Why Permits Matter—and How We Get Them Approved

Permits might not be the most glamorous part of your build or renovation, but they’re absolutely essential. Without the right approvals in place, your dream home or commercial space can quickly become a nightmare of delays, added costs, or even a full stop work order.

At GNAR, permits aren’t just something we do—they’re something we excel at.

Permitting might be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be stressful.

Behind Every Great Build Is a Solid Permit

Whether you’re adding a window, reconfiguring a kitchen, or planning an entirely new structure, building permits are required. In the Sea to Sky Corridor and across British Columbia, municipalities have tightened enforcement. That means unpermitted work—no matter how minor—can lead to significant hold-ups. Even if that work was done by a previous owner, you’ll be on the hook to sort it out.

That’s where we come in.

The Fast-Track to Permit Approval

We’ve seen too many clients come to us after months—or even years—of spinning their wheels. They’ve submitted applications, chased updates, tried to interpret zoning bylaws, and still ended up nowhere.

We’ve taken projects stuck in limbo for three years and got them through approvals in less than four weeks. We’ve helped expand a modest 200 sq ft cabin into a 2,150 sq ft full-time residence by working hand-in-hand with the local planning department.

Permits are more than paperwork. They’re part legal, part design, part strategy—and we understand every layer.

Retrospective Permits? No Problem.

We also specialize in legitimizing existing work. If you’ve inherited a property with unpermitted additions, or if your project was already underway when you realized a permit was needed, don’t panic. We’ll assess the situation, recommend a clear path forward, and help navigate the retrospective permit process with minimal disruption.

We Speak Fluent Municipal

What slows most people down is what we do best: decoding zoning regulations, liaising with municipal officials, compiling architectural documents, and ensuring applications are watertight before they ever hit a desk.

Our experience across jurisdictions—from Whistler and Squamish to Pemberton and beyond—means we know the nuances of each area’s permit process. We’re not just checking boxes; we’re building trust with planners and inspectors along the way.

Think You Might Need a Permit? You Probably Do.

Not sure if your project qualifies? That’s okay. Ask us. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to save time and money down the line. We’re happy to review your plans early and flag what’s required before you run into issues.

In Conclusion

Permitting might be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Let us handle the hard part so you can focus on the exciting stuff—like seeing your project come to life.

At GNAR Inc we are passionate about creating sustainable homes, let us know how we can help you bring your dream house to life. Call us at 604.962.1611 or email info@gnarinc.com for more information.