Kelowna Online Permit Application Guide

The City of Kelowna Development Services Department processes building permit applications for single-family homes, infill multiplexes, carriage houses, secondary suites, room additions, renovations, and commercial tenant improvements online through its dedicated Permit Portal (permits.kelowna.ca). Digital intake speeds up inter-departmental plan checking and gives homeowners and contractors clear visibility into review progress.

While cosmetic updates (painting, flooring, baseboards, cabinet resurfacing) are permit-exempt, all structural alterations, layout changes, additions, secondary suites, and commercial tenant improvements require formal permits. Note that each building on a parcel requires its own distinct application. You don't need to worry about any of the technical drawing preparation—Canadian Blueprint packages and formats your entire architectural permit set so it clears City of Kelowna intake on the first submission.

Official City of Kelowna Online Portals & Resources

This guide reflects the City of Kelowna's official Development Services guidelines. You can access the municipal portal and official resources directly below:

• Kelowna Online Permit Portal: City of Kelowna Digital Permit Portal (permits.kelowna.ca)
• Building Permits & Inspections Hub: Kelowna Building Permit Checklists & Application Guides
• Interactive GIS Property Maps: Kelowna City Maps, Zoning & OCP Layers
• Development Services Application Centre Contact: Visit City Hall (2nd Floor, Application Centre) at 1435 Water Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1J4, call 250-469-8960, or email developmentservicesinfo@kelowna.ca.
• Historical Property Blueprints: Request Original Building Drawings in Kelowna
• Title Search & Charges: BC Land Title Search Guide

How the City of Kelowna Online Permitting Process Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Receive Your Ready-to-Upload Package from Canadian Blueprint

Before launching your online submission, Canadian Blueprint drafts and compiles your complete architectural blueprint package:

• Intake-Ready Vector PDFs: Single-layer, high-resolution vector PDFs with uncertified professional stamps so City examiners can apply digital municipal approval stamps without document errors.
• Zoning & BC Building Code Compliance: Accurate floor plans, cross-sections, exterior elevations, window-to-wall calculations, and fire separation assemblies engineered to City of Kelowna zoning bylaws (including infill and carriage house regulations).
• Engineering Integration: Seamless coordination with structural engineers (Schedule B), geotechnical consultants, and Certified Energy Advisors (CEAs) for Step Code compliance.

Step 2 — Access the Kelowna Permit Portal & Submit Application

Once your drawings and checklists are ready:

1. Go to permits.kelowna.ca and select your permit category.
2. Enter property details, owner information, and construction valuation. Note: If your project involves multiple separate structures (such as a primary dwelling and a detached carriage house/garage), submit a separate application for each building.
3. Upload your completed application forms, Title Search, Owner's Authorization, and Canadian Blueprint's PDF drawing set.
4. Alternative Paper Submission Option: If required or preferred for large projects, full-sized paper drawing sets and engineered truss packages may be submitted directly to City Hall (2nd Floor, Application Centre).

Step 3 — Settle Application Fee via Emailed Payment Link

Upon receiving your portal submission:

• City staff review the package for mandatory documentation.
• The City emails you an invoice with a secure link to pay the application fee online.
• Important Intake Rule: Payment of the application fee is mandatory for the application to be deemed complete and formally enter the technical plan review queue.

Step 4 — Forward Any Plan Checker Review Comments Directly to Us

During plan review, Kelowna examiners review your drawings against the BC Building Code, local zoning bylaws, and environmental/hillside guidelines.

If plan checkers require drawing revisions or additional details, they will issue a Plan Review Comment Notice. Simply forward that notice to Canadian Blueprint. We will review the examiner's comments, make all necessary CAD updates, re-export the updated PDF sheets with revision clouds, and return them ready for re-submission.

Step 5 — Settle Final Fees, Download Stamped Plans & Schedule Inspections

When your application is fully approved:

• The City emails an invoice for the remaining permit balance and any applicable security deposits (e.g., street damage bonds).
• Upon payment, your Building Permit is officially issued, and City-stamped drawings are released.
• Jobsite Paper Set Requirement: Print one full-size (24″ × 36″ or 30″ × 42″) paper set of the City-approved stamped drawings and permit, and keep it on the construction site for all inspector visits.
• Scheduling Inspections: Schedule required site inspections online or by phone with the Kelowna Building Division before concealing any trade work.

Canadian Blueprint Inc.

BC Building Design & Permit Drawings

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