Building Inspection

How and when can I book building inspections?

To book a building inspection call 250-960-4400 with your building permit number, type of inspection required and what date you would like the inspection. We require 24-48 hours notice to book inspections. You can book an inspection Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 5:00.

What time will my inspector come to do the inspection?

Inspections are done Monday to Friday between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. You can request a morning inspection which will mean an inspector will be at your location between 10:00-12:30 or afternoon which will mean an inspector will be at your location between 12:00-3:00.

What building inspections are required in the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George?

For a complete list of required building inspections please see the Schedule of inspections.

Where can I find information on my septic system / well?

Please contact the Northern Health Authority.

Do I require a building permit for a farm building?

Farm buildings (low human occupancy) used for farm purposes, constructed on properties with agricultural zoning and farm status under the Assessment Act are exempt from permit requirements. Owners must still comply with the requirements of the National Farm Building Code and the zoning regulations for property.

I have a general question, who should I talk to?

You may call (250)960-4400 and speak with a Service Centre staff member. The Service Centre will be able to answer your question or re-direct your call to the appropriate staff member.

When do I need a building permit to do work in the Regional District?

Building permits are required for any new construction, alteration or addition to a structure in a Regional District of Fraser-Fort George.

Do I need a permit for a deck?

If the deck structure is 2ft. or greater in height or connected to another structure setbacks must be met and a building permit is required. If you are unsure about a specific project, contact our office.

Do I need a permit for a garden shed?

Sheds that are one story and maximum of 10 sq. m. (107.6 sq. ft.) do not require a Building Permit. Minimum setbacks to property lines apply and depend on which Zone the shed is located in. Larger sheds do require a permit.

How do I obtain a building permit for my house?

To apply for a building permit you must bring in all the information required on and described on this page.

I am working on a property with a watercourse. Are there any special requirements or regulations I need to follow?

Please contact the Planning Services for specific information at 250-960-4400.

What Zone is my property in? And what are the zoning regulations?

Please contact the Planning Department (250-960-4400) to discuss your zoning regulations.

How much does a permit cost?

The building permit fee is based on the true value of construction, including material and labour as determined by the Building Inspection staff. Permits are calculated at $100 for the first $1,000 true value and $6 for every extra $1000. For example: A $20,000 detached garage will cost $214 for the permit.

Do you release copies of building inspection records?

To obtain copies of building inspection records for a specific property that you do not currently own, you can complete a request for information form and submit it to the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George. Make sure to include what information you require. Please see Freedom of Information pages for more information.

How can I pay for my building permit?

You will pay for your building permit when you pick it up after the building inspector completes a plan review. Permit fees shall be paid by way of cash, cheque, Visa, MasterCard, debit or money order payable to the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George.

How long is a building permit good for?

Once a permit is issued, it remains valid for three years, subject to the first inspection being made within 6 months from permit issue date and at least one inspection occurring per year. All permits expire three years after the date of issuance. Under some conditions, permits can be renewed with a processing fee, to allow the builder to complete the project over an extended period of time.

Where can I get a copy of the building code?

You may obtain a copy of the current BC Building Code from a local book retailer or you may order a copy from The Queens Printer. You can also purchase an online version of the code through Queens Printer.

The local library may have a copy for viewing purposes.

When can I talk to an inspector?

Building Inspectors are generally available Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 10:00 am and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Prince George office. For the Robson Valley Region please click here.

How deep do my footings need to be below grade?

The bottom of footings must be 4' below finish grade.

What is the snow load requirements for the Regional District?

CLIMATIC DATA

Climatic data for the design of buildings in the Regional District shall be deemed to be:

Design Temperatures (Celsius):

January – 1%............................................................................................................	-32
January – 2.5% ……………………………………………………………………………	-29
July – 2.5% Drybulb ………………………………………………………………………	29
July 2.5% Wetbulb ………………………………………………………………………..	18

Degree – Days below 18 See Schedule ‘B’ – Climate Zone Map
15 min rain (mm) ………………………………………………………………………………	13
One day rain, 1/50 (mm) ……………………………………………………………………..	54
Annual rain, (mm) ………………………………………………………...............................	475
Moisture index …………………………………………………………………………………	64
Annual total precipitation (mm) ………………………………………………………………	650
Driving rain wind pressure (Pa) 1/5 …………………………………………………………	60

Snow Load 1/50:

Rain Load (S_r) (kPa) ……………………………………………………………………..	0.2
Ground Snow Load (S_s) (kPa) …………………………………………………………..	4.3

Seismic Data:

S_a (0.2) ……………………………………………………………………………………	0.27
S_a (0.5) ……………………………………………………………………………………	0.16
S_a (1.0) ……………………………………………………………………………………	0.076
S_a (2.0) ……………………………………………………………………………………	0.042
PGA ……………………………………………………………………………………….	0.14

Hourly Wind Pressure:

Probability 1/10 (kPa) …………………………………………………………………...	0.27
Probability 1/50 (kPa) …………………………………………………………………...	0.35

Radon area …………………………………………………………………………………...

1

Required NAFS Fenestration performance of windows and doors in Part 9 buildings:

DP …………………………………………………………………………………………	720
PG …………………………………………………………………………………………	15
Water resistance …………………………………………………………………………	140