We’ve Gone Digital!
Permit applications may now be submitted through the PSD Citywide portal.
The Citywide building permit module allows you to start an application and finish it later, view updates on the status of your permit application and check inspection status once your permit is issued.
How to Create an Account
To get started with Citywide, you will need to create an account using a valid email address.
- Go to the Citywide Portal at https://citywideportal.com.
- Click on “Signup” in the top right of the page.
- Provide your email address and create a password.
- Click ‘Signup’.
- Citywide will send an email to the address you have provided.
- Open the email and complete the registration.
The next time you visit the site, login using your email and password.
- Login to the Citywide Portal at https://citywideportal.com.
- Click on ‘Building Permits’.
- The first time you log in, you will be prompted to complete your profile. Once your profile is completed, press ‘Update User” and return to the Home Page by clicking on ‘Home’ on the top left of the page.
- Click ‘Start Application.’ If you have submitted other applications in the past, click ‘New Application’ in the top right of the page.
- Choose ‘Town of Comox” then click apply.
- Complete Project Name, e.g. deck renovation, click next.
- Provide the Address where the work will be taking place.
- Complete contact information – you will automatically be added as the applicant. If you are not the property owner, please click the ‘Add Contact’ button to add owner information, including phone number and email. Select ‘Property Owner’ as the role and add access level. Continue to add any other relevant contacts (such as subcontractors, registered professionals, etc.), their role, and access level. *Any contacts that are not blocked will receive notifications through the application process.
- Choose an application type from the drop-down, and click next.
- Choose the construction type and fill in the remaining fields, and click next.
- Upload your documents. To upload, click the upload button, drag and drop your document, enter a description, click add attachment for each document.
- The documents normally required for each permit type will be listed. You do NOT need to add all of these documents to submit the application, only the ones identified at time of submission; we will review and contact you if more information is needed.
- When all your documents have been uploaded, review the Final Summary, read and initial all of the declaration items, provide your signature and click Submit.
Building permit processing times vary depending on the complexity of the project and the completeness of the application. Each permit is reviewed by multiple Town departments, including Engineering which assesses servicing, off-site requirements, driveway placement, and related infrastructure considerations and Planning, which ensures compliance with zoning regulations and applicable Development Permit Area requirements. Timelines are also affected by the accuracy of the submitted information and how quickly applicants respond to requests for clarification or additional documentation. In general, when an application is complete and any deficiencies are addressed promptly, the Town strives to process building permits within 2–4 weeks, depending on project complexity. Application progress can be tracked through the Citywide portal.
Development Services staff are available to help you navigate the new application process, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, or by email or phone at 250-339-1118.