- Interior partition or removal of walls
- Adding usable floor area such as mezzanines or new levels
- Installing or replacing HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, or electrical systems
- Replacement or removal of structural components
- Reconstructing areas after damage (e.g., fire, flood)
- Alterations involving fire separations
- Installing specialized equipment (e.g., spray booths)
Interior Alterations to Existing Commercial Buildings
Interior alterations to commercial buildings can range from simple tenant improvements to significant changes involving structure, mechanical systems, and life safety upgrades. A building permit is required before beginning most interior alteration work to ensure safety, accessibility, fire protection, and code compliance.
Before beginning construction, review the information on this page to ensure your project meets all requirements and that you have applied for the necessary permits.
When do you need a permit?
A building permit is required prior to undertaking interior alterations in an existing commercial building.
- Flooring, paint, or trim upgrades
- Simple cosmetic improvements that don't alter structure or systems
How to apply
You can apply online through eApply or in person at City Hall.
Your application must include three complete sets of working (construction) drawings with all related details including:
- Key plan showing the entire building and adjacent tenant spaces (if more than one tenant)
- Building description with number of stories, total area, and construction type (e.g., wood frame, concrete, masonry block)
- Floor plans detailing existing layout and proposed revised configuration
- Details on all architectural, structural, plumbing, heating, sprinkler, and electrical changes
- Site plan if required depending on the scope of project
- Accessibility considerations, including barrier free access provisions
Drawings must be scaled and dimensioned so that any qualified contractor could construct the project from the documents.
Additional Requirements
Depending on your project:
- Development Permit or Change of Use approval may be required if the tenant's business changes function or occupancy classification
- Barrier Free Design must be considered and incorporated where applicable
- Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas, HVAC) may also be required for systems work
Permit Fees
- Commercial: minimum permit fee of $250.00 plus applicable Safety Codes Council levy. Fees increase based on the total construction value.
- Additional fees may apply for trades (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), or re-inspections
Inspections
Inspections are required at key stages of construction, typical inspections would include:
- Framing
- Fire stopping
- Electrical, plumbing, mechanical (HVAC) if those systems are part of the project
- Final
You must schedule inspections at least one business day in advance. Please schedule using the eInspections portal.
FAQs
Do all interior alterations require a building permit?
No. Simple cosmetic work like painting or finishes typically does not. However, any structural changes, partition additions/removals, mechanical system changes, or fire separation work does require a building permit.
Do I need a Development Permit too?
If you're changing the use or occupancy of the space (e.g., retail to restaurant), development approval may be required before a building permit can be issued.
Contact Us
City Hall
910 4 Avenue South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 0P6
Phone: 311
or 403-320-3111 (if outside of Lethbridge)