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Change of Use Permit

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Change of Use Permit

Permit drawings and application support for changing the use or occupancy of a commercial, industrial, or mixed-use space in Ontario.

Request a Permit QuoteCALL 416 989 8900

Code & Safety Review

City Submission & Review Support

Fast, Clear Communication

Do You Need a Permit for a Change of Use?

A change of use may require a building permit even when little or no construction is proposed, because changing occupancy can trigger different zoning, building code, and life-safety requirements. Municipal review may include occupancy classification, exiting, fire safety, washrooms, accessibility, and other code requirements.

What a Change of Use Permit Usually Involves

Existing and proposed use review

Zoning and occupancy classification review

Building code and life-safety assessment

Permit drawings and supporting documents

City submission and review support

Key Requirements for Change of Use Permits

Change of Use Permit permit drawing example and code review

Confirm the existing and proposed occupancy or business use
Review zoning permissions and municipal by-law requirements
Assess exiting, fire separations, washrooms, and accessibility
Identify whether construction drawings or upgrades are required
Prepare floor plans, code notes, and required forms
Coordinate landlord, base building, or consultant information if required
Respond to city comments during the review process
Examples include retail to restaurant, office to medical clinic, warehouse to showroom, and personal service shop to assembly use.

Changing How a Property or Unit Will Be Used?

Permit Works can help review the proposed use, prepare required drawings, and support the permit application so zoning, code, and occupancy questions are addressed early.

Request a Permit Quote

or call 416 989 8900

Our Permit Process

Quotation

We review your scope of work and provide a clear quotation.

Site Documentation

On-site measurement and information gathering

Design

We provide a preliminary design approximately 5–10 business days after the site visit, depending on project scope.

Permit Package

Once the design is confirmed, we prepare the permit package for city submission.

City Submission

We submit your application for city review.

City Review & Support

We respond to city comments and support the permit review process.

Drawings and Documents Typically Required

Existing and Proposed Use Summary

Floor Plan of the Unit or Space

Building Code and Occupancy Review Notes

Washroom, Exiting, Accessibility, or Fire Separation Details if required

Municipal Forms and Supporting Documents

Not all drawings listed above are required for every project. We confirm the required drawings based on your project scope, property, municipality, and permit requirements.

Common City Review Issues

Proposed use is not permitted by zoning

Existing layout does not meet exiting or accessibility requirements

Washroom or occupant load requirements are not addressed

Fire separation or life-safety information is incomplete

Application lacks enough documentation for city review

What Our Clients Say About Us

4.6/5

Based on 75+ verified reviews

4.9/5

Based on 80+ verified reviews

“From the first point of contact to getting permit approvals, Permit Works was very professional and responsive. They created a frictionless customer experience for what is typically a frustrating and long process to obtain permit approvals from the City of Toronto.”

Robert L
Verified Google Review

"It has been great working with Permit works on multiple projects that I have brought them on for. They are very well organised and fast in their deliverables. As a general contractor I wish most companies were like them. Saveska Construction will continue to use them in the future."

Savinda A
‍Verified Google Review

“Permit Works assisted us with acquiring a permit for our deck modification. The process took some time, but the team was able to successfully secure the permit, and we appreciate their effort throughout the process.”

Kaarlyn L
‍Verified Google Review

“Permit Works guided us through the entire city permit process smoothly and professionally. Their service was efficient, knowledgeable, and reliable from start to finish.”

WN L
Verified Google Review

“Permit Works guided me through the entire permit process with patience and professionalism. Their knowledge, responsiveness, and willingness to go the extra mile made a stressful situation much easier.”

Daniel G
‍Verified Google Review

The team was incredibly thorough and patient throughout the process. They took the time to explain every detail, maintained ongoing communication, and were always responsive to our questions. Thanks to their dedication, my friend's drawings were approved smoothly and correctly.

Nu Q
Verified Google Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Change of Use Permit Support by Municipality

Review local permit and zoning information for Toronto, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Mississauga, and Brampton.

REQUEST A QUOTE

Tell Us About Your Project

Send your project address, municipality, and proposed work. Permit Works can review the scope and identify the drawings, consultant coordination, and permit support that may be needed.

✓Review led by a licensed Ontario Architect

✓Residential and commercial projects

✓Toronto and GTA municipalities

Prefer to speak with us? Call 416 989 8900

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Planning a Change of Use?

We make the change of use permit process clear, organized, and built around your project. Let’s get your drawings and application ready for city review.

Request a Permit Quote

or call 416 989 8900