Building Bylaw

 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED 
 
BUILDING BYLAW 1160, 2008 
 
 
 
List of Amendments 
Consolidated for Convenience Only 
 
This Bylaw has been consolidated as of June 1, 2026, for convenience only.  Where applicable, 
capitalization, numerical order, and numbering have been altered for consistency.  Copies of the 
original Bylaw and amendments may be viewed at the Langford City Hall located on the Second 
Floor, 877 Goldstream Avenue, Langford, BC. 
 
Consolidated to: 
 
Amendment 
Bylaw Number 
Date Adopted 
Amendment No.1, 2009 
1210 
20090202 
Amendment No 2, 2009 
1237 
20090615 
Amendment No. 3, 2010 
1277 
20100406 
Amendment No. 4, 2014 
1527 
20140616 
Amendment No. 5 - DRAFT  
1528 
DRAFT 
Amendment No. 6, 2015 
1560 
20150407 
Amendment No. 7, 2015 (access routes) 
1598 
20151102 
Amendment No. 8, 2016 (replace Appendix A) 
1634 
May 16, 2016 
Amendment No. 9, 2017 (replace Appendix A) 
1706 
June 8, 2017 
Amendment No. 10, 2018 (replace Appendix A) - 
REPEALED 
1776 
July 16, 2018 
Amendment No. 11, 2018 (replace Appendix A) 
1802 
July 31, 2018 
Amendment N0. 12, 2019 ((replace Appendix A) 
1850 
June 4, 2019 
Amendment No 13, 2020 (replace appendix A) 
1902 
June 29, 2020 
Amendment No. 14, 2021 (replace appendix A) 
1966 
July 19, 2021 
Amendment No. 15, 2022 (replace appendix A) 
2047 
June 20, 2022 
Amendment No. 16, 2025 (replace appendix A)  
2121 
May 5, 2025  
Amendment No. 17, 2026  
2181 
March 16, 2026  
Amendment No. 18, 2026  
2283 
June 1, 2026  
 
 
 

City of Langford 
Building Bylaw No. 1160, 2008 (Consolidated to June 1, 2026) 
Page 2 of 32 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BUILDING BYLAW 1160, 2008 
 
Table of Contents 
 
 
Section 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Page 
 
1.0 
Scope, Application and Definitions  
 
 
   
 
4 
1.1 
Scope and Applications 
 
 
 
 
   
 
4 
1.2 
Exemptions 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
4 
1.3 
Definitions 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
4-5 
 
2.0 
 
 
Responsibilities and Obligations 
 
 
 
   
 
5 
2.1 
 
 
General Prohibitions  
 
 
 
 
   
 
5-6 
2.2 
 
 
Obligations of the Owner 
 
 
 
 
 
   
6-8 
2.3 
 
 
Administration and Enforcement 
 
 
 
 
   
8-10 
 
3.0 
 
 
Permits and Permit Fees 
 
 
 
 
 
   
11 
3.1 
 
 
Permits 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
11 
3.2 
 
 
Application for Permit 
 
 
 
 
 
   
11-12 
3.3 
 
 
Approval in Part 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
13 
3.4 
 
 
Property Subject to Flooding  
 
 
 
  
  
13 
3.5  
 
 
Energy Conservation and Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction 
 
14 
 
4.0 
Additional Requirements 
 
 
 
 
 
   
13 
4.1 
 
 
Professional Inspection or Review 
 
 
 
   
 
13 
4.2 
 
 
Inspection and Testing of Plumbing Systems 
 
 
 
13 
4.3 
 
 
Excavations 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13 
4.4 
 
 
Crest Requirements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14 
 
5.0 
Requirements for Site Services and Access 
 
 
 
14 
5.1 
General 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14 
5.2 
Sewer Systems Within Sewer Specified Areas 
 
 
 
14-15 
5.3 
Access Routes  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16-17 
 
6.0 
Pools  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17-18 
 
7.0 
RESERVED  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18 
 
8.0 
Second One Family Dwelling 
 
 
 
 
 
18 
 
9.0 
Design Data  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18-19 
 
10.0 
Offences and Penalties 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19 
10.1 
 
 
General 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19 

City of Langford 
Building Bylaw No. 1160, 2008 (Consolidated to June 1, 2026) 
Page 3 of 32 
 
 
 
 
APPENDIX A 
 
Section 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Page 
 
A. 
General 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21 
 
B. 
Scale of Fees – Building Permits 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22 
 
C. 
Scale of Fees- Plumbing Permits 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23-24 
 
D. 
Scale of Fees – Chimney, Fireplace and Solid Fuel 
 
 
 
24 
Burning Appliance Permits and Oil Burning Equipment 
 
 
 
APPENDIX B 
Figure  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        
 
Page 
 
BD1 
 
Stormwater Drainage System for Single  
 
 
 
