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Commercial Tenant Improvements

Application Guides And Related Documents

The guides below provide the requirements for each permit type. Please read the appropriate guide and checklist to ensure fulfilment of all requirements prior to the submittal of an application.

When Are Permits Required?

Interior and exterior works to a commercial, industrial or institutional building, including but not limited to the following, will require building permits.

  • Change the use or occupancy of a tenant space.
  • Repair, renovate or add to an existing building.
  • Remove, relocate, alter or construct interior walls.
  • Complete a previously unfinished area in an existing tenant space.
  • Alter or upgrade and existing fire alarm system.
  • Install a new fire alarm system.
  • Install an industrial spray booth.

Plumbing/Sprinkler Permits are required when you wish to:

  • Install new plumbing fixtures.
  • Alter an existing fire sprinkler system.
  • Install a new fire sprinkler.
  • Install, replace or alter water, drain, waste and vent lines.

Before You Start

Prior to signing a lease, prospective business owners should;

  • Check with the Planning Division to ensure the proposed business is permitted on the subject property.
  • Check with the Integrated Services, in regards to any outstanding enforcement or orders pertaining to the site.
  • Contact the Business License Office, for information regarding obtaining a business license, and any other additional requirements related to operating the business.
  • For when there will be a change in occupancy, contact the Building Division, for possible Building Code related restrictions, or required upgrades.

Prior to purchasing exterior signage, applicants should review the requirements of the Sign Bylaw with the Planning Division. More information about sign permits and bylaws can be found here.

Fraser Health Approvals

Fraser Health Authority approval will be required for several premise types, including, but not limited to;
Food Premises;

  • Restaurants
  • Bakeries & Deli's
  • Grocery Stores
  • Butchers & Fishmongers
  • Coffee & Espresso Bars
  • Bars / Pubs / Taverns
  • Food Processing Plants
  • Personal Service Establishments;

Hair Salons & Barbers

  • Tanning Salons
  • Tattoo & Body Piercing Studios
  • Skin & Nail Care / Manicure & Pedicure Salons
  • Spas
  • Day Care / Child Care Facilities
  • Health approval should be applied for and received prior to proceeding with a building permit application.

The above is not an exhaustive list of premises. Please contact the Fraser Health Authority for more information.

Racking (Vertical Storage System) Permits

The Building Division considers any vertical storage unit under 8 ft. 6 in. (floor to highest shelf) to be shelving, which does not require a building permit. Shelving is recommended to be fastened to the floor or wall, as per the manufacturers specifications.
A vertical storage system over 8 ft. 6 in. in height is considered to be racking, and thus require a building permit to install and design review from a structural engineer. This will include the need of sealed structural drawings and a Schedule B from the structural engineer.

Application Requirements

Please review the required documents and drawings outlined in the Tenant Improvement Permit Application Package. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and additional requirements may apply, depending on the size and scope of work.

  • Professionals (Architects, Engineers, Code Consultants), may be required.
  • A Code Analysis of the building may be required.
  • Depending upon the extent of work being undertaken, changes may be required to accommodate the disabled.
  • Engineering service upgrades may be required, depending on the cost and scope of work.

Application Contacts

For more information, please contact the respective Department or Authority;

  • Building Division - 604-527-4580
  • Planning Division - 604-527-4532
  • Business License Office - 604-527-4565
  • Fraser Health Authority - 604-777-6740

Building Permit Application - Alterations and Small Projects

This application is designed for alterations to existing buildings and small-scale construction projects.

Apply for a building permit by email or online using the options below.

Apply By Email

Download and complete the required forms:

Tenant Improvement Application Package

Once complete, email all required documents and drawings to:

Submission requirements:

  • All documents must be attached as PDF files (no links).
  • We do not accept documents shared via cloud-based services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox).
  • If your files are too large to email, please contact us to request access to our FileShare site.

Applications will be reviewed by staff once all required documentation has been received. Complete submissions will be accepted for processing.

Apply Online

 

Before You Apply

What You'll Need

  • MyCity Profile

Register or log in before starting.

  • Documents & Drawings

Required items include:

  • Current Title Search (within 30 days)
  • Letter of Authorization (if applying on behalf of owner)
  • Company/Society Summary or Solicitor’s Letter (if property is owned by a company)
  • Consent of Strata (if applicable)
  • Project drawings and other documents based on scope
  • Additional Permits

Some projects require additional permits as part of this process. Depending on your scope of work, you may need to apply for a Tree Permit, or obtain precursor approvals such as Development Permits or Heritage Alteration Permits. If these are required, the system will prompt you to complete the relevant sections before you can continue.

  • Payment

A non-refundable application fee is required and must be paid by credit card at the time of submission.

  • File Guidelines
    • Formats: PDF, DOCX, JPG, JPEG
    • Max size: 10 MB per file
    • Clear names (e.g., 123 Main St Site Plan.pdf)
    • If too large: compress, split or convert.

Tips For A Smooth Application

  • Be prepared - review all requirements before starting the application
  • Complete all fields marked with *
  • Ensure you have a reliable internet connection, wait for each page to load fully and avoid using your browser’s Back button, refreshing the page, or clicking Back/Continue repeatedly, as these actions can cause errors or duplicate submissions
  • Double-check signatures and documents before submitting

Choose A Building Category

Choose the option below that best describes the category of the building that you will be altering:

Commercial, Industrial or Institutional Unit - Strata

Choose this option for alterations to a single Strata-Titled Commercial, Industrial or Institutional Unit (e.g., Retail Store, Office, Warehouse)

Commercial, Industrial or Institutional Unit - Non-Strata

Choose this option for alterations to a single Non-Strata-Titled Commercial, Industrial or Institutional Unit (e.g., Retail Store, Office, Warehouse)

Commercial, Industrial or Institutional Building - Strata

Choose this option for alterations to a Strata-Titled Commercial, Industrial, or Institutional Building (2 or more Units and/or Common Area)

Commercial, Industrial or Institutional Building - Non-Strata

Choose this option for alterations to a Privately Owned Commercial, Industrial, or Institutional Building (2 or more Units and/or Common Area)