Guide to Commercial Tenant Improvements

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A commercial tenant improvement project involves the interior remodelling of an existing office or retail space to upgrade for the current tenant or to change in order to accommodate a new tenant. This post is to aid owners, designers and architects in the preparation of the plans needed to complete applications for the necessary permits.

Submittal Requirements

  • The City of San Diego requires three sets of plans for tenant improvement projects with all disciplines (architect, mechanical engineering, structural, plumbing, etc.).

  • Five sets are required for large projects when review by several departments and divisions is required.

  • A set of plans consists of a plot plan, drawn on a 1/8″ to 1′ scale, and floor plans, drawn on a 1/4″ to 1′ scale.

Plan Requirements

Plans must be submitted on 24″ X 40″ or larger paper and include the following items:

  • Complete floor plans of all levels involved

  • Occupant load

  • Structural framing details

  • Structural calculations

  • Anchorage and bracing of walls and equipment

  • Location and size of all permanent counters, tables and displays

  • Reflected ceiling plans

  • Seismic bracing detail of suspended ceiling system

  • Plumbing, electrical and mechanical plans

  • Provide an Electrical Certificate of Compliance form and a Mechanical Certificate of Compliance form on the plans

Details and notes on the plans should address such items as:

  • Disabled access requirements

  • Emergency and exit lighting

  • Seismic code requirements

  • Exiting

  • Occupancy separations and firewalls

  • Light and ventilation

  • Restroom details

  • Any other information necessary to demonstrate compliance with current codes, local ordinances and State regulations

Medical and dental offices and restaurants require additional information.

  • When non-flammable gas cylinders are stored in medical and dental offices, the plans must include details of the storage room with one-hour fire rated walls and proper venting.

  • Medical and dental gas systems require special inspections.

  • Restaurant plans must show details of the cooking hood, grease ducting and roof outlet. Calculations to justify the sizing of the cooking exhaust system will need to be provided. Restaurant applications require a set of plans reviewed and approved by the San Diego County Health Department.

 

Additional Requirements

  • A letter stating the greatest number of employees, which will be present in the establishment at any one time, is also required.

  • The City of San Diego Fire Department will require a set of fire sprinkler plans. They are normally submitted to the Fire Department after Building permits are issued.

 

The Plan Review Process

  • Following the review of plans, you will receive either a list of plan comments, which requires revision and resubmittal of the plans, or approval of your project.

  • If approved, permits may be obtained.

  • Permit fees will be provided.

  • An application expires if permits are not obtained within 180 days of initial application.

 

Additional Information

For additional information contact Creative Builds for all your pre-construction needs.

 
 
Rodolfo FarberCommercial Construction, Downtown San Diego