Commercial Tenant Improvement Checklist
A Tenant Improvement (TI) is the renovation of a commercial (nonresidential) space.
Plans
Drawings prepared by an Architect or Engineer must have their Washington Seal and signature affixed.
Cover Sheet (General information)
- Project Description
- List Vancouver’s Adopted Codes
- Identify project address and suite number
- Occupancy classification (A-2, A-3, B, M, etc.) or describe the existing and proposed use
- Note whether the building has fire sprinklers or fire alarm system
- Project Floor Area (SF) of the following:
- Overall floor or total building area
- Full tenant space
- Project work area for this permit
- Site plan, vicinity maps, or location in the building, when applicable
- Building construction type if known
Architectural Plans
- Existing floor plan (showing demolition)
- Proposed floor plan(s) – labeled rooms with dimensions, walls, doors, plumbing fixtures, equipment, furniture
- Finish information (floors, walls, ceilings)
- Door sizes, hardware, and ratings
- Accessibility details (counters, restrooms, seating)
- Thermal envelope changes (window/door schedules, insulation details)
- Fire & life safety info:
- Occupant load calculations
- Exits, exit signage, max occupant load signage where required
- Travel distances
- Exit separation (when two exits are required)
- Fire extinguisher locations
- Fire resistance rated walls/assemblies/openings
Structural Plans
WA Professional Engineer required when work adds or modifies load bearing elements or includes support of heavy equipment (400+ pounds, lbs).
Mechanical Plans
Mechanical plans are required when replacing HVAC equipment, major change of use, and for significant changes to the mechanical system as part of the TI. Plans are not required for minor ductwork modifications (for example, moving supply and return locations or adding a bathroom exhaust fan).
Plumbing Plans
Plumbing plans are required when there is a significant change to the plumbing system as part of the TI. Plans are not required for placement or relocation of plumbing fixtures. Large food service/restaurants may require plumbing plans based on complexity.
Electrical Plans
Electrical plans are required when making changes to the service or panel. Lighting and power plans are not required if lighting fixtures are shown on the architectural reflected ceiling plan with fixture wattage.
Documents
- Signed and Dated Commercial, Multi-Family & Industrial (CMI) Application Form (PDF)
- Energy Code Compliance Forms – Washington State Energy Code, WSEC, compliance forms may be waived if required information is clearly identified on the plans. This could include insulation, windows, equipment efficiency, lighting wattage, etc.
- Envelope – significant changes to insulation and the exterior
- Mechanical – significant changes to HVAC system
- Electrical/Lighting – when more than 20% of luminaires are replaced
- Structural Engineering Calcuations (when required)
- Additional Documents as required:
- Type I Kitchen Hoods
- Walk-in coolers/freezers
- Equipment cut sheets
- Specialty equipment
