers revisions.

What a permit revision really costs

• District fee: Bylaw 3185 does not list a separate revision fee. It does list a Building Inspector at $95 per hour and a Code Professional at $145 per hour as an additional charge where “more involved issues” need it. Ask staff how they will bill your change.
• Engineer review: the District says changes during construction may need an amended plan stamped by a Professional Engineer. That is a separate professional bill, not a District fee.
• Drafter time: billed by your designer at their own rate.

Inspections and expiry

Book inspections by phone, Monday to Friday, 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. The FAQ warns of waits of up to 5 business days, so book early. A permit expires if work does not start within 6 months or stops for 180 days. Extensions are charged at 25%, 50% or 100% under the fee bylaw.

Who to contact

District of Squamish building department · building@squamish.ca · 604-815-6872. Engineering questions: 604-815-5012. Electrical and gas permits come from Technical Safety BC.