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iNFORMATION ON HOW TO OBTAIN PERMITS
AND LICENSES FOR TERRACE AND THE REGION

Obtaining the right permit or license for your particular activities is not always straightforward. We can help you find the suitable permit for your situation, whether it's for personal or commercial purposes. If you can't find the information you're looking for, let us know.

We'll Help You Find The Right Permit

How to Obtain a Permit

Use the list below to determine which department has the permit you need.

The Building Inspection Department
Permit types: for construction, alteration, demolition, and relocation permits
5003 Graham Avenue
Phone: 250-615-4023

The Engineering Department
Permit types: for water, sanitary, and storm sewer permits
5003 Graham Avenue
Phone: 250-615-4021

The Electrical Department
Permit type: for electrical and gas permits
3210 Eby Street
Phone: 250-638-6562

The Ministry of Health
Permit types: for septic tank permits and inquiries
3412 Kalum Street
Phone: 250-638-2222

Building and Business Licensing

In Terrace, applications for building and plumbing permits, sign permits, moving permits, and demolition permits are handled by the Building Inspection Department. All business license inquiries and processing of submitted applications is handled by the Business Licensing Department. Find a copy of the Building Permit Application or Building Bylaw here.

Building and Business Licensing
5003 Graham Avenue
Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 250-615-4023

Building: When Do You Need a Permit?

We have provided information on the general circumstances in which you would need a permit. For more detailed information, we can help put you in touch with the appropriate department.

You'll need a permit for:

  • An expected increase in seating
  • Changing the of use of your building
  • Constructing an accessory structure that is larger than 10 square meters (e.g. a shed)
  • Constructing a new house
  • Constructing a secondary suite
  • Constructing a sundeck with a finished deck elevation more than 24'' above the surrounding grade
  • Constructing a swimming pool
  • Commercial renovations
  • Demolishing a building
  • Finishing a previously unfinished area
  • Installing a new wood stove
  • Moving a building
  • New construction

You will not need a building permit for:

  • Any restoration or repair of your home that is not structural
  • Building or installing fences
  • Constructing decks 24" below grade, measured at any location
  • Installing new roofing on an existing building
  • Maintenance work
  • Repairing drain tiles
  • Repairing or constructing sidewalks or patios on private property
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Building Permit Types and Value

View the statistics on building permits in Terrace by value and by type.

Terrace Building Permit Value [PDF]

Terrace Permit Value by Type [PDF] 

The Permit and Authorization Service Bureau

The Permit and Authorization Service Bureau (PASB) ensures that environmental standards are not compromised by administrating Fish and Wildlife permits, Commercial Licenses, and BC Parks' Park Use Permits.

City of Terrace Bylaws

Find a comprehensive list of Terrace bylaws here, including Business License Bylaws and Development Permit Procedures Bylaws.