Occupancy Permits | Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

Occupancy permits assure building owners that their structure will perform as it should and keep its occupants safe. Most renovations and all new construction require an occupancy permit.

It's typically the last step in the planning and development journey, confirming that a building is safe and ready to be occupied. This means that all required permits must be obtained and inspections passed before occupancy is granted.

Occupancy permits are issued at the discretion of the Building Safety Codes Officer.

Apply for occupancy permits through E-Permitting or by downloading the application form. Review the permit fee schedule.

Why occupancy permits are required

Buildings are designed for specific purposes, and safety requirements depend on how those spaces are used. When a building or part of it changes from its original use, the safety codes that apply often change too.

For example, if a space built as an office is converted into a retail store, the number of combustible materials (like products and packaging) usually increases. This raises the fire risk, which may mean the existing sprinkler system is no longer sufficient. More people in the space can also mean more exit doors are needed so everyone can evacuate quickly in an emergency. Shelving can create obstacles, and higher occupancy often requires additional washrooms.

Certain business activities may also need special ventilation to keep the air safe, or alarm systems to provide faster fire warnings. Some types of businesses must have sprinklers and alarms, while others in the same building may not.

In short: when the use of a space changes, safety requirements change too—to keep everyone safe.

When occupancy permits are required

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.

Using an occupancy permit prior to work commencing

An occupancy permit can be used before committing to a lease or construction. The inspection will inform the applicant of things that need to be completed to pass code. This gives the applicant an understanding upfront before work begins.

When an occupancy permit is purchased before work commences, the same permit can be used when work is completed to occupy the space

Types of occupancy 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.

Application Form

Occupancy Permit application form