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Restaurant bylaws compliance can create costly surprises!

Important information about upgrading compliance

The City doesn't HAVE TO ALLOW you to renovate a space for a new or existing restaurant, unless you comply with ALL the building, fire and plumbing code requirements in effect on the date you apply for a building permit. In addition, the City can refuse to give you a business license to operate, until you get final approval from the Health Dept. and liquor licensing officials.

Many restaurant renovations take far too long and go way over budget, when restaurant owners try to avoid, or simply don't understand, the rules.

Restaurant upgrading requirements often start with an HVAC system

The previous restaurant kitchen did not have an HVAC system or direct fired makeup air unit and only had a non-compliant exhaust fan for the gas fired range and deep fryer range hood. The mechanical engineer calculated that a 2000 cfm kitchen exhaust ventilatorand make-up air combination and 5 ton HVAC would be required. Since there had been no ductwork previously installed, fitting all the sheet metal required that we design the plumbing, heating, sprinkler system upgrades, fire suppression system and electrical chases, at the same time. Minimum clearances were achieved with cooperation from the various sub-trade contractors. Every component was an extremely tight fit.

A restaurant renovation includes Accessible washroom upgrading

The current bylaws require that the restaurant include full washroom wheelchair accessibility. The minimum size for an accessible washroom is 4 square meters. The seating capacity plus the staff, required that a third (staff only) washroom be included in the renovation plans. This had been designed into the original plans submission. Automatic door opener/closers to permit access to disabled persons are also required.

Fire exits and fire alarm system upgrading

The only fire alarm system in this restaurant was activated by the sprinkler system. Current bylaw provisions required that a detector and pull stations for an internal alarm bell be installed. Clearly marked exits and escape routes were also required. All exits were to be wheelchair accessible. The front entry area now displays an alarm panel enunciator, zoned for the rest of the building, as well.

The sprinkler system and fire suppression upgrading

The entire building had been sprinkler fitted in 1970. Current head spacing and flow requirements meant adding additional sprinkler coverage. A dropped T-bar ceiling in the kitchen and washrooms allowed us to conceal the piping. The additional heads required in the dining area were mounted in the side walls to give a more concealed appearance. The kitchen fire suppression, natural gas control to the cooking appliances as well as the HVAC system are required to be interconnected to the fire alarm system. Manual reset for all tripped systems is also a fire safety requirement.

Related Restaurant renovation upgrade and planning information

• Important planning steps
• Your legal responsibilities
• Good restaurant designers
• Designing a restaurant
• Common renovation myths
• Leasing a good restaurant space

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We provide commercial tenant improvements renovation project planning and design services to lease space clients in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Delta, Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, BC.

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