It’s important to keep your building attractive and well maintained. The City has adopted development guidelines for the improvement and renovation of commercial buildings in the City. A Development Permit is required for any changes to the exterior of a building that represent 25% or more of the façade. In the downtown area you can receive an exemption on the property improvement value as assessed by BC Assessment by applying to the City for a Downtown Revitalization Tax Exemption.
You should note that if the planned exterior renovations will require structural changes to the building, it is likely a building permit is required. Before proceeding with any renovation, it is recommended that you have your proposed renovations reviewed by a City Building Official.