Tenant Improvements

Permit Required

Tenant improvement permits are required any time a commercial tenant space is altered. This includes but is not limited to adding, removing and moving walls. If you are not sure if you require a permit, please contact the Permit Center.

Plumbing & Mechanical Note

We process tenant improvements as a combo permit, meaning all mechanical, plumbing and building permits are combined into one application and permit with the exception of backflow devices. If you are a plumbing or mechanical sub-contractor, please make sure your plans were included in the tenant improvement building permit set. Contact the Permit Center if you are not sure.

Process Steps

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Submittal Requirements

• Review the Tenant Improvement Submittal Requirements packet for required documents and materials
• Adhere to the Fats, Oils & Grease Requirements
• Review the PDF File Format Requirements for instructions on how to prepare your PDF files

Supplemental Forms

• Energy Forms (Requires log-in) For changes affecting exterior walls, lighting or mechanical equipment.

Additional Information

• Food Service Packaging Requirements For food service businesses
• Vision on Sustainable Development (PDF) Learn more about sustainable building, which is more innovative, comfortable, durable and productive, as well as less expensive to operate

Step 2: Apply Online

After gathering all your documents and visit MyBuildingPermit.com to apply.

Step 3: Pay Intake Fee

All fees are invoiced through MyBuildingPermit.com. Invoices less than $2,000 may be paid online with a credit card. Otherwise mail or bring a check to the Permit Center within three days of invoice. See our Tenant Improvement Fee Estimator (PDF)^* for more information. Additional fees or permits may be required depending on your scope of work.

Step 4: Plan Review

During this stage our staff will review your project and send correction items back if required. See our Target Review Times Handout (PDF) for target times.

Step 5: Resubmittal Corrections (if required)

Resubmittals must be submitted via your dashboard on MyBuildingPermit.com. See our Resubmittal Instructions (PDF) handout for more information on how to respond.

Step 6: Fee Payment and Issuance

You will receive an invoice through MyBuildingPermit.com when your permit has been approved. See our Tenant Improvement Fee Estimator (PDF)^* for more information. Additional fees or permits may be required depending on your scope of work.

Amounts under $5,000 are accepted via Credit Card on MyBuildingPermit.com. Only cash or check is accepted in the Permit Center.

The fees calculated or listed on this site are an example of the most common tenant improvement projects, and are for information purposes only. They are not a substitute for current codes and regulations.

Step 7: Inspections

To learn more, see our inspection information page.

Step 8: Certificate of Occupancy

Bring your completed and signed-off permit card to the Permit Center for your Certificate of Occupancy.