TL;DR (generated, confidence: high)

This page introduces ADU conversions and directs users to resources about permits and applications needed for converting existing home space into an accessory dwelling unit.

Key points:

ADU conversion involves converting existing part of home to accessory dwelling unit (ADU conversions > Research > Get the right forms ↗)
ADU conversions increase housing supply and boost home value (ADU conversions > Research > Get the right forms ↗)
Page explains which permits are needed for ADU conversions (ADU conversions > Research > Get the right forms ↗)
Page explains how to apply for required permits (ADU conversions > Research > Get the right forms ↗)
Navigation menu available to learn more about each step of the process (ADU conversions > Research > Get the right forms ↗)
Link to 'Get your custom project guide' provides personalized guidance (ADU conversions > Research > Get the right forms ↗)

Entities: concept: ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) | resource: Get your custom project guide | department: Permitting & Development | service: Residential Permits and Inspections

Changing a commercial space > Research > Get the right forms

← Commercial Permits and Inspections

Breadcrumb: Home > Permitting & Development > Commercial Permits and Inspections > Changing a commercial space > Research > Get the right forms

Source: Changing a commercial space > Research > Get the right forms ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:06:44 GMT

Depending on the scope of your project, you’ll need different forms and paperwork. Use this page to find out what you need for changing a commercial space.

We recommend you visit our project guide to answer some questions about your project and get the forms you need.

Launch the project guide ↗

We detail how to complete this paperwork in the section on filling out your forms.

Change of Use and Change of Occupancy

Both of these permit types will need the following forms.

Building permit application ↗
- Use this to describe the Change of Use or Occupancy.
Commercial Systems Development Charge (SDC) Form ↗
- Fill out the SDC form to help us determine what system development charges ↗ we might need to assess.

Also review the following information:

Change of use or occupancy brochure ↗
- This includes important information for your project, including accessibility requirements before finishing your project.
Seismic upgrade guidance.
- If your project changes the property’s occupancy classification or use, you might need seismic upgrades. Find details in Chapter 24.85.040 ↗.
- We recommend scheduling a 15-minute appointment if you have any questions ↗.
- After your appointment, you may want to request a Life Safety meeting ↗.

Commercial alterations (tenant improvement)

Changing the inside of a commercial space can involve several different permits and forms. Here are the forms that might apply when altering a commercial space. Every project is unique, so be sure to only fill out the forms that apply to your project.

For assistance finding the right forms, see our project guide.

Building permit

Use the Building Permit Application ↗ to describe the alteration project.

Commercial systems development charge (SDC) form

Fill out the Commercial SDC form ↗ to help us determine what system development charges ↗ we might need to assess.

Trade permits

These permits are for specialty work that might happen on your project. With some exceptions for mechanical work, a licensed contractor for the trade must apply for trade permits on DevHub ↗.

Electrical permit

A licensed electrician must apply and pay for an electrical permit. These applications will be connected to your other project applications by the site address.

You can find information on electrical permit applications here ↗.