Building Inspections

Village of Salmo

Building Inspections

The Building Inspection Department provides a public service to builders and property owners. The building permit process allows new buildings to be reviewed to ensure compliance with Canadian Health and Safety Standards, as well as the BC Building Code, other applicable Codes and Village of Salmo Bylaws.

The Building Bylaw regulates building construction and identifies the responsibility of property owners and builders in Salmo. The British Columbia Building Code applies to the construction, addition to and alteration of most buildings. The Village of Salmo employees and the Building inspector provide information to the public, review plans for potential problems and provide inspections at specified intervals.

Our Building Inspector is available in the Salmo Village Office on Wednesdays from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at:

423 Davies Avenue, Salmo, BC V0G 1Z0

To book an inspection, call the Village of Salmo Office at 250-357-9433 or email us at appointment@salmo.ca.

For inquiries call the Building Inspections Services line at 250-352-8155.

Permit Application

Applications for Building Permits are available online or at the Village Office.  Construction must not commence before a building permit has been issued and paid for.  To speed things up ensure that the application form is complete, contact information is correct and that the owner has signed the application.  Delays occur when information or documentation is not provided or is not adequate.

Applicant must pay plan check deposit (where required) at time of application.  Permit fee is payable at permit issuance.  Fee to be paid by cheque, cash or debit card only. Contact the Village Office for current Permit fees.

Link to Salmo building-related Permit forms and the Salmo and RDCK Building Permit Requirements brochure – printed copies available at the Village office.

Inspections

Required Inspections for:

  • Single-Family Dwellings
  • Multiple residential buildings
  • Commercial, Industrial and Institutional buildings
  • Additions to any of the above

It will be the responsibility of the owner/contractor to give notice of 3 working days to the building official for obtaining inspections and approval of all work under construction. The permit number, building site address, owner’s name and the type of inspection required are to be quoted when requesting inspections. The owner/contractor is to ensure that the permit identification notice is posted at the driveway entrance.

1.    Siting

After excavation and footing formwork is complete, PRIOR to placing concrete.

2.    Damp proofing & Foundation Perimeter Drainage

Tie holes filled, after the application of foundation damp proofing and the installation of foundation perimeter drainage and drain rock PRIOR to backfilling.

3.    Plumbing (under slab)

Groundwork completed.  Drains under test with 3 metre head of water PRIOR to backfilling.

4. & 5.   Framing & Plumbing
  • Rough-in plumbing to be completed and under test
  • All electrical and mechanical rough-in completed
  • Framing completed to lock-up stage
  • Site-built shower with waterproof membrane complete
  • Furnace & chimney installation completed
  • Mechanical ventilation checklist completed and on site.
6. Masonry Fireplace

Consult Building Official

7. Solid Fuel Burning Appliance

Consult Building Official

8.    Insulation

Insulation and vapour barrier installed, PRIOR to covering.

9.   Occupancy

PRIOR to occupying a new building or new addition to an existing building.  Health and Safety aspects of the building regulations must be completed at this time.

10. Final

When the work authorized under a building permit has been completed.

11.  Other Inspections

As directed by the Building Official.

Each Permit shall expire and the right of an owner under a permit shall terminate:

a)  if the work is not commenced within (6) months from the date of issuance of such permit;
b)  if the work is discontinued or suspended for a period of more than (12) months;
c)  if work is not completed within (3) years, unless the permit is renewed;
d)  upon completion of the construction, as per accepted plans.

*Note:   Fewer inspections are required for farm buildings or for small structures less than 10 square meters (107 square feet). Check with the Building Official.

When is a Permit Required?

A Building or Plumbing Permit is required when you wish to:

  • construct a new building, including temporary and farm buildings
  • renovate a building
  • construct an addition to a building
  • alter the interior of a building, including finishing a basement
  • move a building
  • demolish a building
  • change the use or occupancy of a building
  • create a secondary suite
  • install a manufactured or modular home on a lot or in a M.H. Park
  • add on to a manufactured home
  • install a new drainage or water piping system in a building
  • alter or remodel a plumbing system
  • install a sprinkler system
  • install a fire alarm system
  • install a pool-pertains to fencing requirements
  • construct a retaining wall retaining more than 5 feet of soil

Note: With the exception of a homeowner installing his/her own plumbing system, all plumbing is to be installed by a British Columbia certified plumber.

A Permit is not required for minor non-structural changes, such as:

  • painting
  • landscaping, sidewalks, and driveways
  • fencing (fence heights are limited by Regional District of Central Kootenay Rural Land Use Bylaws)
  • kitchen or other cabinet replacement
  • install new roofing
  • build a fireplace, install a woodstove or install a chimney in an existing building

When does the Final Inspection occur?

When the building or portion thereof is completed and ready for occupancy an occupancy inspection is required.

When all health and safety concerns have been addressed, an Occupancy Permit will be issued.  If there is work still to be completed, the Occupancy Permit will be conditional with a completion date specified.

When all work is completed, a Final Inspection is required.  When the building passes inspection, the Permit file is closed.

If the Permit file is not closed within 3 years from the date of issue, please contact the Building Department for an inspection.  The Permit may be renewed once for a 1-year period.

  • Give the Building Official at least 72 hours’ notice prior to the date of an inspection.
  • Post the property street number at a location visible from the street.