Retail to residential: what to check before applying for the permit
It is one of the most common urban commissions and one of those that attracts the most requests from councils. An ordered list of what to check first.
1. That the use is permitted
Before drawing, confirm in the municipal plan and bylaws that residential use is allowed on that floor and that street. Some councils restrict ground-floor homes or set extra conditions.
2. That the home is habitable
Habitability is set by regional and municipal rules: minimum areas, clear height, natural daylight and ventilation. They are the most common cause of requests on this kind of application.
3. That it meets the building code
Review the code documents that apply to the change of use: safety in use and accessibility (DB-SUA), fire safety (DB-SI), health (DB-HS), noise (DB-HR) and energy (DB-HE).
4. That the documents agree
Existing and proposed drawings, report, code justification and budget must tell the same story. A different area between drawing and report is enough to trigger a request.
Archelo cross-checks these figures and flags what is missing before submission. The final check and the signature always remain with the professional.
