Building Permit Question (Bunk?)

[Hack&Lube]

Hey guys, I have some questions about commercial building permits. I was hoping Bunk, someone from the city, or anybody with experience can answer a quick question.

We are mulling opening up a small business in what was previously an art/music type studio. It will be a change in use.

We were originally told that renovations under $5000 do not require a building permit but now I'm hearing that the change in use means that regardless of that, we will need to apply for a new building permit.

Can anybody with any knowledge in this area chime in?

[rohara66]

Pretty sure you need to do a change of use permit application and potentially a development permit application.

Call 311, they will be able to clarify for you.

[J pold]

The under $5,000 not requiring a DP isn’t necessarily the case. If you’re doing anything structural (moving/building walls, changing any plumbing, any electrical work) will require a DP even if the total cost is under $5,000. I don’t think you always need a DP in a change use scenario, so long the space is remaining structurally the same it shouldn’t be required.

Either way I’m not the city I would call Development Completion Inspection and explain the working being contemplated to get a more solid answer : 403-268-5311

[Bill Bumface]

^I think you're confusing BP and DP.

There is a huge laundry list of conditions that can trigger the requirement for a DP.

Some changes of use do not require a DP. I think you can change between various forms of retail without a permit.

Here is a good place to start.

http://lub.calgary.ca/Part2/Division...nt_Permits.htm

Calling 311 is your best bet though, as there are certain things (is it an old building sitting on a setback with no relaxation?) that can trigger DP requirements regardless of the construction scope I believe.

And most of all, if you need a DP, have fun

The amount of erroneous information that is required even for the smallest scope of DP is completely asinine.

[Northendzone]

are you opening up a massage parlour? i have heard there is a shortage

[Addick]

While you may not need a Building Permit (BP), I believe you will need a Development Permit (DP) to accommodate the change in use. As long as it falls in the same Land Use Designation, you won't need to apply for a Land Use Re-designation.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

are you opening up a massage parlour? i have heard there is a shortage

[Hack&Lube]

Haha, it's not a massage parlour.

It looks like we need new architectural drawings to document everything for the Alberta Building Code, Fire Code, (exits, alarms, ventilation, etc.) and we are also adding a new partition and possibly a room to a commercial office basement.


Who usually does these things? Small architectural firms or building contractors?

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

Haha, it's not a massage parlour.

It looks like we need new architectural drawings to document everything for the Alberta Building Code, Fire Code, (exits, alarms, ventilation, etc.) and we are also adding a new partition and possibly a room to a commercial office basement.


Who usually does these things? Small architectural firms or building contractors?

If it's under 500 sq m an Architectural Technologist can provide an A set. For any significant mech/elec changes you'd need drawings from those engineers as well.