What is a Tenant Improvement Building Permit?
A tenant improvement building permit is a building permit that is issued for the construction work performed within a building that has been built under a separate building permit. It is generally the work that is being done to "customize" an area inside the building for the individual tenants.
Do I Need a Tenant Improvement Building Permit?
If you are planning on "customizing" an area inside a building for yourself or an individual tenant, chances are you will need a tenant improvement building permit.
A permit is required any time construction is performed inside a building which was built under a separate building permit.
Permits are necessary for any construction involving:
- Building partition walls
- Creating rooms and offices
- Adding windows or doors
- Adding mezzanines or storage racks
- Any additional work covered by the Building Code
How Do I Apply For a Building Permit?
Normally, an architect, engineer or building designer prepares the plans for the tenant improvement building permit, but, under most circumstances the plan can be prepared by anyone who is familiar with the Building Codes, and able to prepare plans and specifications. Two copies of the plan, together with any necessary supporting data, are submitted to the Building and Safety Department for review and approval. When the plans are submitted it will be necessary to prepare a worksheet that is provided, and pay plan review fees.
How Is the Building Permit Application Reviewed?
The two sets of plans are separated, with one set being reviewed by the Structural Plans Examiner, and by Fire Prevention, when necessary. The other set is reviewed by any or all of the following Departments and Divisions: Environmental Division of Building and Safety Department, Planning Department, Engineering Department, and the Grading Section of the Building and Safety Department. When the plans are returned to the Building and Safety Department the plans are merged and the proponent is notified by post card that the plans are either ready for permitting, or revisions are required. The revised plans are then returned to the Building and Safety Department for recheck.
How Long Does This Process Take?
It is somewhat difficult to estimate accurately how long it takes from initial plan submittal to permit issuance. It can take from a few to several weeks, depending on such variables as complexity, workload, quality of initial plans, zoning/planning review, number of rechecks required, other county or state approvals, etc.
What Is the Cost of a Building Permit For a Tenant Improvement?
The fee schedule for all of the permits that may be required is on file in the Building and Safety Department. The schedule of fees is found on the rack in the public area of the Building and Safety counter.
What Other Permits Will Be Required?
In addition to a building permit it may necessary to have any of the following permits: Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Signs and Fire sprinklers. The building permit can be issued to the owner or a licensed contractor. The other permits are issued to contractors licensed in the other trades.
What Happens After the Building Permit Is Issued?
When the permit is issued the tenant improvement work may commence. It will be necessary to have a field City Inspector review the work at various stages. Please call your inspector when you start work so that the inspector can tell you what inspections will be necessary.
How Long Is the Permit Valid?
Permits are valid for an indefinite period of time, as long as at least one field inspection is performed at least every 180 days. Normally with a tenant improvement permit that is not a problem, as the tenant is usually anxious to finish the project, and start (or resume) full business.
