Commercial and Multi-Family Building Permit Requirements

A code analysis of the building may be required, to ensure that the proposed occupancy does not require major construction or fire safety changes to be made to the entire building.

The original building may not comply to the stricter construction and safety requirements of an assembly use, as required by the B.C. Building Code, thereby requiring major modifications to the building.

Plans

A double line plan, drawn to scale, distinguishing new from existing construction, to be submitted in triplicate to the Permits Section.

A. Site Plan

Show:

• Entire building on lot, parking layout, streets, north arrow
• Location of tenant space within building
• New water service size if applicable

B. Floor Plan Of Tenant Space

Show:

• Complete space to be occupied
• Proposed use of all rooms
• Dimensions of all rooms, doors, windows, etc.
• Locations of required exits and fire separations
• Location of plumbing fixtures
• Indicate means/type of heating
• Details of new construction - list materials and finishes. Walls, floor, ceiling, etc. (could be on section)

C. Section

Section view of building showing new construction and indicating the materials used.

• i.e. floors, walls, ceiling.

D. Elevations

Required, if exterior elevations are altered in any way.

• i.e. windows, doors added or deleted, exterior finishing material changed.

If in a D.P. area, a Development Permit may be required.

E. Plumbing Plan

Show:

• Piping layout for all fixtures, drain, vents and water supply (if required) drawn and sized to the current B.C. Plumbing Code.
• Discharge of chemicals, oil, ink

Structural Changes

• Indicate all structural changes

A Structural Engineer may have to be retained.

Accessibility Requirements

Ensure accessibility for all occupants per the BC Building Code. The Building Code’s accessibility requirements govern the design and construction of buildings so that people can approach, enter, and exit buildings, and move safely throughout to enjoy the facilities and services.

Additional Information

Restaurants:

• Seating layout and anticipated occupant load
• Emergency lighting, exits, signs
• Cooking equipment list
• Details of commercial exhaust hood and suppression system. (NFPA 96)
• Garbage area, storage area
• Slop sink

Spray booths and hazardous materials use or construction details and information required prior to permit issuance.

Sprinkler System

• Plans and permits are required to alter or add to an existing system
• Plans signed/sealed by a Professional Engineer may be required

Tree Protection Bylaw

The purpose of the Tree Protection Bylaw is to protect Richmond’s urban forest by restricting tree removal from private lands and ensuring replacement trees are provided when trees are required to be removed.

Visit our Tree Protection Bylaw page for more details.

Obtaining & Viewing Building Records

Permit records and survey certificates are available for viewing at Customer Service in City Hall and may be viewed by anyone. Building drawings are also available for viewing to the registered owner of the property. If the requester is not the owner of the property, the drawings can be viewed with a signed Letter of Authorization (AS-30) by the owner.

For each request to view records there is a $20 administrative fee, $5.25 per printed page or electronic file, and a $12 fee for transferring large files that cannot be emailed. 

Richmond is implementing a phased fee update over the next two years to align with current processing and delivery costs. Fee increases will be in effect January 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026.