Do I Need a Permit for a Restaurant Renovation in Ontario? Here’s What’s Required & How Lush Designs Handles It All

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How Lush Designs Takes Care of Everything for You

Thinking about renovating your restaurant in Ontario? Whether you’re refreshing the look, adding a bar, or reconfiguring the kitchen layout, there’s one question that always comes up:

👉 Do I need a permit for a restaurant renovation?

The short answer: yes—most of the time.

At Lush Designs Studio, we specialize in taking the stress out of this process. We don’t just design beautiful spaces—we handle the entire permitting process from start to finish so you can focus on running your business.

When Is a Permit Required for a Restaurant Renovation?

You’ll typically need a permit if you’re doing any of the following:

• Moving or adding walls

• Changing kitchen equipment layout or venting

• Plumbing or HVAC changes

• Accessibility upgrades

• Installing new washrooms

• Expanding into a new space

• Changing occupancy or use of space (e.g., turning a retail store into a restaurant)

Even aesthetic upgrades can trigger permits if they involve building systems or code-related requirements.

What’s Included in a Permit Set for a Commercial Space?

At Lush Designs, we prepare fully compliant permit packages that meet Ontario Building Code (OBC) requirements and the local city’s submission standards.

Here’s what’s typically included:

• Existing & Proposed Floor Plans

• Architectural Layouts with kitchen, seating, and equipment placement

• Plumbing & Mechanical Plans (if required)

• Fire Separation & Egress Details

• Barrier-Free Design Compliance (AODA)

• Reflected Ceiling Plans & Lighting Layouts

• Schedules & Material Specs

• Stamped BCIN Drawings (or engineer stamp if required)

• Construction Notes & OBC Matrix

• Zoning Analysis & Occupant Load Calculations

• Submission Coordination with city officials

We also include renderings or 3D visuals, helping owners and city officials visualize the transformation.

What Fees Should You Expect?

Here’s a breakdown of typical costs (ballpark for Ontario):

Service	Typical Range
Design & Permit Package	$10,000+ depending on scope
Engineer Stamp (if needed)	$5,000+ depending on scope
City Permit Fee	$0.40–$0.60 per sqft
Plumbing/Mechanical Design	$10,000+ depending on scope
Health Dept Plan Review	$1,000+ depending on scope
Fire Review	Often included in submission

We manage all of this for you—including communicating with inspectors, consultants, and trades.

How to Get Building Permit Drawings Approved in Toronto (Or Anywhere in Ontario)

We handle it all. But here’s what it takes:

1. Preliminary Meeting & Site Review

   We assess the space and walk you through what’s possible (and what’s not).

2. Zoning Compliance Check

   We verify setback, use, and parking requirements before drawing anything.

3. Design Development

   Floor plans, kitchen layouts, washroom locations, and egress paths are finalized.

4. Full Permit Drawing Set Prepared

   We coordinate with engineers as needed and ensure OBC compliance.

5. City Submission

   We upload everything to the local permit portal and track progress.

6. Revisions, If Required

   If the city flags anything, we revise quickly and professionally to keep things moving.

7. Permit Issued. Build Begins.

Real World Example: Fast-Track Restaurant Permit in Waterloo

A recent client hired Lush Designs to convert a shell unit into a boutique bistro in Waterloo. Here’s how we helped:

• Zoning & Occupancy: Verified the commercial unit was zoned for food service use

• Design: We created a compact layout that met fire separation and AODA requirements

• Health Inspection Prep: Coordinated with the Region of Waterloo Public Health for layout review

• Permit Submission: We submitted a full BCIN permit set to the city—approved in under 3 weeks

Result? They opened on time, no delays—and their restaurant looks amazing.

Why Clients Choose Lush Designs Studio

✔ We are BCIN-certified and experienced with Ontario Building Code

✔ We specialize in restaurant design + permitting (not just one or the other)

✔ We work faster than most architectural firms

✔ We offer renderings, millwork details, finishes, and even signage

✔ We handle every city interaction on your behalf

✔ We’ve helped restaurants, spas, and commercial tenants open on time and within budget

Ready to Renovate or Open a Restaurant?

Book a call with us today to get started on your restaurant renovation permit. We’ll handle the design, permitting, and everything in between—so you can focus on building your dream restaurant.

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