25 
 
 
Family Dwellings – No Municipal Storm 
 
 
Drainage System 
 
BD2 
 
Typical Foundation and Storm Drainage System  
 
 
26 
 
BD4 
 
Standard Infiltrator Drainage System 
 
 
 
 
27 
 
 
with Municipal Storm Drainage System 
 
SS S9  
Inspection Chamber Sanitary/Storm Sewer Connection  
 
28 
 
BD-05  
Typical Driveway Access Cross Sections   
 
 
 
29 
 
 
For Urban Road – Detail A & B 
 
BD-06  
Typical Driveway Access Cross Sections  
 
 
 
30 
 
 
For Urban Road – Detail C & D 
 
BD-07  
Typical Driveway Access Cross Sections  
 
 
 
31 
For Rural Road

City of Langford 
Building Bylaw No. 1160, 2008 (Consolidated to June 1, 2026) 
Page 4 of 32 
 
 
 
 
                                              CITY OF LANGFORD 
 
 
BYLAW NO. 1160 
 
[This Bylaw has been consolidated for convenience only.  Where applicable, capitalization, 
numerical order, and numbering have been altered for consistency.  Copies of the original 
Bylaw and amendment may be viewed at the Langford City Hall located on the 2nd Floor, 877 
Goldstream Avenue, Langford, BC] 
 
A BYLAW FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE BUILDING 
CODE 
 
 
A. 
The Council of the City of Langford in open meeting assembled, enacts as follows: 
 
1.0  
SCOPE, APPLICATION AND DEFINITIONS 
 
1.1  
SCOPE AND DEFINITIONS 
 
1.1.1  
This bylaw applies to the design, construction and occupancy of new buildings, and 
the alteration, reconstruction, demolition, removal, relocation, repair and change in 
occupancy of existing buildings, including any work being done pursuant to an order 
to eliminate an unsafe condition in the building. 
 
1.1.2  
Where a building or any part of it is altered, this bylaw applies to the parts of the 
building that are altered. 
 
1.1.3     
Notwithstanding any other requirements in this bylaw, this bylaw also applies to: 
(a)  
the design and construction of a structure designed to support a radio 
transmission antenna; 
(b)  
free standing fireplaces, unused solid fuel burning appliances or incinerators 
not constructed in conjunction with a building that would otherwise require a 
permit,  
(c)  
the construction or alteration of a fence that encloses a swimming pool or pool 
ladder or access point, and 
(d)  
plumbing systems being installed outside of buildings on private property. 
 
1.2  
EXEMPTIONS 
 
1.2.1 
Except as otherwise provided for in this bylaw, this bylaw does not apply to buildings 
referred to in s.1.1.1.1(2)(a) thru (h) of the British Columbia Building Code.
 
1.3 
DEFINITIONS 
 
1.3.1 
The words and terms in this bylaw shall have the meanings prescribed in the current 
British Columbia Building Code unless otherwise defined in s.1.3.3. 
 
1.3.2 
Definitions of words and phrases used in this bylaw that are not specifically defined in 
the current British Columbia Building Code or s.1.3.3 shall have the meanings which are 
commonly associated with them in the context in which they are used in this bylaw, 
taking into account the specialized use of terms within the various trades and 
professions in which the terminology is used. 
 
1.3.3 
In this Bylaw: 
 

City of Langford 
Building Bylaw No. 1160, 2008 (Consolidated to June 1, 2026) 
Page 5 of 32 
 
 
 
 
“AS-BUILT COMPLIANCE REPORT” means a standardized report that demonstrates 
that the completed building complies with the Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step 
Code requirements under section 3.5 of this bylaw, in a form acceptable to the Chief 
Building Official. 
 
"BUILDING CODE" means the "British Columbia Building Code" adopted under the 
British Columbia Building Code Regulation, and the Water Conservation Plumbing 
Regulation. 
 
"DWELLING UNIT" means a room or group of rooms operated as a housekeeping unit, 
used or intended to be used as a domicile by one or more persons and usually 
containing cooking, eating, living and sanitary facilities. 
 
"CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL" means the person appointed to that position by the 
Council of the City of Langford and any other employee of the City authorized by the 
Council to act on behalf of the Chief Building Inspector. 
 
“CITY ENGINEER” means the company, person or persons appointed from time to time 
by the Council to act in that capacity, and any other employee of the City authorized to 
act on behalf of the City Engineer. 
 
“CLERK-ADMINISTRATOR” means the person appointed to that position by the Council 
of The City of Langford and any other employee of the City authorized by the Council to 
act on behalf of the “Clerk-Administrator. 
 
