Home > Services >
Change of Use Permit
OUR SERVICES

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.

Code Compliant & Safe

City Submission & Review Support

Fast, Clear Communication

Do You Need a Permit for a Change of Use?

Yes. A change of use may require a building permit even when little or no construction is proposed, because the city must review occupancy, life safety, zoning, washrooms, accessibility, exiting, and building code requirements. Permit Works prepares the required documents and supports the city review process.

What a Change of Use Permit Usually Involves

01
Existing and proposed use review
02
Zoning and occupancy classification review
03
Building code and life-safety assessment
04
Permit drawings and supporting documents
05
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

1
Quotation
We review your scope of work and provide a clear quotation.
2
Site Documentation
On-site measurement and information gathering
3
Design
We provide a preliminary design approximately 5–10 business days after the site visit, depending on project scope.
4
Permit Package
Once the design is confirmed, we prepare the permit package for city submission.
5
City Submission
We submit your application for city review.
6
Approval & 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

Frequently Asked Questions

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