The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) board of directors recently adopted the new CVRD Building Bylaw 681.

The bylaw has been updated to reflect the requirements of the new BC Building Code, BC Building Act, and construction industry standards. The new bylaw also includes increases to building permit fees and fines for properties being developed within the electoral areas.

鈥淓nsuring the CVRD Building Bylaw reflects changes to the 2024 BC Building Code (BCBC) and provincial legislation, including the BC Energy Step Code is a priority,鈥� explains Amanda Yasinski, senior manager of building and bylaw compliance.

鈥淭he previous building bylaw and fee structure was adopted in 2011, and last reviewed in 2017. Since then, the construction industry, terminology, and provincial legislation and fee structure has changed.鈥�

Highlights from the new CVRD Building Bylaw 681:

鈥� Increased clarity surrounding when and to what degree registered professionals are to be involved with construction projects.

鈥� For example, an engineer is required for a dwelling unit larger than 90m2

鈥� Building permits for swimming pools are not included as these requirements are not contained within the BC Building Code.

鈥� Includes BC Building Code mandate to comply with the BC Energy Step Code.

鈥� Incorporation of BC Building Code requirements.

鈥� Emission requirements for solid fuel-fired appliances.

鈥� Increase to building permit fees and fines.

鈥� Expiration condition added to Building permits.

The BC Building code changes came into effect on March 8. The new Building Bylaw 681 came into effect upon bylaw adoption on March 12.

For more information on the new Building Bylaw 681 and fee structure visit