Guide

Kitchen Renovation Permits in the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN)

Cosmetic kitchen updates in the RDN — cabinets, counters, backsplash, appliances — do not need a building permit. Structural changes (wall removal, new openings), plumbing relocations and most electrical work do, and require licensed trades and inspections.

What needs a permit in the RDN

  • Removing or altering a load-bearing wall (structural permit + engineered drawings)
  • Adding or moving windows or exterior doors
  • Relocating plumbing supply or drainage lines (plumbing permit)
  • New circuits, panel changes or hard-wired appliance moves (electrical permit via Technical Safety BC)
  • Any change of use or added square footage

What does not need a permit

  • Replacing cabinets and counters in the same footprint
  • New backsplash, flooring, paint and lighting fixtures on existing circuits
  • Swapping a like-for-like appliance

How Oceanside Kitchen Studio handles permits

Every quote calls out permit scope up front. When a permit is required, Oceanside Kitchen Studio prepares drawings, submits to the RDN, coordinates the engineer if structural, and schedules every inspection so the homeowner never has to.

FAQ

Answers before you ask.

Book your consultation

Design a kitchen worth staying home for.

Answer three quick questions — Oceanside Kitchen Studio will be in touch within one business day to book a complimentary in-home visit in Parksville.

Step 1 of 3Budget

What's your rough budget?

A range is fine — this helps us match the right scope on the first visit.