COMMERCIAL INSPECTIONS BRANCH

Obtaining an Occupancy Permit
Occupancy Permit requests, which trigger occupancy inspections, should be made prior to moving into a space, and/or upon completion of all required work and submission of all required professional certification letters, test reports and shop drawings (if applicable). Once inspections are complete, you will receive one of the following results:

1. Final Building Occupancy Permit - Full occupancy approval provided.
2. Interim Building Occupancy Permit - Approval to occupy until expiry date. Rectify deficiencies and arrange for re-inspection(s) or request extension (updated interim certifications may be required). Additional fees apply.
3. Denied Building Occupancy Permit - No occupancy permitted. Rectify deficiencies and arrange for reinspection(s). Additional fees apply.

What is an Occupancy Permit?
An Occupancy Permit is a mechanism used by the City of Winnipeg to assist in establishing and maintaining control over building standards. Occupancy Permits confirm compliance of pre-existing conditions and new construction, and must be obtained prior to occupancy. As a public document, an Occupancy Permit indicates the nature of occupancy permission to the general public. Occupancy includes the moving of loose furniture, stock or goods, inventory, accessory equipment, or personal belongings into the premises; although does not include the installation of equipment and affixed furniture, such as cupboards and shelving.

Obtaining a Partial Interim Occupancy Permit
If occupancy is required for partial use of the premises (floor, wing, or defined area), a partial Interim Occupancy Permit may be requested. A clear written or graphic delineation of the applicable project phases, along with corresponding floor areas, must be submitted with the request. Proposals will be considered at the City of Winnipeg's discretion.

Additional Fees
Final Occupancy Permit fees were paid at the time of the original Building Permit (or Occupy Only) application. If your request for occupancy inspections results a denial or interim approval, additional fees will be due, pursuant to the Planning, Development and Building Fees By-Law No. 66/2016. Fees must be paid prior to the issuance of a Final Occupancy Permit, an Interim Occupancy Permit, and each subsequent extension of an Interim Occupancy Permit the City of Winnipeg may approve. A monthly non-compliance fee will also be applied and / or the issuance of a penalty notice should occupancy occur at any time without a valid Occupancy Permit. Additional fees will be invoiced by the Occupancy Clerk and are payable to the cashier in the Zoning & Permits Office.

Implications of Occupying Without an Occupancy Permit
Any occupancy without a valid Building Occupancy Permit is a violation of the Winnipeg Building By-law and will be subject to non-compliance fees and/or enforcement action. Enforcement action may be taken jointly against the property owner and the occupant, or in some cases, 'the party responsible', which could include the constructor or permit applicant.

For additional occupancy information, please visit: www.winnipeg.ca/occupancypermits