PermitPilot
LiveLast source review: October 1, 2025

Calgary Commercial Tenant Improvement

Interior fit-up and renovation of an existing commercial tenancy. Covers building permit requirements, trade permits, and inspection sequence for a tenant improvement project within a Calgary commercial building.

City: Calgary
Approval nodes: 8
Typical total timeline: ~64 calendar days
Business ownerContractorDeveloperConsultant

Required documents

Documents that are always required for this workflow. Your specific list may vary based on project answers.

  • Completed Building Permit application form

    Approval node: building_permit

  • Architectural / construction drawings (stamped by an architect or engineer if required)

    Floor plan, reflected ceiling plan, elevations, sections. Alberta Building Code compliance notes required.

    Approval node: building_permit

  • Site plan showing building location and suite

    Approval node: building_permit

  • Owner / landlord authorization letter

    Approval node: building_permit

  • Development Permit application with proposed use description

    Approval node: change_of_use_dp

  • Site plan with parking counts and layout

    Approval node: change_of_use_dp

  • Mechanical / HVAC drawings

    Approval node: mechanical_permit

  • Plumbing drawings and fixture schedule

    Approval node: plumbing_gas_permit

  • Electrical drawings (load calculations, panel schedule)

    Approval node: electrical_permit

Typical timelines

Timelines are estimates based on recent City of Calgary review data. Actual times vary based on application completeness and queue depth.

Commercial tenant improvement building permits typically take 15–30 business days for review.

Node: building_permit

~30 days

Change of use development permits averaged 34 calendar days (Q4 2025).

Node: change_of_use_dp

~34 days

Fee guidance

All fees are set by the relevant authority and change annually. Always verify against the current official fee schedule before budgeting.

Building permit fee is based on construction value. Check the City of Calgary Fee Schedule (Schedule A) for the current rate table.

Node: building_permit

Development permit fee depends on application type and gross floor area. Check the City of Calgary Fee Schedule.

Node: change_of_use_dp

Inspections

Rough-in inspection (framing, rough mechanical, plumbing, electrical)

Final inspection and occupancy confirmation

This playbook is a public summary for informational purposes. It does not constitute professional regulatory, legal, or engineering advice. Project requirements depend on your specific address, proposed use, construction scope, and other factors. PermitPilot's full product evaluates your specific project after intake. Final approvals remain subject to City of Calgary review.

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