Commercial Permit Submission Requirements

Permits are required for two main purposes: to protect people from repair and construction violations that could cause harm to life and property, and to ensure compliance with federally mandated building related requirements, such as energy conservation and accessibility. Failure to obtain the required permit is a violation of the law.

Acquiring permits for commercial construction require different assets depending on the type of construction taking place:

New Construction

See Architectural, Structural and Mechanical Plan Requirements for plan details.

Addition to an Existing Building

See Architectural, Structural and Mechanical Plan Requirements for plan details.

Interior Alterations

  • Minimum page size 11″ × 17″
  • Three (3) copies of the complete construction documents including architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing plans, details and schedules. (Four copies are required if construction documents require Health Department review.)
  • Plans must clearly indicate existing work and work to be modified.
  • Two copies of the accessibility compliance form.
  • One copy of the asbestos certification.

See Architectural, Structural and Mechanical Plan Requirements for plan details.

Interior Alterations – Fast Track

  • Minimum page size 11″ × 17″
  • Two (2)  sets of architectural drawings to include Code Analysis (see table below), scaled and dimensioned floor plans, elevations, sections and details, as appropriate; room/door/window schedules, and partition schedules with fire ratings and test numbers, as appropriate. Provide key plan of floor showing renovation space and egress to the identified floor exits. Indicate new and existing work (clouds are not an acceptable method to indicate new work).
  • Two (2) sets of electrical drawings to include riser diagram, panel/light schedules and power/light plans. Indicate new and existing work.
  • Two (2) sets of mechanical drawings to show the location of all existing supply and return registers (if the system and ductwork are existing, indicate as such) and complete duct layout with all main and branch sizes, register sizes and Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM) at each register (if ductwork is new). In addition, provide equipment schedule for new equipment.
  • Two (2) sets of plumbing drawings to include riser diagrams, schedules and layouts. Indicate new and existing work.
  • Plans must clearly indicate existing work and work to be modified.
  • Accessibility compliance form.
  • One copy of the asbestos certification.

See Architectural, Structural and Mechanical Plan Requirements for plan details.

Sample Code Analysis

 

Existing Building

Proposed Alteration

Unacceptable
IBC Use Group

B

B

Bank
Construction Type

2C

2C

Wood
Number of Stories Above Grade

2

2

?
High Rise                  (Y/N)

N

N

N
Covered  Mall           (Y/N)

N

N

?
Fully Sprinklered (Y/N)

Y

Y

?
Fully Monitored  (Y/N)

N

Y

?
Floor Area of Renovation

5000

1200

See plans

NOTE: This sheet is not intended to represent “minimum requirements” for any plan. Any oversight or misinterpretation of this handout does not alleviate compliance with all code requirements throughout the review and inspection process.

Mechanical Permits for Air Conditioners

  • Minimum page size 11″ X 17″
  • Three (3) copies of plat showing exterior location.

Underground Fuel Tank

  • Three (3) copies of site plan. (Site plan to show location of tanks on site, size of tank and installation detail if new tank.)

Sprinklers, Hoods, Fire Alarms

  • Three (3) sets of drawings with application
  • If resubmittal, no need to complete second application
NOTE: Sprinkler plans may be a walk through review if:
  • Addition or relocation of up to 20 heads.
  • Tenant changes involving 2,000 square feet or less in business, mercantile, or assembly uses.
  • Twenty (20) heads or less as a revision to an approved set of shop drawings.

Other Information

Fees
  • A filing fee equal to 35% of the total building permit fee is required at time of submission. A fee paid to Health Department is required if the plans are required to be reviewed by Health Department.
  • Fee Schedules
  • DES Fees
Licenses
  • We recommend that you bring copies of all applicable licenses when applying for permits. It is imperative that you have the property owner’s (not the tenant) name, address, phone number and written permission to perform the work. Licensed contractors do not need letter of permission, but must supply owner information.
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