Change of Use Permit in Vancouver BC

What is a Change of use ?

A change of use permit is required when a commercial or residential space is proposed to operate under a different occupancy classification than its previous approved use. In Vancouver this commonly occurs when a retail space becomes a restaurant, an office becomes a fitness studio, or a storage area is converted into customer accessible floor area.

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Municipal review focuses on life safety rather than cosmetic renovation. Even if little construction is proposed, the City may require building permit drawings to verify exiting, occupant load, washroom counts, accessibility, fire separations, and ventilation. Many tenants first learn about this requirement after a business licence application or a site inspection.

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Archivolt prepares the drawings and code analysis necessary for submission and communicates with plan reviewers during the permit process.

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What triggers a change of use review

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• new business type in an existing unit
• increase in occupant load
• food service being introduced
• assembly activities such as classes or fitness
• conversion of storage or warehouse areas to customer areas
• liquor primary or food primary license applications

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What the City evaluates

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Occupancy classification
Exiting and travel distance
Number and width of exits
Barrier free accessibility
Washroom fixture counts
Fire separations and fire resistance ratings
Mechanical ventilation requirements

This review is based on Vancouver Building By law & the BC Building Code

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Why businesses are often delayed

Previous tenant alterations not documented
Old permits closed without final inspection
Incorrectly assumed existing use
Landlord drawings unavailable
Occupant load exceeding exiting capacity

We review available records, prepare as built plans, and respond to plan checker comments until the permit can be issued.

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What we provide

Existing condition measurements
Code compliance analysis
Architectural permit drawings
Coordination with structural or mechanical engineers where required
Revisions responding to City review comments

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Typical projects

Restaurants and cafes
Gyms and fitness studios
Nail salons and personal service businesses
Retail stores expanding into assembly areas
Medical clinics and pharmacies

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Serving Vancouver and the Lower Mainland

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* City of Vancouver
* North Vancouver

* West Vancouver 
* Burnaby
* Surrey
* Richmond
* New Westminster
- Coquitlam  & Port Coquitlam 

- Port Moody 

- Abbotsford & Fraser Valley ​

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