Calgary Commercial
Tenant Improvements
Map the complete approval sequence for your TI — building permit, development permit (if change of use), trade permits, and the Calgary inspection sequence — before your drawings go to the architect.
Where TI projects go sideways
Change of use triggers you didn't expect
Moving from retail to restaurant? From office to medical clinic? A change of use requires a Development Permit before the building permit review can conclude. Miss this and your timeline doubles.
Trade permits that run in parallel
Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical permits are separate applications — and they can often be submitted concurrently with the building permit, not after. Most teams sequence them wrong.
Inspection sequence matters
Rough-in inspection must pass before walls close. Final inspection must pass before occupancy. Inspectors won't open files out of sequence and will send your team home.
Typical approval workflow
Exact nodes depend on your project details. PermitPilot generates the specific graph after intake.
| Approval node | Portal | Note | Always required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building Permit | ePermit | Always required. Fee is based on construction value. | Yes |
| Development Permit (Change of Use) | Apply.Calgary.ca | Required if proposed use differs from existing permitted use. | Conditional |
| Mechanical Permit | ePermit | Required when HVAC or exhaust changes are planned. | Conditional |
| Plumbing/Gas Permit | ePermit | Required when plumbing is added or modified. | Conditional |
| Electrical Permit | ePermit | Required for electrical work under the Alberta Electrical Code. | Conditional |
| Sign Permit | ePermit | Required for changes to exterior signage. | Conditional |
| Rough-in Inspection | City of Calgary | Framing, rough mechanical, plumbing, electrical. | Yes |
| Final Inspection | City of Calgary | Occupancy confirmation. Must pass before possession. | Yes |
Common documents PermitPilot checks
Your actual document list is generated from your project answers.
- ✓Architectural / construction drawings (stamped by architect or engineer if required)
- ✓Site plan showing building location and suite
- ✓Owner / landlord authorization letter
- ✓Floor plan, reflected ceiling plan, elevations, sections
- ✓Alberta Building Code compliance notes
- ✓Mechanical / HVAC drawings (if mechanical work)
- ✓Plumbing drawings and fixture schedule (if plumbing work)
- ✓Electrical drawings with load calculations and panel schedule (if electrical work)
- ✓Development Permit application with site plan and parking counts (if change of use)
Walk through your next TI with PermitPilot
Book 30 minutes and we'll map the approval sequence for your specific project — construction value, change of use, trade scope, and all.
Book a demo