“COMPLIANCE REPORT” means a standardized report that demonstrates that the 
building complies with the Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code requirements 
under section 3.5 of this bylaw, in a form acceptable to the Chief Building Official. 
“EMISSION LEVEL” means the greenhouse gas emission level as described in Article 
9.37.1.3 of Division B for buildings regulated under Part 9 of the Building Code and 
Article 10.3.1.3 of Division B for buildings regulated under Part 3 of the Building Code. 
 
“ENERGY STEP CODE” means the system of energy performance requirements set out 
in Division B, Parts 9 and 10 of the Building Code. 
 
“LANGFORD GIS MAPPING SYSTEM” means the data provided by the Langford 
geographic information system and publically available on the City’s website for viewing 
in map form. 
 
“MASTER MUNICIPAL CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS” means the Specifications 
and Standard Detail Drawings in Volume II of the most recent Master Municipal 
Construction Documents published by the Master Municipal Construction Documents 
Association. 
 
“MEDICAL HEALTH OFFICER” means the Medical Health Officer for the Vancouver 
Island Health Authority. 
 
“ONE FAMILY DWELLING” means a building containing only one dwelling unit, or one 
dwelling unit and an accessory secondary suite. 
 
“OWNER” means any person, firm or corporation controlling the real property under 
consideration and includes an agent of the owner. 
 
“PRE-CONSTRUCTION COMPLIANCE REPORT” means a standardized report that 
demonstrates that the building, as designed, complies with the Energy Step Code and 
BL 1527 
18Jun2014 
BL 1598 
02Nov2015 

City of Langford 
Building Bylaw No. 1160, 2008 (Consolidated to June 1, 2026) 
Page 6 of 32 
 
 
 
 
Zero Carbon Step Code requirements under section 3.5 of this bylaw, in a form 
acceptable to the Chief Building Official. 
 
“SOIL DEPOSITION BYLAW” means the City of Langford Bylaw No. 181. 
 
"TWO FAMILY DWELLING " means a building other than a building containing a 
secondary suite, containing two dwelling units. 
 
“ZERO CARBON STEP CODE” means the system of greenhouse gas emission level 
requirements set out in Division B, Parts 9 and 10 of the Building Code. 
 
“ZONING BYLAW” means the City of Langford Zoning Bylaw No. 300. 
 
“SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICING BYLAW” means City of Langford 
Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw No. 1000. 
 
2.0 
RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS 
 
2.1 
GENERAL PROHIBITIONS 
 
2.1.1 
No person shall fail to comply with any Stop Work notice, or any order or notice issued 
by the Chief Building Official. 
 
2.1.2 
No person shall work or authorize or allow work to proceed on a project for which a 
permit is required under this bylaw unless a permit authorizing the work has been issued. 
 
2.1.3 
No person shall construct, install, extend, alter, renew or repair a plumbing system or 
connect a plumbing system to a city sewer, drain or water service unless a plumbing 
permit authorizing the work has been issued, but a plumbing permit is not required when 
a valve, faucet, fixture or service water heater is repaired or replaced, a stoppage is 
cleared or a leak is repaired if no change to the piping is required. 
 
2.1.4 
No person shall construct a new building, or alter, reconstruct, demolish, remove, repair 
or relocate an existing building unless a building permit authorizing the work has been 
issued, but no permit shall be required for the replacement of roofing materials or 
exterior cladding. 
 
2.1.5. 
No person shall install a fireplace, incinerator, oil burning furnace or solid fuel burning 
appliance or construct a chimney unless a permit authorizing the work has been issued, 
or move a building having masonry fireplace or chimney without dismantling the fireplace 
or chimney and reconstructing it after having obtained a permit authorizing the work. 
 
2.1.6 
No person shall deviate from the plans and specifications forming a part of the building 
permit, or omit or fail to complete, prior to occupancy, work required by such plans and 
specifications accepted by the Chief Building Official without first having obtained in 
writing the approval of the Chief Building Official. 
 
2.1.7 
No person shall occupy or allow the occupancy of any building, or part thereof, unless 
the owner has obtained an occupancy permit from the Chief Building Official 
 
2.1.8 
No person shall excavate or undertake work on, over or under public property, or erect or 
place any construction or work or store any materials on public property without  
approval having first been obtained under the Streets and Traffic Bylaw No. 2233, 2025. 
 
2.1.9 
No person shall alter or allow the ground elevations of a building lot to be altered so as to 
place a building, or part thereof, in contravention of this bylaw, the Soil Removal and 

City of Langford 
Building Bylaw No. 1160, 2008 (Consolidated to June 1, 2026) 
Page 7 of 32 
 
 
 
 
Deposition Bylaw or the Zoning Bylaw unless the ground elevations are altered after 
obtaining the necessary permit. 
 
2.1.10  
No person shall knowingly submit false or misleading information in connection with an 
application for a permit required by this bylaw. 
 
