The starting point
Check the proposed business or building use before committing to premises. A change of use can raise planning, building and life-safety questions even when little physical construction is proposed. Confirm the existing approved use and the proposed operation with the municipality.
Burnaby example: tenant-improvement handoff#
Burnaby publishes a tenant-improvement guide that distinguishes planning and building questions and identifies trade approvals. Its current general building page directs commercial tenant improvements to an in-person application route, rather than the residential online pathway.
Before preparing a package, describe the proposed operation, existing and proposed layouts, and physical work. Ask the City what planning approval and professional documents apply to that actual proposal.
A commercial example before signing a lease#
Illustrative scenario: a shop becomes a restaurant. The new operation can introduce cooking, ventilation, customer occupancy and different service needs. The existing shop approval does not establish that a restaurant is allowed or that the premises are ready.
Make the lease and project plan reflect the unresolved approvals. A qualified design team should assess the applicable occupancy, exits, accessibility, fire protection and services; this guide does not assign a code classification from a business name alone.
Before you apply
- Obtain existing approved-use and permit information.
- Describe the proposed operation and all physical changes.
- Confirm zoning, planning and building application requirements.
- Arrange qualified design input and relevant trade/sector approvals.