Home permit guide
Structural wall permits
Removing or opening a load-bearing wall is usually permit work and may require structural design before demolition starts.
Updated September 24, 2026
The short answer
Removing or changing a load-bearing wall is normally a building-permit issue and can require professional design. Even an interior project can be structural.
Do not remove the wall first and sort out the permit later. Confirm whether it carries load before demolition starts.
What to check first
- Whether the wall is load-bearing
- Beam, post or footing changes
- Opening size and location
- Whether engineering is required
Check the rule in your city
Choose your municipality for the local permit rule, thresholds and official source.
How the rule changes by city
- Airdrie, AB: Airdrie explicitly includes structural alterations among residential renovations that require permits. Official source ↗
- Abbotsford, BC: Abbotsford’s Building Bylaw requires a permit for construction that changes the plan view of a floor or roof and for other regulated structural building work. Official source ↗
- Winnipeg, MB: Winnipeg routes structural alterations and foundation repairs through residential building permits; the exact drawings and engineering depend on the work. Official source ↗
If a permit is required
What you may need to submit
Existing/proposed plan; beam/post details; calculations or sealed engineering where required; bearing/foundation details.
Inspections
Structural framing inspection before concealment and final inspection are typical.
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 →