Planning to Convert a Church? Don’t Miss These Red Flags!

Converting a Church? What the City Will Flag

Repurposing a church into apartments? Here's what city staff will

look for — and how to stay ahead of it.

Repurposing an old church into residential units can result in stunning, one-of-a-kind spaces — but it’s also full of special challenges that cities won’t overlook. If you’re planning to convert a church, here are 4 things cities will flag immediately:

Heritage & Conservation

Many churches are heritage-designated or located in heritage districts. Even if they’re not, the city will likely still flag them.

• Be prepared for possible heritage approvals or conservation reports, especially if altering the exterior (like windows, towers, etc.).

• Pro tip: Account for facade conservation from Day 1.

New Floors & Structure

Churches often have large, open naves with no intermediate floors. To add apartments, you’ll need to install new floor systems and walls — a major structural job.

• Engineers must verify whether existing walls and foundations can handle the load.

• Expect intense structural review and possibly new support beams or foundations — a common oversight.

  
  

Fire Exits & Accessibility

Most churches have only one or two doors. For apartments, each floor needs two means of egress.

• Add fire-rated separations (45-60 min) between units.

• Depending on local rules, accessibility upgrades like ramps or elevators may be required, especially for ground-floor units.

Services Upgrade

Churches usually have single HVAC systems and basic plumbing. Residential conversions require:

• New kitchens and bathrooms with proper venting

• ESA-permitted electrical panels for each unit

• New plumbing stacks and possibly backwater valves

• Even a “spare room” must meet bedroom codes — including egress windows and ventilation.

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