If you don’t have the proper work permits, you shouldn’t be doing construction on your home.
That’s the message District of Sechelt council sent to the homeowner and mortgage holder of a Samron Road property, at its July 2, meeting.
In a staff report to council, presented by district chief building official James Nyhus, it was recommended a notice be filed on the property at the Land Title Office.
Nyhus told council at the meeting, it’s believed the property appears to be moving towards foreclosure. According to online real-estate listings, the 3,000 square-foot, six-bedroom home was last listed for sale in 2023 at almost $1.3 million.
Mayor John Henderson said, while that might be a point of interest, it doesn’t change the certainty around the recommendation.
Last June, district building officials became aware of construction occurring at the property without the required building permits — in this case, a basement transformed into a secondary suite. On July 11, 2024, staff sent a letter to the registered owner of the property directing them to apply for the required building permit within 14 days from the date of the letter.
According to the report, a stop work order was posted on July 12, 2024. The owner then contacted staff and indicated he was going to be out of the country for three weeks and would deal with the matter upon his return.
In spite of this assurance and the subsequent issuance of bylaw infraction notices for violations of Building Bylaw 409, no application for a building permit was received, the report continued. On Nov. 7, 2024, a final notice was sent by registered letter to notify the owner that a notice on title would be filed on the property if the matter remained unresolved.
At the July 2 meeting, Nyhus told council staff have made several attempts to notify the owner at the addresses he provided, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
In accordance with the Community Charter, a registered letter was sent to the owner notifying them the matter will be brought before council for consideration. A copy of the letter was also delivered by hand to their residence.
On May 29, 2025, a notice was sent by registered letter to notify the owner and any affiliated mortgage holder, that a request for a notice on title was being brought to the July 2, council meeting for consideration. That recommendation was passed unanimously by council.
The report notes, if outstanding issues are resolved and the required permits, certification and inspection are approved, the notice may be discharged for the title upon receipt of the required fee.
