The Town of Gibsons Building Department maintains the quality of life for Gibsons’ citizens by regulating all construction within the Town. This is achieved through the use of the Town of Gibsons Building and Plumbing Bylaw, the British Columbia Building Code, the British Columbia Fire Code and other related bylaws and enactments within the Town of Gibsons.

Day-to-day activities include processing applications and issuing a variety of permits covering building moving, building demolition, building construction, plumbing, heating, fire sprinkler, swimming pool installations and woodstove and fireplace installations; conducting inspections for compliance with the minimum health and safety requirements contained in related construction codes and bylaws; investigating complaints relating to unauthorized construction, unsafe conditions and violations of related Town of Gibsons Bylaws; maintaining a well-trained, courteous and responsive staff to effectively screen and process construction applications and preliminary proposals; act as a forum for discussion and consultation for local builders, developers, home owners and others involved in the construction industry; maintain records of construction projects undertaken within the Town; and review proposed equivalents to determine if they will provide a level of performance at least equal to the standard required by the British Columbia Building Code.

Owner-Contractors
It should be noted that if an applicant wishes to be an Owner-Contractor, they will be held responsible to ensure that all the requirements are met under the aforementioned Codes and Bylaws.  This means undertaking and securing the written reports and field inspection reports for professionals they may be required to retain for the work on-site.  Ignorance of this requirement will not be excused.  Owner-Contractors should avoid delays in construction by ensuring that they completely understand this responsibility before proceeding.

Building Without Permits
Building without a permit can result in a doubling of the Permit Fees, as per the Building Bylaw. Finishing or refinishing on houses, i.e. painting, wallpaper, paneling, trim work, re-roofing, etc. do not require permits. An accessory building, with less than 10 sq. metres (108 sq. ft.) in floor area, may not require a building permit, but a plan should be submitted showing its site location.


Contact Information:

Chester Machniewski, P.Eng.

Building Inspector
Phone: 604.886.2274
Fax: 604.886.9735
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