Downtown Eastside Temporary Occupancy Permit Pilot (DTES TOPP)

 

Open a Business in a Vacant Storefront

If you’ve been thinking about opening a retail shop, studio, salon, or small office in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, the City of Vancouver has introduced a program designed to make it easier.

The Downtown Eastside Temporary Occupancy Permit Pilot (DTES TOPP) allows entrepreneurs, artists, and small businesses to temporarily occupy vacant storefronts through a simplified permitting process.

Instead of navigating the full development permit process typically required for a change of use, this pilot program provides a streamlined pathway to open and operate in an existing commercial space for up to 24 months.

The goal is simple: bring life back to vacant storefronts while giving organisations and individuals an opportunity to test new ideas and activate underused spaces.

Hessey worked alongside Hastings Crossing BIA and their members to help advance discussions with the City of Vancouver that led to the creation of this pilot program, and we continue to assist tenants and property owners in navigating the process.

 
Who This Program Is For

The pilot program is intended for organisations and individuals looking for a lower-barrier way to open a storefront in the Downtown Eastside.

Eligible uses include:

  • Artist Studio (Class A)
  • Barber Shop or Beauty Salon
  • Beauty and Wellness Centre
  • General Office
  • Health Care Office
  • Retail Store

If your business idea falls within these categories, you may be able to open in an existing commercial space without a full change-of-use development permit.

 
How the Process Works

While each project is different, the general process typically involves:

  1. Identify a Vacant Storefront
    Find a commercial space in the Downtown Eastside where the property owner is open to temporary occupancy.
  2. Confirm Eligibility
    Determine whether the proposed use qualifies under the pilot program.
  3. Apply for a Temporary Occupancy Permit
    Submit an application to the City of Vancouver.
  4. Safety Review
    City inspectors provide free safety inspections to identify any life-safety upgrades that may be required.
  5. Open and Operate
    If approved, businesses can operate in the space for up to 24 months under the pilot program.
 
Why Consider the Pilot Program

For many entrepreneurs, the program offers several advantages:

  • A faster pathway to opening a storefront
  • Reduced regulatory barriers
  • An opportunity to test a business concept
  • Activation of vacant commercial spaces
  • The ability to establish a presence in the Downtown Eastside
 
Learn More or Apply

For official information, application details, and eligibility requirements:

City of Vancouver – Apply for a TOPP Permit
https://van311.ca/services/topp 

City of Vancouver – Downtown Eastside Temporary Occupancy Permit Pilot
https://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/downtown-eastside-temporary-occupancy-permit-pilot.aspx

City of Vancouver – Business licences and permits
https://vancouver.ca/doing-business/licenses-and-permits.aspx

Hastings Crossing BIA 
https://hxbia.com/temporary-occupancy-pilot-program-now-open/