A change of use permit is required when the type of business at a location is changing.
Below is a list of steps required to apply for a change of use.
Step 1: Establish Requirements
Depending on the scope of your project, you will require a variety of permits.
A Change of Use development permit is required whenever the type of business at a location is changing. If you are moving into a new space, please contact one of our Development Officers to discuss this to ensure the type of business is permitted within the land use district. It is a very good idea to contact us before you sign a lease.
With the change of use permit we can also confirm there is adequate parking for the type of business proposed.
A lot grading permit is not required for this work.
The process for permits in a change of use scenario starts very basic. A building permit is applied for and issued. After issuance, the applicant requests an inspection. Upon which all disciplines will inspect to verify life safety requirements are met. If an unsafe situation is present, a Safety Codes Officer may require a subtrade permits be required to rectify the unsafe situation:
- Electrical Permit
- Plumbing Permit
- Gas Permit
- HVAC Permit
Please see Tenant Improvement for further details on obtaining these permits.
Step 2: Apply for Required Permits
Below are the steps to apply for the required permits. To minimize wait time, we suggest you apply for all permits at the same time.
Apply by email or in-person for your change of use development permit. An application includes:
- A completed application form
- A right of entry and authorization form signed by the property owner
- A Certificate of Title dated within 30 days of the date of submission of the application
- A copy of the real property report or site plan showing measurements of buildings and setbacks to property line
- A floor plan identifying the purpose of the rooms.
- Elevation drawings if alterations are being proposed
- Please see the first page of the permit application package for a complete list of requirements.
Apply by email or in-person for your chance of use building permit.
A building permit application includes:
- A completed application form
- A floor plan, showing the layout and proposed use of the floor space.
Development Permitting
- Change of use to a permitted use in the land use district - $400.00
- Change of use to a discretionary use in the land use district - $800.00
Safety Code Permits
- Building Permit Fee: $89.50
- Safety Code Permits include a Safety Code Levy remitted to the Province.
Step 3: Receive Permits
Below is a list of approximate timelines based on the type of permit. The timeline begins once a complete application package is received.
| Type of Permit | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Development Permit | Usually within 25 days by email | Variances and discretionary uses may extend the time period |
| Building Permit | 5 to 7 business days by email | |
| Subtrade Permits | 2 business days by email | Cannot be issued before a building permit |
Step 4: Start Construction
You may begin construction once you have received all required permits.
Step 5: Inspections
Below you will find details on what inspections are required and how to make your inspection requests.
By law, we must inspect the construction work at the following stages:
Building, Plumbing, Gas and Electrical
- Final Inspection: Prior to new tenancy occupying space
You may request an inspection online.
