Colwood, Greater Victoria
Renovations and builds in Colwood
Colwood has required all-electric new homes since March 2024, and it wants a hazardous materials report before it inspects renovations of older homes. We plan for that when we quote your renovation, and the quote is free.
Colwood · Greater Victoria
Free written quotes
After a site visit, with what is fixed and what is an allowance.
One contract
One point of contact, from quote to final walkthrough.
Licensed trade partners
Electrical, plumbing and gas, under our management.
Victoria to the Lower Mainland
Greater Victoria, up-Island and Metro Vancouver.
Colwood’s two building waves
Colwood’s 7,430 occupied homes (2021 Census) are mostly single-detached houses, at 49.2%, or semi-detached, row houses and duplexes, at 39.0%. Apartments make up 11.7%.
The stock came in two waves: 32.4% was built between 1961 and 1980 and 33.3% between 2001 and 2021. Only 9.8% dates from 1960 or before. If your house was built before 1990, order a Hazardous Material Assessment for asbestos and lead before you renovate. Colwood says that without this report, inspectors will not enter the site.
- 49.2% single-detached houses
- 39.0% semi-detached, row houses and duplexes
- 32.4% built 1961 to 1980
- 33.3% built 2001 to 2021
Colwood permits, suites and trees
Adding a secondary suite needs a permit, and the City’s permit page links FAQs for suites and accessory dwellings. New decks, and structural changes to existing decks, need a permit too. Sheds under 10 m² that create no hazard, and concrete patios poured on grade, do not.
Colwood was late to the provincial small-scale housing rules. Bylaw No. 2091, which permits 3 to 6 units in restricted zones, was set for first to third readings on June 8, 2026. As of October 2026, check with the City whether it has been adopted and what it allows on your lot.
New houses need Energy Step 3. Council adopted Zero Carbon Step Code level 4 on January 22, 2024, for permits from March 4, 2024. For upgrades to an existing home, the City points owners to Home Energy Navigator, CleanBC Energy Coaches and CleanBC’s income-qualified program.
Colwood has no formal heritage register. A 1988 Heritage Inventory lists properties considered historically significant.
- Removing a protected tree needs a Tree Management Permit under the Urban Forest Bylaw.
- Colwood protects arbutus, Garry oak, Pacific dogwood and Pacific yew once they reach 2 m tall or 4 cm across.
- Douglas fir, grand fir and other listed species are protected from 30 cm.
- Fewer than five protected trees: a Tree Site Plan. More than five: a professional Tree Management Plan.
- Building department: [email protected], 250-478-5999
Building permits: City of Colwood: building permits
Neighbourhoods we cover in Colwood
- Colwood Corners
- Triangle Mountain
- Royal Bay
- Hatley Park
- Wishart
- Lagoon Beach
Colwood inspectors will not enter a pre-1990 home under renovation until the owner has a hazardous materials report.
Rock, lagoon and septic
The City describes Triangle Mountain as single-family homes on hillside lots with rocky outcrops and mature landscapes. The waterfront includes Lagoon Beach and the Esquimalt Lagoon National Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
Some Colwood properties are on septic. A renovation on one of them may need septic approval from Island Health and an Environmental Development Permit. Colwood also publishes a Ground Snow Load Map with its permit forms, so your designer should check it for decks, roofs and additions.
Colwood: common questions
Sources
Statistics Canada, 2021 Census Profile: Colwood, City (CY) · City of Colwood: Building Permits · City of Colwood: Renovations and Additions · City of Colwood: Neighbourhoods · City of Colwood: Public input binder, Bill 44 SSMUH (2026) · City of Colwood: Heritage · City of Colwood: Tree Permits · City of Colwood: BC Energy Step Code · City of Colwood: Building Retrofits. Checked 2026-10-30.
Services
What we build in Colwood
More of Greater Victoria · How we run a job
Home additions
Rear additions, second storeys and bump-outs, and the BC rule that can make one a new home.
Electrical
Panel and service upgrades, rewiring, EV chargers, lighting and new circuits, by licensed electricians.
Kitchen renovations
Layouts, cabinets, counters, and the plumbing and wiring moves that come with them.
Accessibility renovations
Walk-in showers, grab bars, ramps and wider doors so you can stay in your own home.
Landscaping & retaining walls
Garden design and install, patios, paths and retaining walls, including engineered ones.
Free quotes
Tell us about your Colwood project
Give us a short description and your neighbourhood. We’ll email you to confirm your free quote visit.