Commercial Use and Occupancy

Check the approved use, proposed business and construction scope before committing to premises.

Start with the main guide, then choose your specific question

  1. Change of Use Permit Guide

    A practical guide to change of use projects in British Columbia, including retail-to-daycare, office-to-clinic, warehouse-to-gym, restaurant conversions, occupancy classification and permit requirements.

  2. Commercial Change of Use Checklist in BC: Before You Lease or Renovate

    Use this commercial change-of-use checklist to review zoning, occupancy classification, permits, accessibility, fire safety, plumbing, HVAC and occupancy approval before leasing or renovating business space in British Columbia.

  3. What Is an Occupancy Permit in BC? Vancouver Guide (2026)

    Learn when an occupancy permit may be required in Vancouver and British Columbia, how it differs from a building permit and final inspection, and what commercial tenants should confirm before opening.

  4. What Is a Change of Occupancy in the BC Building Code?

    A practical BC-wide guide explaining what a change of occupancy means, why it can trigger building permit review, and how it affects fire safety, exits, accessibility, washrooms, ventilation, and code compliance.

  5. Do I Need a Building Permit for a Commercial Tenant Improvement in BC?

    A practical guide to commercial tenant improvements (TI) in British Columbia, covering when a building permit is required, change of occupancy, accessibility, mechanical systems, fire safety, and common permit issues for offices, restaurants, retail stores, medical clinics, gyms, warehouses, and other commercial spaces.

  6. Can I Open a Medical Clinic in This Space? Vancouver Permit Guide

    Review zoning, building permits, accessibility, washrooms, HVAC, fire safety and occupancy requirements before leasing or renovating a medical clinic in Vancouver or British Columbia.

  7. Can I Turn an Office into a Medical Clinic in BC?

    A practical feasibility guide for converting an office into a medical clinic in British Columbia, covering zoning, change of occupancy, patient access, treatment rooms, sinks, ventilation, plumbing, electrical capacity, accessibility, and building permit review.

Choose your municipality for official applications and checklists. The guides explain planning questions; the local authority decides requirements.