Commercial TI Building Permit Requirements


Renovations to an Existing Commercial Building (Tenant Improvements) Information required to obtain a Permit

General

A code analysis of the building may be required, to ensure that the proposed occupancy does not require major construction or fire safety changes to be made to the entire building.

i.e. Original building ----- designed for industrial purposes. (F2)
Proposed Use ------ assembly. (A2)

The original building may not comply to the stricter construction and safety requirements of an assembly use, as required by the B.C. Building Code, thereby requiring major modifications to the building.

Plans

A double line plan, drawn to scale, distinguishing new from existing construction, to be submitted in triplicate to the Permits Section.

A. Site Plan
S

how:

  • Entire building on lot, parking layout, streets, north arrow
  • Location of tenant space within building
  • New water service size if applicable

B. Floor Plan Of Tenant Space

Show:

  • Complete space to be occupied
  • Proposed use of all rooms
  • Dimensions of all rooms, doors, windows, etc.
  • Locations of required exits and fire separations
  • Location of plumbing fixtures
  • Indicate means/type of heating
  • Details of new construction - list materials and finishes. Walls, floor, ceiling, etc. (could  be on section)

 C. Section
Section view of building showing new construction and indicating the materials used.

  • i.e. floors, walls, ceiling.

D. Elevations

Required, if exterior elevations are altered in any way.

  • i.e. windows, doors added or deleted, exterior finishing material changed.

If in a D.P. area, a Development Permit may be required.

E. Plumbing Plan

Show:

  • Piping layout for all fixtures, drain, vents and water supply (if required) drawn and sized to the current B.C. Plumbing Code.
  • Discharge of chemicals, oil, ink

Structural Changes

  • Indicate all structural changes

A Structural Engineer may have to be retained.

Disabled Requirements

Depending upon the extent of work being undertaken; changes may be required to accommodate the disabled.

Additional Information

Restaurants:

  • Seating layout and anticipated occupant load
  • Emergency lighting, exits, signs
  • Cooking equipment list
  • Details of commercial exhaust hood and suppression system. (NFPA 96)
  • Garbage area, storage area
  • Slop sink

Spray booths and hazardous materials use or construction details and information required prior to permit issuance.

Sprinkler System

  • Plans and permits are required to alter or add to an existing system
  • Plans signed/sealed by a Professional Engineer may be required

Important !  New fee increases effective January 1st each year.
Refer to: City Bylaws

,

Chapter 5 - Finance and Budgets - Consolidated Fees (Bylaw 8636) see pg 6-9 for Building permit fees.