Local builders can now apply for a permit to begin foundation work on a project.

The City of Whitehorse introduced its new foundation-only permits late last week as a measure to help deal with this summer’s backlog in building application permits. 

“This will allow builders to apply for permits for excavation, servicing, footings, and foundation work for new residential buildings and, once issued, allow work to begin while an applicant’s building permit is processed,” the city said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Yukon government has told the city it will permit new lot owners to apply for an extension on their building commitment timeline in the sale agreement if their plans were delayed by the building permit application backlog at city hall. 

“An extension may provide additional flexibility for lot owners who are required to build within a specified period of time but have experienced delays in receiving a building permit,” the city said.

Lot owners will be able to request an extension by contacting the territorial Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. 

The city has experienced a building permit backlog since the beginning of this building season. At that time, builders were told they had to wait up to eight weeks for their permit to be approved. Now, the wait time has been pared to five weeks. 

The city said it will continue to support lot owners and alleviate pressures facing the local building industry by working with the Yukon government.