FAQs - Building
When do I need a permit?
You need a permit to:
- Construct a Secondary Suite
- Change of use of your building
- Construct a new house
- Construct an accessory structure (i.e., shed) larger than 10 square metres
- Make alterations, renovations, repairs to existing buildings/structures
- Construct a sundeck where the finished deck elevation is over 24’’ above the surrounding grade.
- Commercial renovations where the exit travel is altered, a change in occupancy occurs, or increase in seating is expected
- Construct a swimming pool
- Finish a previously unfinished area (i.e., basement)
- Close in a carport to a garage
- Move a building
- Demolish a building
- Install a NEW wood stove
- Any new construction
You do not need a building permit for:
- Restoration or repair only of your home other than structural
- Maintenance work
- Decks under 24" to grade measured at any location
- Fences
- Repairing drain tile
- Installing new roofing on an existing building
- Sidewalks or patios on private property
Where do I get a permit?
- Construction, alteration, demolition and relocation permits may be obtained at the Building Inspection Department counter at 5003 Graham Avenue, phone 250.615.4023, fax 250.635.3467
- Water, sanitary and storm sewer permits may be obtained from the Engineering Department at 5003 Graham Avenue, phone 250.615.4021, fax 250.635.3467
- Electrical and Gas permits may be obtained at 3210 Eby Street, phone 250.638.6562
- Septic tank permits and inquiries should be made to Northern Health at 3412 Kalum Street, phone 250.631.4222, fax 250.638.2209
DOWNLOAD permit application and other forms (pdf)
DOWNLOAD Building and other bylaws (pdf)
What is the cost of a permit?
Permit costs are based on building construction value. If a building has been engineered, the cost is $8.50 per thousand dollars of value. If the building has not been engineered, the cost is $9.00 per thousand dollars of value.
What do I need to bring when I apply for a house permit?
- Two copies of plans, including a site drawing, drawn to scale
- Payment for applicable fees required at application
- Proof of ownership of the property
- Septic approval required if not connected to City sanitary service
- Home Owner protection forms
What are the rules for legalizing a secondary suite?
- Only one suite is allowed per residence
- It must be in a zone where the Zoning By-law allows suites as a permitted use
- There must be at least one parking space on the property for the tenant of the suite
- It must be registered at the Building Department, and pass a final inspection
Climatic Information:
- The ground snow load for the City of Terrace is 5.4Kpa (112.7 psf)
- The associated rain load for the City of Terrace is .6Kpa (12.5 psf)
- Frost protection level is 1.2 meters (4 ft)
Wood Burning Appliance Bylaw & Wood Stove Exchange Program
VIEW more information on the Wood Burning Appliance Installation and Operation Bylaw
Until the end of 2010, homeowners are eligible for up to $400 in rebates and incentives to help support them in the exchange of old wood burning stoves in our City.
City of Terrace 
The Seasons of Terrace 
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