Change of Use Permit & Occupancy Review

What a change-of-use review can include

Depending on the proposed use and agreed scope, 828 Design can provide:

• review of available permit records and existing-use information
• existing/proposed floor plans and use/occupancy information
• assessment of exits, occupant load, fire/life-safety and accessibility conditions relevant to the proposed use
• identification of required building alterations before occupancy
• coordination of plumbing, HVAC/mechanical, structural and other permit information where applicable
• permit application support and response to municipal comments where included

What we compare before recommending a permit path

The key question is not simply whether the new tenant likes the space.

• recognized existing use versus proposed use
• zoning permission for the proposed business at the property
• occupant load, exits and life-safety implications
• barrier-free/accessibility and washroom requirements
• fire separations, alarms/sprinklers and other base-building systems
• whether the proposed use creates environmental, licensing or other applicable-law issues outside the building permit

A change of tenant is not always a change of use

Two different businesses can fall within the same general Building Code use, while two businesses that look similar to a customer can trigger different requirements. We do not label every lease turnover a change of use; we compare the actual recognized use and the proposed operation first.

Common change-of-use questions

Do I need a change-of-use permit if I am not renovating?

Possibly. Ontario’s Building Code Act specifically provides for a change-of-use permit where the change would increase hazard even if no construction is proposed.

If zoning allows my business, does that mean I can occupy the unit?

Not necessarily. Zoning answers whether the use is permitted at the location; Building Code and other applicable-law requirements still need to be satisfied.

Can the existing washrooms and exits stay as they are?

Maybe, but the proposed use can change occupant load, accessibility, exit and plumbing requirements. Existing conditions have to be checked against the new use.

What if the city’s records do not clearly show the current use?

Permit records, prior drawings, property information and existing conditions may need to be reviewed before the new-use application can be defined.

Can a change of use trigger construction work?

Yes. The evaluation may identify upgrades needed for exits, accessibility, fire/life-safety, washrooms or other building systems before the new use can be occupied.

Should I do this review before signing the lease?

Where possible, yes. Early review can expose a use or upgrade issue before the tenant commits to a space that is expensive to convert.

Occupancy follows the approved use

Once the municipality has approved the required permit work and applicable inspections are complete, the premises should be occupied only in accordance with the approved use and permit conditions. Future material changes should be reviewed before they are implemented.

What to send for a quote

• property address and unit number
• existing business/use if known
• clear description of the proposed new business and activities
• existing floor plans or prior permit drawings if available
• photos of entrances, exits, washrooms and the main tenant area
• any zoning review, city correspondence, business-licence request or permit history

Related commercial / industrial permit services

Commercial Renovation & Tenant Improvement · Zoning Review · Building Permit Application Support · Barrier-Free Upgrades

828 Design Inc. — BCIN building design & permit services. Content reviewed for current Ontario permit context: August 2026. Zoning, licensing, occupancy and permit requirements are confirmed for the actual property, municipality and written project scope. Qualifications & responsibility →