Interior Renovation Permit Application: Essential Drawings and Documents Guide

After completing the initial qualification confirmation, you’ll move into the crucial ‘Submission Preparation’ phase. This stage directly impacts whether your application is approved. Many applications are rejected or delayed due to incomplete or non-compliant drawings and documents. This guide will detail all the necessary drawings and documents for applying for an interior renovation permit, ensuring you’re fully prepared.

Important Note: According to Article 23 of the Regulations Governing Interior Decoration of Buildings, all drawings and documents submitted for an interior renovation permit must be certified by a professional technical person (architect or interior decorator). Simple drawings prepared by yourself will not pass review.

I. Basic Application Document Checklist

Essential Foundation Documents (6 Items Total)

• □ Application Form (must include applicant and building details)
• □ Proof of Building Rights (Title Deed or Consent for Use)
• □ Copy of Professional Technical Person’s Registration Certificate and Certification Form
• □ Copy of Building Use Permit
• □ Floor Plan of the Renovation Area Floor
• □ Power of Attorney (required if not applying in person)

II. Detailed Explanation of Core Drawings and Documents

The following drawings and documents are critical for the review process. They must be drawn to the specified scale and clearly indicate dimensions, materials, and construction methods.

• Existing Condition Drawings: Depict the original state before renovation, including partitions, openings, and equipment locations. Recommended Scale: 1/100 or 1/200. Review Focus: Consistency between renovation scope and existing conditions.
• Floor Plan Layout: Illustrate the space configuration after renovation, including new partitions, furniture, and equipment placement. Recommended Scale: 1/50 or 1/100. Review Focus: Circulation planning and spatial rationality.
• Partition Change Drawings: If partition walls are altered, detail their location, materials, and thickness. Recommended Scale: 1/50. Review Focus: Structural safety and integrity of fire compartments.
• Ceiling Plan: Show ceiling height, materials, and locations of fire detection devices. Recommended Scale: 1/50. Review Focus: Effectiveness of fire safety equipment and compliance with height regulations.
• Elevation Drawings: Detail the finishing of each wall, including materials, colors, and switch locations. Recommended Scale: 1/30 or 1/50. Review Focus: Indication of fire-resistance ratings for renovation materials.
• Section Details: Illustrate detailed construction methods for complex structures. Recommended Scale: 1/10 or 1/20. Review Focus: Safety of construction methods and material joint details.

III. Special Item Drawing Requirements

1. Fire Compartment Alteration Drawings

If altering fire compartments (e.g., combining spaces across fire compartment lines), you must also submit:

• Detailed drawings of fire-rated wall construction.
• Specifications and installation details for fire doors and windows.
• Design drawings for smoke control systems (if applicable).

2. Fire Safety Equipment Alteration Drawings

If adjusting the location or quantity of fire safety equipment, certification by a fire protection engineer is required:

• Fire safety equipment layout plan.
• Smoke detector layout plan.
• Automatic sprinkler system layout plan (if applicable).

3. Green Building Material Usage Statement

As required, specify the green building materials used for each area:

• Calculation table for green building material usage area.
• Specifications for materials used in each section (must indicate fire-resistance rating).
• Copy of green building material certification documents.

Final Pre-Submission Checklist Steps

1. Document Completeness Check: Cross-reference all required documents against the application form.
2. Drawing Consistency Check: Ensure no contradictions exist between floor plans, elevation drawings, and section drawings.
3. Signature and Seal Completeness Check: Verify that all drawings have clear signatures and seals from the professional technical personnel.
4. Scale Accuracy Check: Confirm that all drawings are marked with the correct scale.
5. Regulatory Compliance Check: Ensure the design complies with relevant laws such as the Building Act and Fire Safety Act.

IV. Common Reasons for Rejection and How to Avoid Them

• Reason: Incomplete Drawings
  Specifics: Missing essential drawings (e.g., section details) or insufficient information.
  Avoidance: Use a checklist to verify all drawings are complete.
• Reason: Incorrect Scale
  Specifics: Scale does not meet requirements or is not indicated.
  Avoidance: Consistently use the required scale and clearly mark it on each drawing.
• Reason: Incomplete Signatures/Seals
  Specifics: Missing or unclear signatures/seals from professional technical personnel.
  Avoidance: Before submission, check that every drawing has clear signatures and seals.
• Reason: Discrepancy with Existing Conditions
  Specifics: Significant differences between drawings and the actual site conditions.
  Avoidance: Conduct an on-site inspection before submission to ensure drawings match existing conditions.
• Reason: Non-Compliance with Regulations
  Specifics: Design violates building codes, fire safety laws, or other relevant regulations.
  Avoidance: Engage professional technical personnel for regulatory review during the design phase.

Professional Advice: It is highly recommended to consult with the reviewing authority for a pre-submission review. Many municipalities offer this service, allowing you to identify and correct issues early, significantly increasing the chances of first-time approval.

V. Timeline Planning for Drawing and Document Preparation

Effective timeline planning is key to obtaining your permit smoothly. It is advisable to allocate at least 2-4 weeks for preparation:

• Week 1: On-site measurement and basic data collection.
• Week 2: Preliminary design and regulatory review.
• Week 3: Detailed design and drawing preparation.
• Week 4: Professional certification, document organization, and submission.

Once submission preparation is complete, you will proceed to the third stage: the ‘Review Process.’ We will detail the review procedures, timelines, and how to handle any requests for additional information in the next article.