Building Permit Process Improvements Underway

Work is underway to improve the City’s building permit process and support local development.

The City has taken a number of steps to address the backlog of building permit applications during the 2024 construction season, including hiring additional Building Officials and external consultants, launching remote virtual inspections, and introducing foundation-only permits for new residential buildings (see attached Fact Sheet).

In December, the City hosted the Whitehorse Building Workshop to bring together builders, contractors, suppliers, industry and government representatives to share information and discuss how to improve the building permit process and support development in Whitehorse.

In addition, the City has requested the Yukon Government exercise its discretion to customize the application of the National Building Code within the territory to reflect local conditions and ensure regulatory efficiency.

The City also commissioned an independent report to determine what led to the 2024 permit backlog and identify actions to improve processes and support the local building industry.

The report builds on the City’s work to date and includes recommendations to continue to modernize local development processes and ensure effective communication between government and industry going forward.

The City is currently implementing the recommendations in preparation for the 2025 construction season.  This includes proposed Bylaw amendments to establish service standards and timelines for issuing building permits, the removal of existing financial disincentives for submitting early-season permit applications, and a new e-permitting system that is set to launch this year.

Read the 2024 Building Season Fact Sheet for more information and find the report online at EngageWhitehorse.ca/building-permits.

Contact:
Matthew Cameron
Manager, Strategic Communications
City of Whitehorse
[email protected]
(867) 689-0515