Commercial Tenant Improvements

Building Permits are required when you wish to:

• 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• MyCity Profile

• Documents & Drawings

• 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

• 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 the requirements before starting the application
• Complete all fields marked with *
• Wait for each page to load fully — don’t click Back/Continue repeatedly
• Double-check signatures and documents before submitting