Learn about building permit application submission requirements for Tenant/Landlord Improvement (TI) Permits for commercial, industrial and multi-residential projects. All proposed new construction must comply with the current BC Building Code, Maple Ridge Building Bylaws, Zoning Bylaw, and other applicable bylaws.
Preparing for a Tenant/Landlord Improvement Permit Application
The City of Maple Ridge encourages applicants to meet with City staff to discuss their improvement plans as early as possible. City staff can help you understand specific regulations and requirements applicable to your project.
As a first step, before signing a lease or sales agreement, please check with the Planning Department to ensure your preferred location is properly "zoned" and you meet the parking requirements for your Tenant/Landlord Improvement project. Please note that in some cases, a building may have correct zoning but not meet the current requirements of the BC Building Code in relation to your project.
For buildings requiring modifications, you must ensure that the building where you plan to operate meets BC Building Code requirements. A registered professional will be able to provide advice on what improvements may be required, potential costs, and if the services of other registered professionals, such as a structural engineer, are also required. It is recommended that you consult with a registered professional prior to signing a lease or sales agreement.
Submitting full and complete applications will assist in the delivery of efficient and prompt service throughout the permitting process. If all requirements set out in this guidance are not met, the application may be rejected.
For new businesses, applicants should confirm that the type of business is permitted under Zoning Bylaw regulations and contact the Business License Department to make a business license application prior to building permit application.
Additionally, our team in Economic Development can assist new businesses with site selection, business plan development, economic data, statistics, research collection and distribution trends. To connect with Economic Development, email Invest@MapleRidge.ca or call 604-467-7320.
Drawings must be submitted digitally with a maximum size of 50MB per document/file upload. Dimensions can be in imperial or metric but must be consistent throughout. All drawings to have a title block.
Digital Site Plans must indicate:
Dimensions of site (including north arrow)
Location and dimension of all buildings on the site
Street names and location, as well as location and width of any lanes
Legal Description (Lot number, Block number, District Lot number, Plan number)
Street address, floor number and tenant suite number
Indication of area to be developed and adjoining tenants, including occupancy
Signed and Sealed drawings with Schedule B* may be required depending on scope of work
Minimum Scale 1/16” = 1’0”
*A Schedule A is required if multiple Registered Professionals are submitting Schedule B’s.
Floor Plans must include:
Dimensions and area calculations for all floor areas including mezzanines. Full dimension of each floor including mezzanines, second stories and area calculation
Location of exits, stairs and corridors including travel distance measurements for all areas
Location and size of door and window openings
Location of any common washroom space
Dimensions and detail of washrooms for persons with disabilities (if applicable)
Existing and proposed walls with new wall schedule
Fire-resistance rating of any new and existing fire separations
Fire-resistance rating and construction of wall, floor and/or ceiling assemblies adjacent to other tenants
All outside dimensions of tenant space
Total area of tenant space (total square meters or square feet)
Corridor widths
Exiting for new tenant space and all other tenant spaces on the floor where construction or alterations will occur
Room names
Exit signs, emergency lights and fire alarm pull stations
Furniture layout
Signed and Sealed drawings with Schedule B* may be required depending on scope of work
Minimum Scale 1/8” = 1’0
*A Schedule A is required if multiple Registered Professionals are submitting Schedule B’s.
Digital Construction Details must:
Indicate wall structure (written description or cross sections). List assemblies required for fire-rated walls and floors. Provide copies of Canadian listed assemblies
Include reflected ceiling plan
Include details of air conditioning or heating units and duct work, roof plan and elevation plans showing location and dimensions of units
Specify fire stopping details for service penetrations of fire separations. Provide copies of Canadian listed assemblies
Minimum Scale 1/2” = 1’0”
*A Schedule A is required if multiple Registered Professionals are submitting Schedule B’s.
Digital Structural Plans must be:
Signed and Sealed drawings with Schedule B*
Note: For structural work such as: structural alterations, mezzanine or 2nd floor additions, racking systems see racking information guide
Minimum Scale: 1/4” = 1’-0”
*A Schedule A is required if multiple Registered Professionals are submitting Schedule B’s.
Complete drawings of the affected area are required and must include:
Detailed load calculation showing usage, space requirements and all other connected loads including all mechanical loads done by an electrical engineer or licensed electrical contractor
One-line drawing of the Main Electrical Service to the premises including the proposed or existing distribution to the tenant spaces and sub-service characteristics
Drawing or detail demonstrating the electrical installation shall comply with AANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings for lighting and receptacle control
ASHRAE Lighting Compliance Documentation Form completed by an electrical engineer, licensed electrical contractor or designer
Signed and Sealed drawings with Schedule B* may be required depending on scope of work
*A Schedule A is required if multiple Registered Professionals are submitting Schedule B’s.
Mechanical/Plumbing drawings must include:
Drawing details demonstrating that the mechanical installation shall comply with AANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings
Note: All new mechanical systems shall comply to Part 6 of the BC Building Code
Drawing details demonstrating that the plumbing installation shall comply with the BC Plumbing Code
Signed and Sealed drawings with Schedule B* may be required depending on scope of work
*A Schedule A is required if multiple Registered Professionals are submitting Schedule B’s.
Consent to Construct form must be signed by the Strata or Property Manager to confirm the Tenant/Lessee has the authority to undertake the construction.
Letter of Authorization form must be signed by and completed by the Land title Owners or authorized agent acting on behalf of the Lessee/Tenant to apply for the building permit.
Alternate Solutions as accepted by City Building Official (If Applicable)
Required when deviating from the current BC Building Code.
Fraser Health Authority Approval (If Applicable)
Plans must be stamped and approved by Fraser Health Authority and are required at the time of permit application for improvement projects such as: Personal Services, Child Care Facilities, Food Services.
Fire Suppression Drawings (If Applicable)
Signed and sealed sprinkler drawings are required if altering an existing system or adding a new system. A Schedule B and hydraulic calculation are required for projects such as restaurants.
Additionally, our team in Economic Development can assist new businesses with site selection, business plan development, economic data, statistics, research collection and distribution trends. To connect with Economic Development, email Invest@MapleRidge.ca or call 604-467-7320.
Fraser Health Authority Approval is required prior to submitting the building permit application for the following business types:
Food service establishments
Personal service establishments such as salons, esthetics, tattoo, laser, tanning studios, massage, manicure/pedicure, skin care, body modification, lash extensions, etc.)
Recreational water facilities (swimming pool and hot tubs)
Childcare facilities
Applicants must provide Fraser Health Authority approved and stamped plans at the time of the building permit application.
Any alterations made to stamped plans, as approved by Fraser Health Authority, may require a new approval. For more information, contact the Fraser Health Authority.
Subtrades permits (electrical, plumbing, gas and sprinkler) must be obtained by a certified trade contractor that is licensed in the City of Maple Ridge or holds an Inter-Municipal License, after the building permit is issued, as required.
Any exterior sign requires a sign permit a permit as per the 7630-2020 Sign Bylaw. This section provides information and requirements for exterior signs in all zones. Note that incomplete applications will not be processed.
