When planning a commercial fit-out, the excitement of designing a new space can sometimes overshadow some crucial steps, permits and code compliance. Whether you are building an office, restaurant, or retail space, understanding what approvals you will need can save you serious time and money. In order to navigate building codes and avoid costly delays, we have created this checklist that lays out essential code items and practical tips that you will need before breaking ground.
Know Your Occupancy Classification
Every project needs to include an occupancy classification, which determines how the space can be used. Offices, warehouses, restaurants, and medical clinics all fall under different categories. Each has its own requirements for fire safety, exits, and accessibility.
Tip: Verify occupancy classification early with your construction team. Changing it mid-project can delay approvals and increase your fit-out costs.
Fire Alarm and Sprinkler Requirements
Most jurisdictions require fire alarm tie-ins and sprinkler system evaluations when modifying a commercial space. If your fit-out changes the layout, walls, or ceiling heights, your fire protection systems may need reconfiguration. Some codes set sprinkler thresholds based on square footage or occupancy load. Exceeding those limits may require you to create more protection for full coverage.
Tip: Coordinate early with your fire protection contractor. Submit fire alarm and sprinkler drawings together to avoid separate review cycles.
ADA and Accessibility Clearances
ADA compliance (or equivalent accessibility standards in your area) ensures that your space is able to be navigated safely by everyone. This includes:
- Door and hallway widths
- Ramps
- Clear floor space
- Counter heights
- Restroom accessibility
Even small interior changes can affect your clearances, so always confirm accessibility details in your plans before submission.
Tip: Use clear, labeled dimensions on all of your drawings to minimize back-and-forth with plan reviewers.
Egress and Safety
An egress diagram is a floor plan that visually represents the continuous and unobstructed paths for people to safely exit a building during an emergency. It is one of the most scrutinized aspects of any tenant improvement project. Reviewers will check for:
- Exit quality and spacing
- Hallway and door widths
- Travel distances to exits
- “You Are Here” markers
Tip: Ensure the map is oriented correctly so the top of the plan corresponds to the forward direction of walking for a person viewing the map.
Inspections and Sequencing
Permits do not end with plan approval. You will need to schedule and pass a series of inspections as construction progresses. Typical sequencing includes:
- Rough-in inspections for framing, electrical, plumbing and HVAC
- Fire and safety inspections for sprinklers, alarms and emergency lighting
- Accessibility inspections
- Final occupancy inspections
Tip: Keep a digital log of all inspection results and correction notices. This will help your project manager and inspectors stay aligned.
Quick Tips to Trim Review Times
- Schedule A Pre-Meeting – Meet with your local building department early to confirm requirements and avoid surprises.
- Submit Digital Plans – Electronic submissions are faster to review and revise.
- Label Everything Clearly – Plans with well-marked systems tend to pass review faster.
- Work with an Experienced Commercial General Contractor – A contractor who knows the permitting process can anticipate code issues before they cause delays.
Every jurisdiction interprets building codes a little differently, but preparation is universal. The best way to ensure a smooth process is by conducting a code walk-through with an experienced construction team. At DESCCO Design & Construction, our project managers and permitting experts can review your space, flag potential compliance issues, and outline the right steps for approval before you start construction. Contact us today to schedule your code walk-through and get a clear roadmap for your next commercial fit-out.