Building use or occupancy change before renovation

Changing how a space is used can trigger zoning, permit, fire-safety, accessibility or building requirements beyond ordinary interior work.

VERT / GREEN = documenter · JAUNE / YELLOW = vérifier · ROUGE / RED = arrêter/faire valider.

New activity or use planned
First verify whether the use is allowed and whether the jurisdiction considers it a change of use. Design started before use approval
Validate use, occupancy and permits before freezing the layout. Egress/accessibility/fire not reviewed
Cross-check requirements for the new use. Use and permits documented
Keep certificate, plans and conditions.

What the professional checks

Confirm applicable use/zoning/occupancy
Determine code, egress, fire and accessibility impacts

Official sources

Ville de Montréal — changement d’usage et occupation

Checked: 2026-08-22

V14

Systems to check before closing the work

V14 connects envelope, air, fire, structure, water and code instead of treating each project in isolation.

Renovation dependenciesRenovating while living at homeCode versions

V28

Finish and service details to verify

V28 connects small details that become costly once finishes are closed.

Post-renovation cleaning and indoor air