Occupancy permit
An occupancy permit ensures that a building complies with the relevant bylaws and codes, and is safe for people to live in or to use.
An occupancy permit is required for
- All new commercial and multi-family buildings
- Buildings which have undergone a change of use
- Buildings which have undergone major renovations
An occupancy permit can be requested for
- New one-family and two-family homes
- Existing buildings (other than those described above), if you receive a special inspection first
Re-occupancy permits
If a building has been declared unsafe by the City, you will need to get a re-occupancy permit, not an occupancy permit, before you can live in or use the building.
The City is here to help
For specific information about your situation, contact the Occupancy Permit clerk directly. Our staff will help you determine which permits you need, and help navigate you through the process, so you can speak to your contractor with confidence.
Process and timeline
You can apply for an occupancy permit after your building permit has been issued, or after you have requested a special inspection.
- The first step of the process depends on the type of building you need a permit for:
- New one-family and two-family homes: Fill in the occupancy permit application, and bring it to the occupancy clerk's office with the fee.
- New commercial buildings, new multi-family buildings, buildings which have undergone a change of use, and buildings which have undergone tenant improvements: Fill in the form and submit it by regular mail, fax, email, or in person.
- It will take at least three (3) weeks for your occupancy permit application to be processed. Once the application is processed, the permit will be mailed to you, unless you ask to pick it up or have it faxed to you.