2.1.11      No person shall reverse, alter, deface, cover, remove or in any way tamper with any 
notice, permit or certificate issued pursuant to this bylaw and posted on any building. 
 
2.1.12      No person shall prevent or obstruct or attempt to prevent or obstruct entry of the Chief 
Building Inspector or any other City employee authorized to enter upon property under 
the Community Charter to inspect and determine whether this bylaw is being 
contravened. 
 
2.2 
OBLIGATIONS OF THE OWNER 
 
2.2.1 
Every owner shall obtain all required permits or approvals, and pay all fees and provide 
all deposits prior to the commencement of work regulated by this bylaw. 
 
2.2.2 
It is the owner's obligation to provide assurance that the water, sewer and other services 
are available and at adequate depth to serve the proposed building and that the 
plumbing is constructed to meet these services. 
 
2.2.3 
Every owner shall ensure that: 
(a) 
the plans and specifications on which the issuance of the building permit was 
based are available at the site of the work for inspection during working hours 
by the Chief Building Inspector: and 
(b) 
a temporary address sign, with numbers not less than 152mm (6”) in height, 
visible from the road, and maintained at all times is erected at the site of work 
authorized by this bylaw. 
 
2.2.4 
Every owner shall, prior to commencing the work, give notice in writing to the Chief 
Building Official of: 
(a) 
the name, address and telephone number of: 
(i) 
the constructor or other person in charge of the work, 
(ii) 
the suitably qualified person inspecting the work, and 
(iii) 
any inspection or testing agency engaged to monitor the work, and 
 
(b) 
any change in or termination of employment of such persons during the course 
of the construction as soon as such change or termination occurs. 
 
2.2.5 
Except in the circumstances set out in Section 2.2.6, every owner shall give at least 24 
hours notice to the Chief Building Official and obtain a field inspection of the work: 
(a) 
after the forms for footings and foundations are complete, but prior to placing of 
any concrete; 
(b) 
after removal of form work from a concrete foundation and installation of 
perimeter drains and damp-proofing, but prior to backfilling against foundation; 
(c) 
after the installation of the under-slab insulation; 
(d) 
when framing and sheathing of the building are complete, including fire-
stopping, bracing, chimney, duct work, plumbing, (including radiant and 
hydronic heating systems) gas venting, wiring, but before any insulation, lath or 
other interior or exterior finish is applied which would conceal such work; 
(e) 
after the “Second Plane of Protection”, as described in the Building Code, has 
been installed and before any portions of the “First Plane of Protection” is 
installed; 
(f) 
after insulation and vapour barrier have been installed and before any interior 

City of Langford 
Building Bylaw No. 1160, 2008 (Consolidated to June 1, 2026) 
Page 8 of 32 
 
 
 
 
wall finish is applied; 
(g) 
after the installation of drywall for fire separation in buildings containing 
secondary suites, multiple residential and multiple commercial occupancies and 
before any drywall taping or filler is applied; 
(h) 
after the application of sheathing paper and wire lath;  
(i) 
after the first stucco scratch coat; 
(j) 
before a building drain, sanitary or storm sewer is covered and when 
considered necessary, underground building drains, branches, storm drains and 
sewers shall be retested after the completion of all backfilling and grading by 
heavy equipment in the presence of the Chief Building Official; 
(k) 
after the installation of the smoke damper of a fireplace and prior to the 
installation of the first flue liner or any material that would conceal the details of 
the construction of the fire box and smoke chamber; 
(l) 
after the building or portion thereof is complete and ready for occupancy, but 
before occupancy takes place of the whole or a portion of the building;  
(m) 
in the case of a building demolition, after the completion of the demolition; and 
(n) 
after any building is disconnected from City services. 
 
2.2.6 
The inspections listed in Section 2.2.5 are not required in relation to work in respect of 
which Letters of Assurance in the form set out in the Building Code are being provided to 
the Chief Building Official, but in such circumstances the Chief Building Official may 
attend at the site of the work from time to time to monitor the conduct of the work and the 
conduct of field reviews by the registered professional, and may require the registered 
professional to provide copies of field review reports at the time the reports are prepared 
or, at the Chief Building Officials discretion, upon completion of the work and prior to the 
issuance of an occupancy permit. 
 
2.2.7 
Every owner shall give notice in writing to the Chief Building Official 
(a) 
as soon as any change in ownership or change in the address of the owner 
occurs between the date of issuance of a building permit and the date of 
application for an occupancy permit, and 
(b) 
prior to occupying any portion of the building if it is to be occupied in stages. 
 
