Are you planning to begin building or renovating on Bowen?
In addition to any required development approvals, a Building Permit may be needed to ensure buildings are safe for their intended purpose. Building policies and bylaws must be followed during the building process.
Building and renovations are regulated by the Building Bylaw. This bylaw includes regulations for construction, alteration, repair and demolition of buildings and structures. Development regulations, such as building setbacks and height, are under the Land Use Bylaw.
Please read this notice if you are planning on any new development within the Snug Cove Sewer System boundary.
Bowen Island Joins the BC Building Permit Hub
Bowen Island Municipality has joined municipalities from across BC on the Building Permit Hub, a new, Provincial platform that makes it faster and easier to apply for building permits.
Designed for residents, builders, and designers, the Building Permit Hub streamlines the entire permitting process through a user-friendly digital interface. It helps ensure submissions are complete, code-compliant, and ready for review, right from the start.
Key Benefits:
- Faster, simpler permit application process
- Standardized requirements across participating B.C. communities
- Project folders to manage multi-permit submissions
- Built-in collaboration tools for teams and consultants
How to Get Started:
- Go to the Hub
- Log in with your BCeID or BC Services Card (BC residency not required)
- Review the User Guides and explanation of roles
- Visit the info page for best practices and permitting resources
- Use the project readiness tools to check documents before submitting
Coming Soon to the Hub:
- New permit types (renovations, trades, fire safety)
- Standardized design catalogues
- Improved status tracking features
Stay in the loop: Sign up for Sprint Review Demo updates to see what’s coming next.
Need help?
- For permit-related questions, contact Bowen Island Building Department at 604-947-4255 ext. 2
- For technical support with the Hub, email digital.codes.permits@gov.bc.ca
Building Permit Guide and Application Forms
We are fully digital! All Building Permit applications and documents are now PDF digital only
- Building Permit Guide
- Minimum Requirements for Plans Submitted for a Building Permit
- Building Permit Application Form
- Excavation Permit Application Form
- Building Permit Application – Existing Secondary Suite
- Municipal Water Connection Application
- Building Permit Application Form – Private Moorage
- Building Permit applications must be accompanied by foreshore tenure (usually a Specific Permission) issued by the Province of British Columbia.
How to Apply
All applications are to be submitted in pdf format to building@bimbc.ca. Attachments are limited to 10 MB. Do not submit hard copies of schedules and drawings to Municipal Hall until you are requested to do so.
Payment
You can pay by cheque, either mail to or drop off at Bowen Island Municipality, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G2. Cash and debit card payments are also accepted in person at Municipal Hall.
IMPORTANT: Please do not send e-transfer payments until you have received instructions specific to your application.
Additional Information
Additional forms, policies or information that may be relevant to your application can be found below.
Confirmation of Professional Liability Insurance
Letter of Agency – Assign an Agent to Act on Your Behalf
Grade and Height Calculation Brochure
Height Calculation Spreadsheet
Site Plan Example
Operating a water supply system
BC Archaeological Information Request Form & Brochure
Site Disclosure Statement & Information
Green Shores Brochure
Active Design Information
Building IN Resilience
FireSmart
Questions? Contact the Building Department at building@bimbc.ca