Kelowna Permit Fees & Deposits Guide
Bylaw fee schedules, sliding valuation scales, refundable damage deposits, and required upfront plan check deposits for construction in Kelowna, BC.
When budgeting a construction or renovation project in Kelowna, municipal permit fees and refundable damage securities represent essential upfront expenditures. Rather than simple flat charges, Kelowna calculates building permit costs based on total construction value, paired with refundable damage deposits to protect public infrastructure.
Whether you are planning a secondary suite, laneway dwelling, custom single-family home, multiplex addition, or commercial tenant improvement, this guide clarifies how City Hall calculates fees, what securities are required at intake, and how to submit complete drawing packages for first-round approval.
Kelowna Permit Fee Quick Calculator
Official Bylaw Sliding Scale Estimator
Select your project classification and enter estimated construction valuation below to calculate the base permit rate, upfront intake plan check deposit, and refundable damage deposits.
* Damage deposits are held by Kelowna and refunded upon final building inspection approval. Does not include trade permits (plumbing/electrical/gas) or regional DCC development charges.
How Kelowna Assesses Your Permit Fees
Value Assessment
City examiners evaluate declared contract costs against standardized valuation schedules ($/sq ft).
Bylaw Sliding Scale
Base fees scale progressively based on project scope, square footage, and declared value.
Security Deposits
Refundable damage deposit protects sidewalks, boulevards, curbs, and road assets during construction.
Intake Plan Check
An intake deposit initiates active plan examination with Kelowna building officials.
2025 Permit Fees & Costs Guide
Typical 2025 permit fees for homes, renovations, and commercial projects. Fees are usually paid in stages.
| Category / Project Scope | Minimum / Base Fee | Incremental Rate / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alternative Solution | ||
| Examination of requests for alternatives | $200.00 | Per alternative solution |
| Building Permit | ||
| $1 - $10,000 Construction Value | $175.00 | Non-refundable |
| $10,001 - $100,000 Construction Value | $175.00 | Plus $9.55 per $1,000 (or portion) |
| $100,001 - $500,000 Construction Value | $1,034.50 | Plus $8.05 per $1,000 (or portion) |
| Over $500,000 Construction Value | $4,254.50 | Plus $7.20 per $1,000 (or portion) |
| Construction Commenced Prior to Permit | ||
| Penalty where work started before permit issued | Double applicable permit fee | Capped at $1,000.00 |
| Demolition Permit | ||
| Per building | $175.00 | Flat fee |
| Fee Adjustments & Alternatives | ||
| Permit fee reduction for PE/Architect certification | 5% Reduction | When City relies in writing on registered professional |
| Heating & Ventilating | ||
| Masonry / metal chimneys | See valuation schedule | Based on Building Permit valuation tiers |
| Solid fuel burning appliances (incl. chimneys) | $175.00 | Per appliance |
| Canopies for commercial cooking appliances | $175.00 | Per canopy |
| Inspections & Re-inspection | ||
| Re-inspection | $150.00 | |
| Inspections not specifically described | $60.00 | |
| Permit Administration | ||
| Permit transfer or assignment | $150.00 | |
| Permit extension | $100.00 | |
| Permit Refunds | ||
| Permit fee refund (work not commenced) | Permit fee less greater of $175 or 25% of fee | Requires original receipt |
| Plan Review / Additional Checking | ||
| Additional plan checking (revisions / repeats) | $60.00 | Per hour or part thereof (minimum charge applies) |
| Retaining Walls | ||
| Permit fee | See valuation schedule | Based on Building Permit valuation tiers |
| Secondary Suite | ||
| Secondary suite permit | $510.00 | Flat fee |
Navigating Kelowna Hall Shouldn't Delay Your Build
Municipal fees only cover plan review. Missing zoning data sheets or non-compliant BC Building Code details trigger formal deficiency notices that delay your permit 4 to 8 weeks. Canadian Blueprint prepares complete, intake-ready CAD permit drawing packages engineered for smooth first-round approvals.
Why Work With Canadian Blueprint
- ✓ Intake-Ready Drawing Sets Tailored specifically to Kelowna municipal submittal standards.
- ✓ Zero Plan Examiner Surprises Full spatial separation, setback, and height zoning calculations.
- ✓ Deficiency Resolution Included Direct response to municipal comments so your project stays on schedule.
Related Kelowna Permit Resources
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- As-Built Measuring
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