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CONSIDERATIONS WHEN FINDING NEW COMMERCIAL SPACE

When looking for a commercial space for your business, keep in mind these 5 questions:

01.  When is a building permit required to alter or renovate an existing space?

02.  If my project triggers a Change of Use or Occupancy, what does that mean for my budget/timeline?

03.  Will I need to obtain permits for previously unpermitted work?

04.  Do I need to upgrade the waste enclosure and/or disposal for commercial waste (food [grease], clinical, hazardous, etc.)?

05.  Do I need to add additional bathrooms?  

01. When is a building permit required to alter or renovate an existing space?

Change of Use

Change in Occupant Load

Structural Modifications

Potential Triggers
Examples

A change in the use of the building

A change in the number of people who may occupy the building

Renovations impacting the structure of the building

  • A warehouse conversion to an office

  • An office conversion to a theatre

  • A cafe conversion to a childcare facility 

  • A restaurant adds space for 30 additional customers

  • A retail store converts a storage room into an office, increasing the number of people expected via code in the room

  • Walls are added or removed, changing occupant load of existing spaces

  • Windows and/or doors are added, requiring structural work and potentially changing use of space

02. If my project triggers a Change of Use or Occupancy, what does that mean for my budget/timeline?

In addition to your renovation design, your project may also require:

  • Upgrading space to meet current code requirements

  • Meeting accessibility requirements

    • Parking​

    • Accessible route to entry 

    • Accessible entry

    • Restroom improvements

  • Life Safety updates

    • Sprinkler systems

    • Door hardware

  • Seismic Upgrades

  • Changes to parking, pedestrian connections, and landscaping

03. Will I need to obtain permits for previously unpermitted work?

If any renovations require a permit, all previous work not on file with the city will need to be permitted and inspected 

04. Do I need to upgrade the waste enclosure and/or disposal for commercial waste?

When looking at potential spaces for your business, check exterior waste collection.  

  • If an exterior dumpster is not already on the premises, you may need to provide one and its enclosure

  • If grease, chemical, or other non-standard waste needs to be collected, a permit will be required to install the correct containment system and protection from elements and animals

05. Do I need to add additional bathrooms?

International Building Code states if occupants are not added to a building, the existing bathroom count can stand*
 

*If in Oregon, bathroom count must meet Oregon code, regardless of whether building occupancy changes

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