A new online building permit application and inspection request system at the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) aims to improve permitting efficiency at the regional district.
The SLRD believes the online system, which operates from the Cloudpermit system, a cloud-based permitting software used by various local governments across the province, will be more user-friendly and simplify the process for submitting documents. Users will be able to store records digitally in one place, track the status of their permit, access interactive maps, see the results of inspections, and contact the building department via the text and chat system.
“As we head into the busy building season, we’re extremely pleased to have this new system in place for the public,” Electoral Area C Director Russell Mack said in a release. “The SLRD’s building permit and inspection process is now at your fingertips, making it easier than ever to access.”
The regional district’s building department must process all permitting applications for all four Electoral Areas that comprise the SLRD. This includes the rapidly growing and remote Bridge River Region (Area A), the Pemberton Meadows (Area C), rural areas surrounding Lillooet (Area B), and the expanding communities of Furry Creek and Britannia Beach (Area D).
In 2022, the SLRD received 92 building permit applications and issued 103 building permits. With improved efficiency, the streamlined approval process will allow staff to access and review projects remotely.
“We heard from the community that they wanted a digital option for this process. Adding new tools like the online permitting system not only improves access for everyone, but also helps us to meet the future needs of the community,” SLRD building official Jay McEwen said. “We encourage people to visit the SLRD website to find out more about the online system, and we thank everyone for their patience throughout this process.”
While property owners are encouraged to use the online system, paper forms can still be accessed on the SLRD website. Find out more about the new permitting system at slrd.bc.ca/building-permits
