Occupancy
The Building Occupancy Permit is a process used by the Red River Planning District to assist in establishing and upholding requirements for building standards. It helps ensure that work, for which a Building Permit has been issued, has been done in accordance with the terms of the permit and is consistent with the applicable regulations, or that a change of use/occupancy complies with the zoning and building by-laws of the applicable municipality. As a public document, the Occupancy Permit also indicates to the general public the terms and nature of the occupancy permission.
There are two (2) types of Occupancy Permits:
-
Final Occupancy Permit
A final occupancy permit is required for:
- Closing of a building permit where an occupancy permit is listed as a condition
- Every new occupant/tenant
- Every existing occupant/tenant who is relocating or expanding their unit within a building
- Every existing occupant/tenant who wishes to increase the occupant load of the occupied space
-
Interim Occupancy Permit
An Interim Building Occupancy Permit may be issued at the Red River Planning District’s discretion for the use of a part of a building (floor, wing or defined area) or for the entire building pending its completion. An Interim Building Occupancy Permit will typically list conditions and/or outstanding defects or work yet to be completed, and will set out a time limit for its validity.
Who can apply for an occupancy permit?
An application for a Building Occupancy permit can be made by the building owner, or authorized agent. This can be the property manager, the intended occupant/tenant, the general contractor, or a designer (Architect, Engineer, Interior Designer).