Do I sign the lease prior to a building permit?
I am starting a business under a “restaurant” license. Regardless of the commercial area I decide to pick from, there has to be a building permit for the inside of the shop. Do I have to sign a lease agreement with a commercial landlord now and then apply for a building permit within an established unit in a plaza?

The problem with getting a license is that city requires an address of the unit prior to giving me the license while the landlord wants a signed agreement. The follows after to get a building permit approved.

My concern is what if the building permits will not get approved and I am stuck with paying commercial rent for an unapproved area? Is there a clause for the renter to back off if the permit is not allowed for the area?

In Canada/Toronto
[{"id": "fssngfd", "text": "Yes, just write a termination clause in the lease tied to getting the permit.", "replies": [{"id": "fssww95", "text": "Great thank you", "replies": [{"id": "fst5p1d", "text": "Also tie your rent commencement to receipt of the building permit and not a fixed timeline from lease signature or landlord delivery.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fsspb11", "text": "Sign a lease subject to a building permit. If you are not sure how to proceed get representation from a leasing agent that will work on your behalf", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fstbi2x", "text": "Contingent upon successful secure a PERMIT approved est to be June XX, 2020.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fstc9dz", "text": "Restaurant fit out is intense.  If you\u2019re starting with shell space, it can be 100-200k to get open.  Also make sure you check zoning.  Get an attorney or commercial broker to represent you.  If you like that space, just get a commercial real estate attorney to review your lease draft for you.  It\u2019s worth every penny in legal bills imo.  Good luck!!", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]