Building Information

What are the fees for accessing property building files?

A fee of $75 (payment by cheque, cash or debit) is required for Applications to Access Building files. This fee provides a service to research, locate, review, book appointments and to meet with the applicant for file viewing. The Application to Access Property Building File form can be found on the District website under the Business & Development tab / Building Information or email at building@coldstream.ca or contact the Building Clerk at (250) 550-1510.

What is the timeline for requesting property building file information?

While the District of Coldstream (District) strives to provide accurate information in a timely manner and ensure the privacy of property owners is protected and copyright regulations are followed, depending on the complexity of searches it can take up to 10 business days to process a request. Requests will be processed in the order in which they are received.

The Building Clerk will contact you to make an appointment to attend the office to review the file contents. Please note that the District may not have all building permit plans or documentation but will inform you of all available information. The District may not have any property and/or building files. The District does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. The District is not responsible for costs incurred or damages sustained as a result of errors, deficiencies, and/or omissions in the documents. Information is disclosed pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of the Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the Federal Copyright Act.

Can I get a 'plot plan' of a certain property?

No, not from the District of Coldstream. However, copies of records from the Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia (LTSA) - such as land titles, documents or plans - can be obtained by using the services of any registry agent in BC (consult www.bcapra.org or title services in the Yellow Pages), real property lawyer, notary public, or land surveyor. Customers can also order titles to land or strata plans online through the myLTSA Explorer service at www.ltsa.ca, or call 1-877-577-5872 to learn how to mail records requests along with payment to the LTSA.

I’m a Realtor, how can I access the District property building file?

The District encourages the listing agent to request the information on listed properties for sale. The goal is to have listing agents disseminate the information to prospective buyers and other agents, otherwise the District is fielding the same questions from multiple buyers and this slows down the processing of all requests. If you are the listing agent, the District recommends you arrange to have the property building file reviewed prior to or immediately upon listing a property.

How can I access property information from multiple departments?

If your request requires documents that are not routinely available, your request will be treated as a Freedom of Information request through the Corporate Services Department and will follow the District’s FIPPA process.

Can I get a copy of interior building plan drawings?

You may request to review the contents of a building permit file by contacting the Building Department to request the Application to Access Property Building File form; and once completed, to make an appointment with the Building Clerk to view the file. Building plan drawings and survey certificates may be subject to the Federal Copyright Act and are not routinely available; however, subject to the Federal Copyright Act and in accordance with the provincial Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, one copy may be released.

Are there fees for copies?

Yes, copy charges will apply as set out in the Miscellaneous Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1541, 2008 Schedule “A”. Please note that a request for copies will take additional time to process and payment for copies may be requested up front.

• Requirements before Applying for a Permit
• Building Permit Applications for Simple Buildings
• Pools

• Building Fees and Charges 
• Building Permits: Frequently Asked Questions

• Industry Standard Drawings
• Steel Structures
• Suspended Slab

2023 Reports

2022 Reports

Phone in your inspection request  at anytime using the 24 Hour Inspection Request Line. Call (250) 550-1515 and leave a voicemail with your request and information. 

Blasting is provincially regulated:

• WorkSafeBC is concerned with blaster certification, public safety and worker safety.
• The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is concerned with the movement of explosives.
• The Ministry of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources is concerned with blasting techniques.
• Natural Resources Canada is concerned with the proper handling and storage of blasting materials.

In addition to WorkSafeBC, blasting companies must also comply with the requirements of their insurance companies. Insurance companies have requirements for blasting notification, pre-blast surveys and intensities of allowable blasts. Blasting companies are responsible to record information for every blast by using a seismograph on the worksite – an instrument used to measure the intensity of the blasts.

WorkSafeBC considers proper blasting notification as follows:

1. 12 short audible whistle signals followed by a 2-minute pause;
2. Blast will be detonated;
3. A longer whistle signal to indicate 'All Clear' after detonation.

All complaints regarding blasting should go to the blasting company first to attempt resolution. If no satisfactory resolution is found, please contact WorkSafeBC at 1-800-621-7233 to provide details of the blasting complaint.

If you suspect that blasting has caused damage to your home or property, please contact both the blasting company as well as your own insurance representative immediately. All damage claims associated with blasting must be managed and settled directly between the blasting company and the claimant.