2.2.8 (1) Every owner shall provide to the Chief Building Official, an up-to-date building location 
survey by a British Columbia Land Surveyor after the foundation is completed and prior 
to framing.  The survey shall be provided in both electronic and paper format. The 
electronic format shall be provided as an AutoCAD drawing file or a compatible DXF file. 
The plan shall show the location of the building foundations in relation to the lot 
boundaries, geodetic floor elevations and all easements and rights-of-way. 
 
(2) Every owner shall provide to the Chief Building Official, height surveys of the building by 
a British Columbia Land Surveyor at such stages of construction as are required by the 
Chief Building Inspector to confirm compliance with the Zoning Bylaw.  The heights shall 
be given in geodetic elevations conforming to NAD83 coordinates. 
 
2.2.9 
When required by the Chief Building Official, every owner shall uncover and replace at 
their own expense any work that has been covered contrary to an order issued by the 
Chief Building Official or prior to a field inspection of the work. 
 
2.2.10 
Every owner is responsible for the cost of repair of any damage to public property or  
works resulting from work carried out pursuant to a permit ordered under the authority  
of this bylaw and every applicant for a building permit must provide to the City, as 
security for such repairs, the amount set out in the Streets and Traffic Bylaw No. 2233, 
2025. 
 
2.2.11  
Every owner shall obtain an occupancy permit from the Chief Building Official prior to 

City of Langford 
Building Bylaw No. 1160, 2008 (Consolidated to June 1, 2026) 
Page 9 of 32 
 
 
 
 
any: 
(a) 
occupancy of a building or part thereof after construction, partial demolition or 
alteration of that building; or 
(b) 
change in the occupancy of any building or part thereof. 
 
2.2.12  
The granting of a permit, the review of the drawings and specifications or field reviews 
made by the Chief Building Official shall not in any way relieve the owner of a building 
from full responsibility for carrying out the work or having it carried out in accordance with 
this bylaw and the Building Code, including ensuring that the occupancy of the building, 
or any part thereof, is in accordance with the terms of the occupancy permit. 
 
2.2.13 
Before an owner obtains a building permit to construct or have constructed a building or 
building component that requires professional design and field review according to the 
Building Code, Section 2.3 the owner shall deliver to the Chief Building Official Letters of 
Assurance in the form set out in the Building Code. 
 
2.2.14   
The owner shall ensure that all work covered by this bylaw shall be to an acceptable 
standard of good workmanship in performance and appearance. 
 
2.3 
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT 
 
2.3.1 
The Chief Building Official is authorized to administer and enforce this bylaw and may 
prescribe application forms and permit forms required in the administration of this bylaw. 
 
2.3.2 
The Chief Building Official may issue, in writing, such notices or orders as may be 
necessary to inform the owner and any contractor or other builder that a contravention of 
this bylaw or the Building Code has been observed. 
 
2.3.3  
The Chief Building Official may order: 
(a) 
a person who contravenes this bylaw or the Building Code to comply with it 
within the period specified; 
(b) 
work to stop on the building or any part thereof if such work is proceeding in 
contravention of this bylaw or the Building Code by placing a "Stop Work" notice 
on the work or by written notice; 
(c) 
the removal of any unauthorized encroachment on public property; 
(d) 
the removal of any building or part thereof constructed in contravention of this 
bylaw or the Building Code; 
(e) 
the cessation of any occupancy that contravenes this bylaw or the Building 
Code, and; 
(f) 
the cessation of any occupancy if any unsafe condition exists because of work 
being undertaken or not completed. 
 
2.3.4 
The Chief Building Official may direct that tests and inspections of materials, equipment, 
devices, construction methods, structural assemblies or foundation conditions be made, 
or sufficient evidence or proof be submitted at the expense of the owner, where such 
evidence or proof is necessary to determine whether the material, equipment or device, 
construction or foundation condition complies with this bylaw and the Building Code. 
 
2.3.5 
In any case where the owner has proposed a method of construction or use of materials 
not identified as an “Acceptable Solution” under the Building Code, and the Chief 
Building Official considers that the use of the alternative solution affects the operation 
and maintenance requirements of the building, the owner may be required to grant to the 
City a covenant under s.219 of the Land Title Act requiring the owner to operate and 
maintain the building in perpetuity in the manner prescribed in the covenant having 
regard to the nature of the alternative solution. 
 

City of Langford 
Building Bylaw No. 1160, 2008 (Consolidated to June 1, 2026) 
Page 10 of 32 
 
 
 
 
2.3.6.1 
Where in the opinion of the Chief Building Official the site conditions, the size or 
complexity of a building, part of a building or building component warrant, the Chief 
Building Official may require: 
(a) 
design and field review by a registered professional, and 
(b) 
that the appropriate Letters of Assurance, Schedules A, B-1, B-2, C-A and C-B 
as set out in the Building Code be submitted by the owner. 
 
