All permits related to Commercial, Multi-Family, and Industrial buildings categorized under Part 3 of the MB Building Code must be acquired through our office at the RM of Headingley. Part 3 Buildings include those classified as Group A, B, or F-1, or exceeding 600 m2 in building area or exceeding three storeys in building height and encompass major occupancies. This can involve Group C (residential), Group D (office/service), Group E (retail), or Group F-2, F-3 (medium- and high-hazard industrial).

Apply for a permit Here

The review of permits involves the following:

Zoning and Land Use

• Permitted uses.
• Yard / Setback requirements.
• Parking and loading necessities.

Processes for altering or amending these requirements include rezoning the land, applying for a Conditional Use, or requesting a Zoning Variance, among others.

Building Code

• Architectural concerns
• Fire protection standards
• Environmental separation regulations
• Structural integrity
• Mechanical systems compliance

Compliance with the building code is mandatory. While waivers for code requirements are not allowed, alternatives meeting the code's performance levels may be considered (refer to MBC - Division C - Section 2.3 Alternative Solutions).

Plan Requirements

Building plans for permit submission include building plans drawn to scale. These plans must detail the nature and extent of work or proposed occupancy in sufficient detail to ensure conformity to the code (Division C - Article 2.2.2.1). Timely submission of accurate information and documents is vital to ensure prompt permit issuance. Addressing missing information or code deficiencies swiftly is crucial to prevent undue delays in permit issuance.

The following documents are required when you apply for your permit online:

1. Site Plan — see detailed requirements below
2. Construction Plans — plans must be current within one year of the application date and meet the requirements outlined below
3. Manitoba Building Code Analysis for the proposed project
4. Energy Code Review
5. Status or Certificate of Title — current within 30 days of the application date
6. Development Permit
7. Letter of Authorization — required where the application is being submitted on behalf of the property owner
8. Letters of Assurance

Status of Title

A current copy of the Status of Title, dated within 30 days of the application, must be submitted.

Where there has been a recent change of ownership and the transfer has not yet been registered, provide a signed letter from your lawyer confirming:

• the purchaser and seller; and
• that the purchase documents have been forwarded to the Land Titles Office for registration.

Letters of Assurance

Letters of Assurance are required for professional inspection and certification of the applicable portions of the project.

Letters of Assurance for Items 1 through 5 below are required for all Part 3 buildings, except where a foundation-only permit is authorized, in which case Items 1 and 2 are required.
Additional Letters of Assurance may be required depending on the systems and scope of the project.

1. Architectural — MBC Parts 3 & 5 and MECB Part 3
2. Structural — MBC Part 4
3. Mechanical — MBC Part 6 and MECB Part 5
4. Plumbing — MBC Part 7 and MECB Part 6
5. Electrical — MECB Parts 4 & 7
6. Exhaust and Suppression Systems
7. Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
8. Fire Suppression Systems

Drawing Requirements

Note: The following outlines the minimum drawing requirements. Additional drawings, details, calculations, specifications, or other information may be requested as deemed necessary by the Authority Having Jurisdiction to complete the review of the application.

1. Site Plan

The site plan must clearly identify:

1. All existing and proposed buildings, including building dimensions
2. Lot grading in conformance with approved design grades and applicable by-laws
3. Distances between buildings and from buildings to property lines
4. Parking areas, loading areas, fencing and related site features
5. North arrow and building orientation
6. Street and lane locations
7. Firefighting access routes
8. Locations of fire hydrants and sprinkler/fire department connections
9. Catch basins and other relevant site servicing features

2. Architectural Drawings

Architectural drawings must include:

1. Drawings sealed, signed and dated by an Architect
   • For Group A, Division 3 (A3) and Group F occupancies, an Architect or Professional Engineer is permitted, where applicable
2. Building Design Summary
3. Building area, including new and existing areas
4. Building height and location of firewalls
5. Floor plan(s)
6. Building elevations
7. Building sections
8. Exterior and interior wall details
9. Fire-resistance-rated assembly references and flame-spread ratings, where applicable
10. Stair, guard and handrail details
11. Door schedule, including door sizes, ratings and hardware

3. Structural Drawings

Structural drawings must:

1. Be sealed, signed and dated by a Professional Engineer
2. Include foundation plans
3. Include floor and roof framing plans
4. Include structural details
5. Identify applicable design loads, including:
   • snow loads
   • dead loads
   • live loads
   • wind loads
6. Include general structural notes, including:
   • assumed or confirmed soil conditions
   • material specifications
   • applicable standards for concrete, wood and steel

4. Mechanical Drawings

Mechanical drawings must:

1. Be sealed, signed and dated by a Professional Engineer
2. Identify heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
3. Identify fire dampers, fire-stop flaps and related fire protection components
4. Identify make-up air systems
5. Identify exhaust systems

UPDATE: 2026-08-18