A Guide to Getting a Commercial Building Permit
Hey business owners! The task of acquiring a commercial building permit can be daunting, we hear this from clients all the time. To help you navigate this process more easily, we’ve outlined some basic steps that need to be taken to help you get there quicker. Here is your how-to guide!
1. Bring in the Pros: First things first, you'll want to assemble your dream team. Hire a designer or architect, along with any other professionals required by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). This team of consultants will help you craft your vision into tangible plans that meet local building code and by-law requirements.
2. Research Local Regulations: It’s important to speak to someone at the AHJ as different municipalities have different requirements for when an engineer or architect are required to be involved in a project, and different forms that need to be filled out and signed prior to your application. If you’ve already engaged a designer or architect, this is part of their due diligence, and you need not worry about it. Check out the links below to kickstart this reserch.
3. Complete Your Drawings: Developing architectural or engineering drawings are the next step. Your design team should review these with you before finalizing for permit. Then it’s time to loop in the landlord. Share your completed drawings with them and seek their stamp of approval. After all, they're the gatekeepers of the property, and you'll need their sign-off to proceed with your plans. As the primary consultant, I typically manage this process for clients as well.
4. Prepare Your Documentation: Once your drawings are finalized, your design team will gather all the necessary paperwork. This typically includes owner’s authorization documents, documents authorizing the designer or architect as the ‘agent’ for the application, a building permit application, and some forms related to insurance and liability. If engineers or architects (“registered professionals”) are required on your project, you’ll also need to get Schedules signed by them (which will be explained in a separate blog post). Don’t leave anything blank on these documents - the more thorough and accurate your paperwork, the smoother the permit process will be. Once the intake clerk reviews all of your documentation and determines it’s complete, you will pay 50% of the application fee.
5. Review and Approval: Now comes the waiting game. Your application will undergo a thorough review by various departments within the AHJ. They'll check for compliance with building codes, zoning ordinances, Vancouver Coastal Health approvals and other regulatory requirements. If everything checks out, you’ll pay the remaining 50% fee and your permit will be issued.
And there you have it —five *simple* steps to getting the permit across the finish line for your project. With a little patience and a whole lot of paperwork, you'll be well on your way to bringing your brick-and-mortar dreams to life. If you have questions about the specific requirements of various municipalities, or need help obtaining a commercial building permit, contact us! We have handled hundreds of building permits and can walk you through the specifics of your building permit application in more detail.
More information on specific requirements of various municipalities in the Lower Mainland below. This information is intended to be a general guide for early planning, and reflects Tenant Improvement permit information only.