Building & Planning – Frequently Asked Questions

You can find zoning information and permitted uses in the land use bylaw. It will contain information on the regulations around how land can be used in different areas, such as residential, commercial, or industrial zones. It also sets rules around things like what can be built, how tall buildings can be, and how close they can be to property lines.

Many factors must be considered when determining if a property can be subdivided. Subdivision and servicing information is located in the Land Use Bylaw for each zone.

Have more questions? Please contact the planning department to discuss whether the property in question has subdivision potential.

You can pay by cash, debit, or cheque at the Municipal Hall. Or you can pay directly to Finance at finance@bimbc.ca. You must reference your permit application number with your payment and can only do so once we’ve confirmed receipt of your application.

A planner will contact you once they begin their review. If you have any questions, contact planning@bimbc.ca.

The timeline for each planning and development application will vary depending on the type of application and the complexity. Each application includes a guide, which include an estimated processing timeline.

Staff cannot review incomplete applications, and incomplete applications will not be finalized until all required documents are received. A delay in a complete application being submitted will delay the process.

No, a certified BC Land Surveyor must identify property lines and pins. A list of certified professionals can be found on the following website:  https://www.abcls.ca/

It depends, campgrounds for recreational vehicles, trailer parks and manufactured home parks are not permitted on Bowen Island. Trailers, motor homes, campers or other recreational vehicles require permanent foundations and service connections to be used as a residence.

You can also live in a temporary trailer for one year while a home is under construction with an active building permit. Its best to contact the Building Department directly to inquire about your specific property and situation.

There is no minimum size requirement on Bowen Island. A tiny home would still be considered a dwelling and therefore needs to meet zoning requirements and the requirements of a building permit.

Yes, one secondary suite is permitted in the zoning bylaw for all residentially zoned properties on Bowen Island. Some strata bylaws or individual covenants do restrict secondary suites on certain properties though, so it’s recommended to check those prior to proceeding with an application.

More information can be found in our secondary suites guide or by contacting the Planning Department.

No, the Traffic and Use of Streets Bylaw only allows for one driveway access per residential property.

Covenants are an agreement between a local government and the owner of land, where the owner’s rights to use the land, build upon the land, or subdivide the land are restricted. They are authorized by Sec. 219 of the Land Title Act. Restrictive covenants are one of many tools used by local government in the regulation of land use and building use.

Property owners can contact the BC Land Title Office for copies of their covenants, easements and statutory rights-of-way at https://ltsa.ca/property-owners/.  BIM can also secure copies of covenants for property owners for a fee.

Bowen Island does not have a tree removal bylaw or permit process. However, if you are located in a Development Permit (DP) Area, you likely require a DP to remove trees and vegetation. In some circumstances, a site alteration permit may also be required. There are some exceptions, so if you have any questions, please contact planning@bimbc.ca.

Yes, building permits are required to install solar PV panels, install solar hot water heating and undertake alterations to an existing solar panel system. All components must be CSA approved and have electrical permits from Technical Safety BC.

Yes, and the building permit application process is the same for prefabricated homes as for a traditional build. Prefabricated homes need to be compliant with the BC Building Code and the BC Energy Step Code as well as all zoning and land use requirements.

Questions? Contact our building inspector at building@bimbc.ca

Shipping containers are permitted but they require a building permit and must comply with the zoning and development permit regulations for the property.

There are also requirements around fire protection, which can be found here.

Fences not exceeding a height of 2.5 metres (approx. 8 ft) can be built anywhere on a property and can be built right up to a property line. Not sure where your property line is? A BC Land Surveyor will be able to assist you in identifying your pins.

Check out Bowmap to confirm whether or not your property is located within a development permit area. Although a building permit may not be needed, a development permit would be required for work within a development permit area.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) regulates all septic fields and has the files for septic systems installed on Bowen Island. Find sewerage systems information here.

Check out Bowmap to confirm whether or not your property is located within a development permit area. Although a building permit may not be needed, a development permit would be required for work within a development permit area.

Yes, Bowen Island Municipality does maintain property records and they can be accessed by the property owner or their authorized agent for a record search fee. If you wish to undertake a property records search, please contact our building clerk at building@bimbc.ca for assistance.

We cannot guarantee that records will be available for work that was undertaken on the property prior to Bowen Island becoming a Municipality nor that all desired information will be available.