Home permit guide
Demolition permits
Demolition can require its own permit, utility clearances and site-safety steps before work begins.
Updated September 24, 2026
The short answer
Demolition commonly requires a specific municipal permit and can involve utility disconnects, hazardous-material requirements, heritage review and site-safety obligations.
Utility shutoff alone is not permission to demolish. Municipal, heritage and hazardous-material steps may still be required.
What to check first
- Full or partial demolition
- Utility disconnections
- Hazardous-material requirements
- Heritage and site-safety rules
Check the rule in your city
Choose your municipality for the local permit rule, thresholds and official source.
How the rule changes by city
- Grande Prairie, AB: Grande Prairie requires a demolition permit to demolish a structure over 108 sq ft (about 10 m²). Official source ↗
- Port Coquitlam, BC: Port Coquitlam requires a demolition permit to demolish buildings of any use over 10 m² (107 ft²). Official source ↗
- Saint John, NB: Saint John requires a demolition permit for a building or structure larger than 108 sq ft (10 m²). Official source ↗
If a permit is required
What you may need to submit
Site plan; demolition scope; utility-disconnect confirmations; waste/hazardous-material documents where required.
Inspections
Site/final inspections or clearance may be required before the file closes or a new permit is issued.
Use the local guide before you start
Permit rules, exemptions and application routes are set locally. Open your municipality guide before relying on a threshold or starting work.
Find your municipality →