A building permit is required for all commercial tenant finish and remodeling projects. These projects are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Allow ten working days for the review process to be completed.

If exterior modifications are proposed, they may be subject to staff review plan approval. To determine if this additional review is required, contact a planner with the Department of Community Development prior to applying for a building permit. If you are waiting for rezoning, site plan approval or for your own plans to be completed, but would like to initiate the building code review process, you may request an early building code review, for an additional fee.

How to apply
To apply for a building permit for a commercial tenant finish/remodeling project, complete a permit application and submit with the following required information:

• Four sets of plans, each page sealed with an architect's or engineer's seal and signature (at least one set must have original seal and signatures on every page).
• If the tenant is new to the space, a commercial certificate of occupancy application must also be submitted. (There is no additional fee for this application when filed with a building permit application.)
• All contractor licensing and insurance must be on file with the city before a permit can be issued.
• All commercial projects must comply with the 2006 International Building Code (IBC), 2006 International Fire Code, 2006 International Mechanical Code, 2006 International Plumbing Code, 2005 National Electrical Code, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III Design Guidelines.

Additional information is contained in the Commercial Construction brochure.

Expiration
Permits expire after 180 days if no inspections are performed. An approved inspection automatically extends the permit another 180 days.