Commercial Tenant Improvements

Overview

Professional builder using a paint roller, applying a fresh coat of paint to the walls of a building under renovation, demonstrating the process of interior finishing

Commercial tenant improvement is a generic construction term for the interior build out of an existing building or space to customize the space to make it meet your needs. A building permit is required to repair, tenants, alter or change occupancy or use of any existing commercial structure.

The following information must be submitted when applying for a permit for a commercial alteration/tenant improvement. Since every project is unique, there may be some situations where you will be asked to provide additional information.

Planning Land Use and Zoning Pre-Screen Form
Online application for a Building permit at Oregon ePermitting
Mechanical, plumbing, or any other permit applications that apply to work being done.
(Exception: Electrical permit applications to be submitted to Washington County)
Architectural plans and structural calculations for the area of proposed work, and the areas affected by such work, drawn to scale. Contact the Building Department at (503) 625-4215 for questions on commercial tenant improvements.
COMCheck Forms as required

General notes including information on the building’s construction type, the number of stories and any information on the building’s emergency systems such as smoke detector coverage and whether or not is has fire sprinklers/alarms.

General overall plan of the building
Square footage information on the tenant space
Fully dimensioned floor plans of tenant space (including existing and proposed walls, rated construction, corridors and stairs) for all areas affected
Construction information on any new walls. Sections showing floor and ceiling construction and attachments
Use and occupancy of each room
Egress path, showing the exit route, exit signs and extent of required egress lighting, to the exterior of the building
Plan sheets showing accessibility compliance, for all restrooms and other building features subject to accessibility improvement
Ventilation information on all normally occupied spaces

Additional Information That May Be Required For Interior Alterations

Schematic plumbing diagrams and fixture unit counts, existing and proposed, where plumbing fixtures will be added, changed or moved.
Two copies of energy code documentation (lighting budget, windows info, etc.), as needed
Mechanical equipment information
Other information as may be required during plan review

Wall signs are considered permanent and require a building permit. There is no sign application in Oregon ePermitting. Use the commercial structural type. Include dimensions of the tenant’s façade and attachment details.
Banner signs are considered temporary. They are allowed for a limited time period and require approval by the Planning Department. Contact the Planning Department for more information at (503) 925-2308.