Occupancy Permits

Occupancy permits are required for all new buildings and for most renovations or changes in use. They provide assurance to owners and occupants that the building can be used safely and is in compliance with regulatory requirements. 

Learn more about why occupancy permits are necessary.

If you’re unsure whether you need an occupancy permit or have questions about your project, please contact a Safety Codes at inspections@rmwb.ca. We are happy to provide guidance to help you through the process.

Before you apply Download forms and checklists After you apply Helpful tips

Apply

Apply for occupancy permits online through E-Permitting or in person using the forms below.

Apply online

Before you apply

Not sure if you're ready? Here are some questions to ask yourself before you apply.

Yes! If you apply for an occupancy permit before construction or renovation begins, you may request a pre-occupancy inspection.

This optional service allows a Safety Codes Officer to review your space early in the process and provide general guidance on what will be required to obtain your final occupancy permit. It can help you better understand the scope of work ahead and identify potential requirements before investing time and money into your project.

Please note:

  • The pre-occupancy inspection is intended to provide preliminary guidance only. While we will identify key requirements, we may not be able to capture every detail or issue at this stage.
  • All final requirements will still be confirmed through the formal permit and inspection process.

Important: You only need to apply for one occupancy permit. The same permit used for your pre-occupancy inspection will remain active and will be finalized once all work is complete and final inspections have passed. There is no need to submit a second application.

This approach is especially helpful for new business owners, as it provides early clarity and helps support a smoother approval process.

After completion of a project
  • A final inspection to conclude the project and confirm all trades and building permits are compliant.
  • This grants occupancy of the space.

New construction
  • Required when a newly constructed building or space is occupied for the first time.
Renovation for a new use or tenant upgrade
  • An occupancy permit is required when major renovations are made for a new business or use.
  • This does not include minor cosmetic changes, unless the occupancy type changes (e.g., office to salon, warehouse to auto service).
New use without renovations or change in ownership
  • An occupancy permit is required when a new business type, process, or equipment is introduced in an existing space. The occupancy permit will determine if alterations or additional permits are needed.
Business opening in a new location
  • An occupancy permit is required to confirm the space meets Safety Codes before a business licence is issued.

Applicants must submit a checklist for review. Additionally, if other permits are needed, they must be obtained and approved before the occupancy permit is granted. 

Full occupancy
  • Occurs when a building fully complies with all applicable codes (e.g., building, fire, and trades). This indicates the space is safe and ready for its intended use.
Conditional occupancy
  • Occurs when a building, or portion thereof, may be considered safe but a portion of the project is incomplete with respect to the construction documents submitted for the building permit, or with respect to the permit conditions or substantial building code compliance.
  • Building Code compliance and other decisions associated with conditional occupancy are at the discretion of the Building Safety Codes Officer. The incomplete portion of the project will have time constraints and the applicant will be responsible to ensure the timeframes are met.
Temporary occupancy
  • Allows use of a space before full completion, under strict conditions. This is typically used when parts of a building are ready while others are still under construction. For example, occupying an office wing while the rest of the building is being finished.
  • Temporary occupancy is time-limited and subject to re-inspection.
Partial occupancy
  • Permits use of a specific portion of a building while the rest remains under construction or renovation.
  • The following conditions must be met:
    • Clearly defined usable areas only.
    • Restricted access to non-approved areas.
    • Safety systems must be operational.
    • Time-bound permit (e.g., valid for 30–90 days).
    • May require follow-up inspections.

Review the permit fee schedule.

Permit applications and checklists

 

After you apply

If an occupancy permit application is submitted before construction or renovation begins, it can remain active for the duration of the project until all work is complete and final inspections have been approved.

If an occupancy permit is applied for after the project is complete, all other required permits (building, electrical, plumbing, gas, etc.) must be finalized and compliant. Once this is confirmed, the applicant will need to contact Safety Codes to request a final occupancy inspection. You will need to ensure the site is ready, accessible, and safe for inspection.

No, an occupancy permit must be issued before a building or space is used.

Occupying a space without approval may result in delays, additional inspections, or enforcement action.

Your occupancy permit is an important document showing that your space has been approved for use. You may need it for insurance, financing, or future business needs.

Helpful tips

An occupancy permit must be issued before a building or space is used. Occupying a space without approval may result in delays, additional inspections, or enforcement action.

Before an occupancy permit can be issued, all applicable permits (building, electrical, plumbing, gas, etc.) must be finalized and have passed inspections.

If you are changing how a building or space is used (for example, converting an office into a retail store), an occupancy permit may be required even if no construction work is being done.

A final occupancy inspection is required to confirm that the space meets safety code requirements. You will need to ensure the site is ready, accessible, and safe for inspection.

Applying early and scheduling inspections in advance can help prevent project delays, especially for businesses working toward an opening date.

Your occupancy permit is an important document showing that your space has been approved for use. You may need it for insurance, financing, or future business needs.

Why are occupancy permits necessary?

An occupancy permit confirms that a building meets applicable safety codes and is safe for its intended use.

It is issued by a Building Safety Codes Officer after all required permits have been obtained and final inspections have been successfully completed.

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