CALGARY & EDMONTON
Development Permits & Change of Use
Taking over a space, opening a new business, or changing how a building is used? Many of these need a development permit before you can open. We tell you early whether you need one, prepare the application and manage it through to approval, so your lease, construction and opening date aren't held up.
Do You need a Development Permit?
It depends on the zoning of the property and on whether your new use is a different kind of use from the old one. In some cases a change between similar uses only needs a building permit. In others, such as a use that is discretionary or not listed in the zoning district, you need a development permit, and neighbours may have a say.
For commercial and industrial spaces this comes up often: a warehouse bay becoming a fitness studio, an office converting to a medical clinic, or an industrial unit becoming an automotive shop. Shifting the use can also alter a building’s major occupancy classification under the building code, bringing substantial tenant improvement and Safety Codes requirements with it.
How this is handled also depends where your site is:
In Calgary, the City distinguishes between a Tenancy Change and a Change of Use. If you take over a space under the exact same approved use, you only need an administrative Tenancy Change review to release your Business Licence. If you introduce a new use category, you need a Change of Use Development Permit, which is streamlined, but triggers public notification and a mandatory 21-day appeal period if discretionary or requiring a relaxation. Certain zones, such as areas within the Centre City, also offer targeted exemptions for specific commercial activities.
In Edmonton, under Zoning Bylaw 20001, replacing an existing business with the same use is generally exempt from a Development Permit entirely, moving you directly into licensing. If you are changing the use, many standard commercial-to-commercial shifts are also exempt if they meet specific bylaw criteria, but any non-exempt or discretionary use requires a formal Change of Use Development Permit subject to a 21-day appeal window to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.
Because bylaw classifications, exemption thresholds, and parking rules differ significantly between municipalities and zoning districts, we audit the specific property's land use history before you sign a lease.
What We Do
Zoning and use check before you commit. We tell you whether your use is permitted or discretionary, and what that means for timing and risk.
Application preparation. We assemble the application, site plan and supporting information the municipality requires.
Variances. If your plans don't meet a rule such as parking, we prepare the request for relief.
Managing the municipality. We respond to staff comments and conditions so the file keeps moving.
Appeals and objections. We represent your case if a permit is refused or appealed.
Linking permits together. We coordinate the development permit with the building permit and tenant improvements so one doesn't hold up the other.
Who This is For:
Commercial and industrial tenants and landlords, property managers, brokers, and small business and franchise operators.
Not Sure you Need a Permit?
We’ll tell you before you sign a lease.
Common Questions
Do I need a development permit to change the use of a commercial space?
Often, but not always. A Development Permit confirms that your new business activity complies with the local Land Use Bylaw. While some municipalities offer exemptions for transitioning between highly similar businesses, introducing a new land use category generally triggers a formal Change of Use application to ensure the site is suitable for your operations.
What is the difference between a development permit and a building permit?
A Development Permit governs what you can do on a site, ensuring the proposed use, site layout, and exterior design meet municipal zoning bylaws. A Building Permit governs how the structure is built, evaluating architectural, structural, and mechanical plans to ensure compliance with the building code for life safety, fire protection, and accessibility.
What does permitted versus discretionary use mean for my business?
A permitted use offers a predictable, expedited approval path; if your application meets all standard bylaw rules, the municipality is legally obligated to approve it. A discretionary use requires subjective municipal review, public advertising, and a statutory 21-day appeal period, exposing your project to unexpected delays, additional conditions, or outright refusal.
Can I sign my lease before the permit is approved?
Yes, but doing so without prior zoning due diligence carries significant financial risk. If your proposed use is discretionary or requires major variances, there is no guarantee the municipality will approve it. Furthermore, a change of use often triggers a building code review, which may reveal that an older building requires costly structural, fire separation, or mechanical upgrades to legally house your new business.
What happens if my application is refused?
If your Development Permit is refused, you have a strict 21-day statutory window to appeal the decision to your local Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) or the Land and Property Rights Tribunal (LPRT). Alternatively, you can revise your proposal to address the municipality's specific planning and technical concerns, such as adjusting building setbacks, reducing massing, or modifying the proposed use.