Renovating a commercial space in Calgary or Edmonton means navigating municipal permits and safety regulations. Both cities enforce the Alberta Safety Codes and building code, so most interior work triggers permits, inspections and compliance reviews. Here’s a summary of what’s typically required and how to streamline approvals: 

• Building Permits: Any significant alteration usually requires a building permit. In Calgary, examples include partition walls, plumbing or electrical changes, or change-of-use (e.g. converting retail to a clinic) calgary.ca. Even tenant fit-outs (TI) need a permit if you alter the space’s layout or systems. Note: Calgary often mandates a Development Permit for new structures or change-of-use projects. However, routine tenant improvements generally do not need a new DP as long as they follow the existing use calgary.ca. In Edmonton, permits are required for virtually all “changes to existing buildings” such as adding interior walls, new washrooms, HVAC modifications, or installing new sprinklers edmonton.ca. The city clearly states that alterations to interior elements like walls, stairs, mezzanines, or mechanical/plumbing systems must be permitted edmonton.ca. 

• Trade Permits and Qualified Contractors: Besides the building permit, trades often need separate permits. Calgary and Edmonton require licensed electricians, plumbers and gas-fitters. For example, any new medical gas line in a dentist’s office needs a plumbing/gas permit. Mechanical (HVAC) changes also need a permit. Ensure your general contractor and sub-trades are properly certified; this will be checked at plan review. 

• Application Requirements: Both cities now expect digital permit applications with clear drawings and checklists. Common requirements include: floor plans showing new work, site/building plans, barrier-free layouts, and an Energy Efficiency compliance form. The City of Calgary’s guide emphasizes that permit review is governed by the Safety Codes Act and Alberta Building Code calgary.ca. Edmonton provides a “Short Form – Tenant Improvement” permit form where you list all work (interior alterations, HVAC, fire alarm, etc.). Both cities check for ADA compliance: for instance, Calgary asks applicants to identify existing vs. new “barrier-free provisions” edmonton.ca on plans. 

• Inspections and Timing: After approval, inspections are required at key stages (e.g. framing, plumbing rough-in, final). Calgary and Edmonton offer online scheduling of inspections once you have a permit. Typical turnaround for permit approval can be 2–10 weeks depending on complexity (projects altering fire life-safety systems or uses take longer). To speed things up, submit complete plans up front and clarify any code questions early. If your project involves a change of use or adds assembly functions (like a waiting room), you may also need Fire Code or development approvals first. 

• Streamlining Tips: Engage architects and builders early who know local practice. For example, Hunar Construction has experience getting Calgary building permits for clinic fit-outs quickly. Prepare a code checklist during design (accessibility, egress, sprinklers) so you pass review without re-submissions. If possible, hire a contractor who can provide partial permits (e.g. separate permit for plumbing) so work can proceed in parallel. Finally, consider expedited services if schedules are tight. Both cities offer fast-track permit options for an extra fee. 

In short, any Calgary or Edmonton interior commercial project should factor permitting into the schedule and budget. Plan on 4–8 weeks for drawing reviews, plus inspection time. Permits ensure safety (e.g. correct fire separations and washroom fixtures) but can cause delays if overlooked. By knowing the rules – e.g. “yes, adding an exam room sink triggers a permit” – and submitting thorough drawings, clients and architects can avoid surprises and keep the project on track. 

Sources: Official city guidance and codes govern this process. Calgary’s permit FAQ reminds that repairs or alterations to existing buildings and any change-of-use require a building permit calgary.ca. It also clarifies that most tenant improvements do not need a new development permit unless the use changes calgary.ca. Edmonton’s permitting page lists that interior walls, washrooms, and M/E system changes all need permits edmonton.ca. Consulting these resources helps clarify when to pull permits and how to comply with municipal rules.