2.3.6.2 
In all cases the following shall require design and field review by a registered 
professional: 
(a) 
buildings that fall within the scope of Part 3 of the Building Code; 
(b) 
structural components of buildings that fall within the scope of Part 4 of the 
Building Code; 
(c) 
buildings designed with common egress systems for the occupants, or requiring 
the use of firewalls according to Div. A Part 1-Subsection 1.3.3.4 of the Building 
Code; 
(d) 
building foundations constructed on fill; 
(e) 
buildings that are being relocated either to or within the City; and 
(f) 
building envelope repairs requiring a permit. 
   
2.3.6.3 
Design and field review by a registered professional requires compliance with the 
requirements of Div.C, Part 2 - 2.2.7 “Professional Design and Review” in the Building 
Code. 
 
2.3.7 
The Chief Building Official may, at the risk of the owner with conditions to ensure 
compliance with this bylaw and the Building Code and any other applicable regulations, 
issue a permit to excavate or to construct a foundation of a building before all the plans 
of the building have been submitted or accepted by the Chief Building Official. 
 
2.3.8 
The Chief Building Official may issue a permit for a building conditional upon the 
submission, prior to commencing work, of additional information not available at the time 
of issue, if such information is, in the opinion of the Chief Building Official not essential in 
determining compliance with this bylaw and the Building Code or is of such a nature that 
the withholding of the permit until its availability would delay the work unreasonably. 
 
2.3.9  
The Chief Building Official may refuse to issue any permit: 
(a) 
whenever information submitted is inadequate to determine compliance with the 
provisions of this bylaw, the Building Code, or the Zoning Bylaw; 
(b) 
whenever incorrect information has been submitted, 
(c) 
that would authorize any building work or occupancy that would not be 
permitted by this bylaw, or the Building Code, 
 
(d) 
that would authorize any building work that would require a development permit, 
until the development permit has been issued; and 
(e) 
where the proposed work does not comply with the Building Code, a City bylaw, 
a restrictive covenant in favour of the City or the Province, or any enactment 
respecting health or safety. 
 
2.3.10(1) The Chief Building Official may revoke a permit if: 
 
(a) 
there is a contravention of any condition under which the permit was issued; 
 
(b) 
construction is at variance with the permit drawings; 
 
(c) 
the permit was issued in error; or 
 
(d) 
the permit was issued on the basis of incorrect information. 
 
 
(2) Notice of revocation of a permit shall be served by registered mail addressed to the 
owner. 
 

City of Langford 
Building Bylaw No. 1160, 2008 (Consolidated to June 1, 2026) 
Page 11 of 32 
 
 
 
 
2.3.11 
Before issuing an occupancy permit, the Chief Building Official may require the owner to 
provide: 
 
(a)  
complete as-built drawings for building in pdf file format, floor plate and site 
drawings in dwg file format; and 
 
(b) 
an electronic version of the “Fire Safety Plan” as approved by the City of 
Langford Fire Chief. 
 
2.3.12 
If field inspection of the work authorized by a permit shows that it is unsatisfactory, or in 
violation of this bylaw, the Chief Building Official may advise the permit holder by written 
notice posted on site or by letter.  The permit holder shall then perform the alterations, 
corrections or replacements as may be necessary and advise the Chief Building Official 
when the work is ready for further field review. 
 
2.3.13 
Where any failure of a building which causes or has the potential to cause injury or loss 
of life occurs during construction authorized by a permit issued under this bylaw, the 
Chief Building Official may require the owner to submit a report stating:    
(a) 
the name and address of the owner of the building; 
(b) 
the address or location of the building involved in the failure; 
(c) 
the name and address of the constructor; 
(d) 
the nature of the failure; and 
(e) 
the plans to rectify the failure, complete with time parameters. 
 
 
3.0 
PERMITS AND PERMIT FEES 
 
3.1  
PERMITS 
 
3.1.1 
For the purposes of this Section, a permit means an authorization in writing by the Chief 
Building Official to perform work regulated by this bylaw and, in the case of an 
occupancy permit, to occupy any building or part thereof. 
 
3.1.2.(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a Plumbing Permit shall be issued only to a person 
holding a current certificate in respect of the plumbing trade issued pursuant to the 
Industry Training Authority Act or a permit exempting them from holding such certificate, 
or the owner of the property on which the work is to be performed provided they have the 
knowledge and ability to perform the work covered by the application in the opinion of the 
Chief Building Official. 
 
 
(2) A permit for the installation of drains and sewers outside a building may be issued to a 
sewer, drain, or general contractor. 
 
 
 
(3) A permit for the installation of fire sprinklers shall be issued only to a person holding a 
current certificate in respect of the sprinkler fitting trade pursuant to the Industry Training 
Authority Act or a permit exempting them from holding such certificate. 
 
