Commercial Building
Introduction
A Commercial Building permit is required for structures used for business, retail, office, industrial, or other non-residential purposes. Whether you are building a new commercial space, expanding an existing one, remodeling for a new tenant, or legalizing unpermitted work, the permit process ensures your project is safe, code-compliant, and ready for public use.
NOTICE: In all cases, commercial construction plans must be prepared and stamped by a licensed engineer. This requirement applies to new builds, additions, remodels, and permitting of unpermitted structures.
Minimum Documents for Permit Submittal
Every project falls into one of four main categories of development: New Construction, Addition, Remodel, and Existing (Unpermitted) work. Each category has different requirements based on the scope and condition of your project. On this page you’ll find the minimum documents required for each type of development.
NOTICE: Other documents will likely be required depending on where and how complex of a structure you are building. For example, if your energy calculations specify a minimum photovoltaic (PV) size you will be required to submit PV plans. See the Construction Documents page to see if other documents may be required for your permit submittal.
A new commercial building is a completely new structure built on a site for business or public use. This includes offices, retail stores, warehouses, restaurants, and other commercial facilities. Plans must be fully developed and stamped by a licensed engineer to confirm they meet all structural, fire safety, accessibility, and energy code requirements.
Forms
- Building Application
- Construction Waste Management Plan
- Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) Form
- Survey Form
- Sediment & Erosion Control BMP's
Design Documents
- Site Plan
- Construction Plans (must be stamped by CA licensed engineer or architect)
- Energy Calculations
- Structural Calculations
See the Construction Documents page to learn more about these documents and how you can get them.
An addition expands the footprint or height of an existing commercial building, such as adding more floor space, new rooms, or attached structures. The new work must integrate safely with the existing building and comply with all applicable codes. Engineer-stamped plans are required to ensure structural integrity and code compliance.
Forms
- Building Application
- Construction Waste Management Plan
- Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) Form
- Survey Form
- Sediment & Erosion Control BMP's
Design Documents
- Site Plan
- Construction Plans (must be stamped by CA licensed engineer or architect)
- Energy Calculations
- Structural Calculations
See the Construction Documents page to learn more about these documents and how you can get them.
A remodel changes the interior or exterior of an existing commercial building without increasing its size. This could include reconfiguring walls, updating finishes, improving systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), or making accessibility upgrades. All remodel plans must be stamped by a licensed engineer, regardless of the scale of work.
Forms
- Building Application
- Construction Waste Management Plan
- Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) Form
Design Documents
- Site Plan
- Construction Plans (must be stamped by a CA licensed engineer or architect)
- Energy Calculations
See the Construction Documents page to learn more about these documents and how you can get them.
This category applies when a commercial building—or part of it—was constructed or altered without the required permits. Legalizing unpermitted work ensures the space is safe for occupancy and meets all commercial code requirements. Plans must document the existing conditions and any necessary corrections, and must be stamped by a licensed engineer before review.
Forms
- Building Application
- Construction Waste Management Plan
- Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) Form
- As-Built Forms
Design Documents
- Site Plan
- Construction Plans (must be stamped by a CA licensed engineer or architect)
- Energy Calculations
- Structural Certification Letter
See the Construction Documents page to learn more about these documents and how you can get them.
Quick Steps to Permit Issuance
Follow the below steps to start a permit application for a new commercial building.
- Register for an Accela account (see our Accela Support Resources).
- Upload your required documents (see our Accela Support Resources and Step 3 on First Time Applying for Building Permit).
- Move through step 4 Preliminary Site Inspection and step 5 Plan Check described on First Time Applying for a Building Permit webpage.
- Once the permit is issued use the Inspections page to schedule inspections and change your issued permit if necessary.