Council has adopted an updated Building Bylaw that modernizes and enhances construction protocols to align with provincial and municipal standards. The new bylaw will come into effect on April 1, 2025.

The primary purpose of Building Regulations Bylaw No. 11-84, 2025, is to regulate and administer standards concerning the design, construction, and/or occupancy of new buildings and alteration, demolition, and relocation of existing structures.

“This update will streamline the administration of BC Building Codes and regulation of construction in Kamloops, and create clarity and consistency. Ultimately, the updated bylaw will support a safer, more sustainable, and resilient community, forming a robust foundation for ongoing improvements to construction processes in Kamloops,” said Marc Vere, the City’s Chief Building Official.

When drafting the bylaw revisions, City Building staff met with industry representatives and hosted a public information session for interested members of the public. Feedback received helped to shape the final draft.

Key bylaw changes will improve:

general administration of the bylaw

how the bylaw is applied to existing buildings

standards for permit requirements and types

clarity of owner's and registered professional's responsibilities

permit process expediency

specific design requirements

compliance and enforcement measures

The update impacts builders, developers, contractors, suppliers, tradespeople, and homeowners considering renovations, additions, landscaping, retaining walls, pools, and solar panel installations.

Building Regulations Bylaw No. 11-84 will come into effect on April 1, 2025. Existing projects with active building permits in place and building permit applications deemed complete before April 1 will remain under the current bylaw and permit requirements. A building permit that expires or is not renewed before April 1 will be required to meet new bylaw requirements.

Concurrent with the Building Bylaw update, an amendment to the Development and Land Use Application Fees Bylaw will add all fees previously included in the Building Bylaw. The amendment centralizes fees for all development within the City and, notably, introduces a 5% permit discount fee to a maximum of $500.00 when building permit reviews exceed set timelines, underscoring the City’s commitment to improving customer service.

Information on applying for a permit is available Kamloops.ca/BuildingPermits.