3.1.3. 
Application fees and permit fees shall be as provided for in Appendix “A” of this bylaw. 
 
3.1.4   
Where work which requires a permit under this bylaw is commenced prior to obtaining a 
permit, the fee shall be doubled in accordance with Appendix “A” of this bylaw. 
 
3.1.5 
When an occupancy permit is issued for a tent or air-supported structure, it shall expire 
12 months after issue. 
 
3.2   
APPLICATION FOR PERMIT 

City of Langford 
Building Bylaw No. 1160, 2008 (Consolidated to June 1, 2026) 
Page 12 of 32 
 
 
 
 
 
3.2.1 
To obtain a permit the owner shall file an application on line through the City of Langford 
 EPR Portal. 
  
3.2.2 
 All drawings, plans and specifications shall: 
 
(a)  
bear the name, address and telephone number of the designer; and 
 
 
(b)  
contain all design criteria, calculations, and other pertinent information 
necessary to verify compliance with this and other bylaws, the Building Code, 
and other applicable enactments respecting health and safety. 
 
3.2.3 
Except as otherwise allowed by the Chief Building Official, every application shall:  
 
(a) 
be signed by the owner; 
 
 
(b) 
state the intended use or uses of the buildings; 
 
(c) 
include two sets of drawings for one or two family dwellings and three sets of 
drawings for all other projects drawn to a scale of 1:50 (1/4” to 1’-0”) and 
showing the following minimum information: 
 
(i) 
the dimensions of the building; 
 
(ii) 
the proposed use of each room or floor area; 
 
(iii) 
a site plan of the land on which the building is, or is to be, situated 
complete with building setbacks, proposed driveway parking areas, 
retaining walls, easements, rights-of-way, ditches, ponds, water courses, 
all trees on site and boulevard with drip lines and details concerning the 
depth and extent of any fill on the site or any fill proposed on the site and 
slopes greater than 30%; 
 
(iv) 
if applicable; acknowledgement by the Vancouver Island Health 
Authority that filings required in relation to on-site sewage disposal 
systems have been made; 
 
(v) 
the method of disposal of storm water; 
 
(vi) 
the position, height and horizontal dimensions of all buildings on the land 
referred to in Sub-clause (iii) complete with finished grade; 
 
 
(vii) 
when required by the Chief Building Inspector, the grades and elevations 
of the streets and sewers abutting the land referred to is Sub-clause (iii); 
 
(viii) 
Letters of Assurance by registered professionals as required by the BC 
Building Code or this bylaw, 
 
(ix) 
when required by the Chief Building Inspector a survey, by a registered 
B.C. Land Surveyor, of the building site including existing geodetic 
natural grade elevations; 
 
(x) 
the technical information specified in this or other bylaws or a restrictive 
covenant in favour of the city or the province required to be included on 
the drawings; and 
 
 
(xi) 
such other information as is necessary to illustrate all essential features 
of the design of the building; 
 
(d) 
include in addition for all applications except one or two family dwellings, 
accessory buildings to one or two family dwellings or other buildings not 
exceeding 600m2 in floor area: 
 
(i) 
a plan that shows the location and size of every building drain and of 
every trap or inspection piece that is on a building drain; 
 
(ii) 
a sectional drawing that shows the size and location of every soil or 
waste pipe, trap and vent pipe, fixture loads on stacks and risers; and 
 
(iii) 
any and all other information necessary to establish compliance with this 
bylaw. 
 
3.2.4 
Where an application for a permit has not been completed in conformance with the 
requirements of the Chief Building Official or where the permit fee has not been paid 
within 6 months after the date of the application, the application shall be cancelled and 
any application fee paid shall be forfeited. 

City of Langford 
Building Bylaw No. 1160, 2008 (Consolidated to June 1, 2026) 
Page 13 of 32 
 
 
 
 
 
3.2.5 (1) A permit shall expire and the right of an owner under the permit shall terminate if: 
(a) 
the work authorized by the permit is not commenced within 6 months from the 
date of issue of the permit; 
(b) 
work is commenced and then suspended for a period of 6 months; or 
(c) 
the building has not been completed at the end of a 24-month period following 
permit issuance. 
 
(2) A permit may be extended up to 12 months if the extension is requested in writing prior 
to the expiration of the permit and the permit extension fee specified in Appendix A is 
paid. 
 
 (3) In order to complete a project, where a permit has expired, a new permit must be 
obtained and new permit fee paid based on the value of the work remaining. 
 
3.2.6 
Any application for any revision to the original application shall be made in the same 
manner as the original permit.  A revision fee in addition to any other applicable fees as 
set out in Appendix A shall be paid before any revisions to the original submission will be 
processed. 

