| NOW ACCEPTING DIGITAL SUBMISSIONS! |
September 2025 update: New Building Permit Application fees have been approved, learn more here!
Commercial Permits are used to permit any work on commercial, institutional, industrial, or Part 3 residential buildings. (Note: For Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) projects, please refer to our Residential Permits page.)
A Commercial Building Permit is required if:
- building an entirely new building,
- renovating an existing building and/or suites therein,
- adding to an existing building,
- doing tenant improvements or
- demolishing an existing building
Application Requirements
- A completed application form and submit via email.
- Please be advised that Servicing Requirements may be applicable and could impact your project. Contact Development Services prior to submitting your application if you have questions or concerns.
- Please refer to the Subdivision Bylaw and Schedule H. More information can be found here.
- Review Project Requirements under Related Links to ensure you have all required documentation for your project.
- Application fee is paid
The more complete the application, the faster the permit is issued!
The application form and documentation have been submitted, what's next?
Upon application review, an automated email will be sent containing:
- Your "Access Code" and "Folder Number" - these are used to register your application to your MySaanich account.
- Don't have a MySaanich account? Register here.
- Do I need a MySaanich account? YES - for application fee payment, and ongoing application status visibility.
- Outstanding fees that must be paid.
- Payable via online banking (through your financial institution) OR
- in-person via cash/debit/cheque/credit card (2.4% convenience fee for credit card) OR
- Online Payment System (MySaanich account)
Additional resources:
- Access our Building Permit Document Guide for information on documentation requirements.
- Occupancy permit information for Complex Buildings
- When is an architect required?
- Letters of Assurance - Guide to Letters of Assurance (LOA)
- A geotechnical engineer's report may be required, depending on site conditions (via LOA)
- Should a registered professional provide letters of assurance, they shall obtain and keep in force professional liability insurance.
- Proof of such insurance to be provided to the building official through the Declaration of Insurance Coverage