What Home Renovations Require a Permit in Revelstoke?

Any renovation that alters the structure of your home, such as knocking down walls, adding or removing beams, or expanding your home’s footprint, will almost certainly require a permit. Structural changes affect the integrity of your home, and building authorities need to ensure that the work meets safety standards. This includes:

• Knocking down or moving load-bearing walls: A permit is required to alter or remove any walls that support the weight of the roof or upper floors.

• Adding new floors or extending your home: Expanding your home, whether by building a second story, adding a basement suite, or extending outward, will require a permit.

• Changing rooflines or altering the pitch: If you are re-roofing or changing the shape of your roof, you’ll need approval to ensure it complies with structural integrity and local codes.

Any electrical work, from installing new outlets to rewiring a room, requires a permit. Electrical systems need to be installed to specific safety standards to prevent hazards such as fire or electrocution. Hiring a certified electrician is crucial, as they will ensure the work is up to code and obtain the necessary permit on your behalf. Typical electrical work that requires a permit includes:

• Upgrading or relocating electrical panels

• Installing new circuits or outlets

• Rewiring or upgrading the electrical system

• Adding or altering lighting fixtures

Renovations that affect plumbing systems also require permits. This includes adding new bathrooms, moving or replacing pipes, and changing your water or sewer systems. Plumbing permits ensure that the work is performed safely and meets local health and safety standards. Permitted plumbing work includes:

• Installing or moving water pipes

• Adding new sinks, bathtubs, or toilets

• Installing or replacing hot water tanks

• Connecting new plumbing to municipal water or sewer systems

If you're converting your basement or another part of your home into a secondary suite or basement suite, a permit is required. This type of renovation must comply with building codes for safety, fire protection, and health standards. In Revelstoke, you will also need to check zoning bylaws to ensure your property is eligible for a secondary suite. Some considerations include:

• Separate entrance: A separate entrance is typically required for secondary suites.

• Fire safety: Proper fire-rated doors and exit routes are necessary for secondary suites.

• Parking requirements: There may be regulations that require additional parking spaces for tenants.

In Revelstoke, building a deck or patio also requires a permit if it exceeds certain dimensions or is elevated off the ground. The permit process ensures the deck is safely designed and meets local zoning and building code requirements, including weight-bearing capacity, structural integrity, and safety measures such as guardrails and stairs. Be sure to check local bylaws for:

• Height restrictions: Elevated decks typically require permits, especially if they are higher than 2 feet from the ground.

• Footing and structural integrity: Decks need to be built to withstand weather conditions, snow loads, and other environmental factors typical to Revelstoke.

• While minor cosmetic renovations such as painting or installing new fixtures typically don’t require a permit, larger kitchen and bathroom renovations that involve plumbing, electrical work, or structural changes will. For example, replacing plumbing fixtures or installing new appliances in locations with existing plumbing may not require a permit, but altering plumbing lines, installing a new water supply, or adding electrical outlets or lighting will.

• Changing the size or location of windows or doors, especially in the exterior of your home, requires a permit. This ensures that the changes comply with safety codes and meet the necessary structural requirements, including wind load resistance and insulation requirements. Even if you're simply replacing existing windows with new ones of the same size, it's best to confirm with the City of Revelstoke whether a permit is required.

• Building fences or retaining walls often requires a permit, especially if they exceed a certain height or are in specific zoning areas. In Revelstoke, fence height restrictions can vary depending on your property’s location. For example, front yard fences might be restricted to a lower height, while backyards or properties near slopes may require additional considerations for retaining walls.

• If you plan to install a swimming pool or hot tub on your property, you will need a permit. This is to ensure that the installation meets all safety and zoning requirements, including fencing, drainage, and electrical connections. Permits will also be required for hot tubs that are built into the deck or attached to the home in any way.