City of Langford 
Building Bylaw No. 1160, 2008 (Consolidated to June 1, 2026) 
Page 14 of 32 
 
 
 
 
 
3.3   
APPROVAL IN PART 
 
3.3.1 
Subject to section 2.3.8, where, in order to expedite work, issuance of a building permit 
in respect of a portion of the building is requested prior to the issuance of a permit for the 
whole building, application shall be made for the whole building, and complete plans and 
specifications covering the portion of the work for which immediate approval is requested 
shall be provided with the Chief Building Official. 
 
3.4   
PROPERTY SUBJECT TO FLOODING 
 
3.4.1 
No permit shall be issued to construct, erect or place a building on land which is 
identified in the Official Community Plan as being subject to flooding, except in 
accordance with s.524 of the Local Government Act. 
 
3.5  
ENERGY CONSERVATION AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION REDUCTION 
 
3.5.1 
In relation to the conservation of energy in buildings regulated by Part 9 or Part 3 of the 
Building Code, the City incorporates by reference the Energy Step Code in accordance 
with the minimum energy performance requirements specified in the Building Code. 
 
3.5.2 
In relation to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings regulated by 
Part 9 of the Building Code, the City incorporates by reference the Zero Carbon Step 
Code in accordance with sections 3.5.2(1) and 3.5.2(2) below. 
(1) 
For building permit applications received on or after July 1, 2026, the building 
must be designed and constructed to meet or exceed the requirements of 
Emission Level 2 (EL-2) of the Zero Carbon Step Code. 
(2) 
For building permit applications received on or after December 1, 2026, the 
building must be designed and constructed to meet the requirements of 
Emission Level 4 (EL-4) of the Zero Carbon Step Code. 
3.5.3 
In relation to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings regulated by 
Part 3 of the Building Code, the City incorporates by reference the Zero Carbon Step 
Code in accordance with sections 3.5.3(1) and 3.5.3(2) below. 
(1) 
For building permit applications received on or after December 1, 2026, except 
as provided in section 3.5.3(2), the building must be designed and constructed 
to meet the requirements of Emission Level 4 (EL-4) of the Zero Carbon Step 
Code. 
(2) 
Where a building meets both of the criteria in sections 3.5.3(2)(a) and 
3.5.3(2)(b) below, the building will be considered “in-stream” and therefore 
exempt from the requirements in section 3.5.3(1) until May 31, 2027 inclusive, 
after which the requirements in section 3.5.3(1) take effect. 
(a) 
A development permit has been issued prior to June 1, 2026 and is still 
valid at the time of building permit application, or a development permit 
application is submitted to the City prior to December 1, 2026; and 
 
 
 
(b) 
A building permit application is submitted on or before May 31, 2027. 
3.5.4 
For any building subject to a requirement under sections 3.5.1 to 3.5.3: 
(1) 
An application for a building permit shall include a Pre-Construction Compliance 
Report; and 

City of Langford 
Building Bylaw No. 1160, 2008 (Consolidated to June 1, 2026) 
Page 15 of 32 
 
 
 
 
(2) 
The owner of the building must submit an As-Built Compliance Report prior to 
the issuance of any occupancy permit in respect of the building. 
3.5.5 
In addition to the requirements in section 3.5.4, the Chief Building Official may request 
a Compliance Report at other review stages. 
 
4.0 
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 
 
4.1   
PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION OR REVIEW 
 
4.1.1 
Any registered professional responsible for conducting field reviews shall, upon request, 
make copies of all field review reports available to the Chief Building Official. 
 
4.1.2 
Any registered professional responsible for field review of a foundation shall prepare and 
sign a report of each review and send it to the Chief Building Official as soon as 
practicable. 
 
4.2  
INSPECTION AND TESTING OF PLUMBING SYSTEMS 
 
4.2.1 
Where a plumbing permit is required, the system shall not be put into use until it has 
been reviewed and tested to the satisfaction of the Chief Building Official. 
 
4.2.2 
The plumbing contractor shall notify the Chief Building Official when the work is complete 
and ready to be reviewed or tested. 
 
4.2.3 
The plumbing contractor shall furnish any equipment, material, power or labour that is 
necessary for inspection or testing and shall remove the inspection chamber plug, if so 
fitted, before the inspection.  
 
4.2.4 
If any part of a plumbing system is covered before it has been reviewed and accepted by 
the Chief Building Official it shall be uncovered if the Chief Building Official so directs. 
 
4.2.5 
If any part of a plumbing system is not accepted by the Chief Building Official after it has 
been reviewed or tested, the owner or plumbing contractor shall make any alteration or 
replacement that is necessary, and the work shall be subjected to further inspection or 
testing. 
 
4.3 
EXCAVATIONS 
 
4.3.1 
Except where the bottom of the excavation slopes at less than 30% to the underside of 
any adjacent structure, utility or property line

The bylaw continues in the official PDF.