Planning and Development

Changes To Address Applications More Efficiently

The Building Division of the District of Lake Country implemented changes that will make serving customers more efficient and effective. The District of Lake Country has been administering a record number of building applications since 2019. In 2021 the District issued 363 permits with a construction value of $92 million and in 2022 there were 260 permits issued with a construction value of $68.6 million.

To address applications more efficiently, the following has been undertaken:

• Dedicated Appointment Time for New or Complex Applications

Building Division staff appointments can be booked by calling 250-766-6675. Scheduled meetings allow Building Division staff to effectively split their time in office and in the field. Scheduling will also give time for staff to prepare and review the files for the meeting which isn’t alway s possible with unscheduled, drop-in appointments.

• Dedicated General Inquiry Time

Building Division staff will be available to take general inquiries at two dedicated times during each business day. These one-hour windows are from 9 to 10 a.m. and 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. every day. Building staff will be available on a first come first service basis and will limit conversations to under 15 minutes if possible.

• One Point of Contact

All new applications are now assigned a Plan Reviewer who will act as the file’s one point of contact until a building permit is issued. When a Building Permit is issued the file will be managed through the general Building Division as multiple inspectors may visit the site as the permit is concluded.

• Application Progress Posted Weekly

The District provides a weekly update of the status of current Building and Planning applications on its website: www.lakecountry.bc.ca/buildingandplanning.