Is it time for some home renovation projects? Are you getting tired of your old shed in the backyard? Or do you want an open floor concept that will require tearing down a wall? Or you want to remove your existing porch and install a new one? Do you know in which of these cases you need a demolition permit? If not, continue reading.
3 Key Takeaways
- Demolition permit is a legal document that allows you to demolish an existing structure
- Demolition permits are issued by city’s Building Department
- The average cost of a demolition permit is between $100 and $450
What is a demolition permit?
A demolition permit is a legal document that gives you the right to demolish a structure. Sometimes it is called demolition building permit. Usually the structure that required a building permit when it was built will need a demo permit when you want to demolish it. Even if the building permit wasn’t required once the structure was built, that doesn’t automatically mean that a demolition permit won’t be needed.
If your demolition project means tearing down multiple structures, you will need a separate demolition permit for each one. For example, if you want to tear down a detached garage and remove a shed with a utility system, you will need a separate permit for the demolition work.
In the chart below, you can see the number of issued demolition permits compared to their value (in thousands of dollars) in the past 5 years.
There are 2 main types of demolition permits:
- Residential demolition permit – it is required when demolition work is done in a residential building that has 4 or fewer dwelling units
- Commercial demolition permit – it is required when any type of commercial structure is demolished, but it is needed for commercial structures that have 5 or more dwelling units, too
Demolition permits are issued by your city’s Building Department. But do you need to contact them? Is a demolition permit required for your project? Let’s see.
When is a demolition permit required?
These are the main 3 situations when property owners will need a demolition permit:
- If a primary structure/structures are going to be razed or removed from the lot
- If any accessory structures with mechanical systems, utility systems, hazardous materials, or a basement-type foundation will be razed or removed from the lot
- If a building/structure that is having an additional renovation requires a substantial amount of demolition
In the chart below, you can see the answers to some common questions regarding demolition permits.
| Do I need a demolition permit to tear down | Answer |
| A house | ✅ Yes |
| A mobile home | ✅ Yes |
| A shed | ☑️ Probably |
| A garage | ✅ Yes |
| A wall | ☑️ Probably |
| A tree | ❌ No |
| A barn | ✅ Yes |
| A fence | ☑️ Probably |
When is a demolition permit not required?
There are certain situations when a demo permit isn’t required, those are:
- If you are doing interior demolition with the intent to change or renovate the structure
- If you are removing porch, deck or any other similar appendage to the structure with the intent to rebuild it
- If you are removing small sheds or any type of accessory structure that doesn’t have separate utilities or a basement-type foundation
Demolition permit requirements
Keep in mind that requirements for demolition permits vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but the most common demo permit requirements are:
- Completed demolition permit application
- Submitted and approved grading plan (a drawing that depicts the lot’s slope)
- Completed and inspected plumbing permit
- Cash demolition escrow bond (a refundable payment that’s used as a guarantee you’ll ensure safe, sanitary, and secure demolition work)
- Proof you have disconnected utilities
- In many municipalities, you will have to fill out a Demolition Notice of Intent (it applies to the demolition of the entire building and parts of it)
Now that you know what the requirements are, let’s see what the process of obtaining a demolition building permit looks like.
Demolition permit application process
Depending on where you live, the process of permit application and getting a demolition permit can be different. In general, obtaining a demolition permit is a process that includes these 5 steps:
- Prepare all the necessary documents – these documents will also include a site plan. Site plan will clearly show the structure that you are planning to remove and its location.
- Complete the application – the form is available online. Just make sure to download the form of the municipality where the structure is located. Filling out the application for demolition permit takes around 30 minutes.
- Pay the fee – on the web site of your city’s Building Department you will find the information about the correct amount.
- Submit your application – in most cases, you will get an email to confirm receipt of your application
- Next steps – you will have to notify public utility companies. Before you get your demolition permit, your local department will ask you for confirmation from utility companies that the services are stopped.
Do not start your demolition work before permit issuance.
Most municipalities offer an online application, but some cities may require an in-person application at your city’s Building Department. Now let’s see how much a demolition permit costs.
Demo permit cost
On average, demolition permits cost between $100 and $450. Usually, demolition permits for commercial structures cost more than the ones for residential structures.
In most areas you can put your permit on hold, or cancel it. There are no additional fees for this. But if you decide to remove your permit from on hold status, then you will have to pay a fee.
Demolition permit application form sample
If you aren’t able to find an online demolition permit application form, click here to get a sample. Fill it out with correct information and download it. Don’t forget to change the name of the state and the city.
Demolition permits FAQs
How long does it take to get a demolition permit?
It generally takes between 1 and 6 months to get a demo permit. This depends on the scope of your demolition project.
How long is a demolition permit valid for?
In most cases a demolition permit is valid for 6 months.
Demolition permit checklist, what is it?
This is a checklist that will help you to gather all the required documents and information in order to submit a complete demolition permit application. Each city has its own checklist. Usually applications will not be accepted if you don’t have the following:
1. Completed application form
2. A site plan showing the location of all structures that are going to be removed
3. Demolition plan
4. Tree retention plan
Some cities will ask for HOA approval, some will ask for air pollution control district approval, fire department approval, and/or environmental services approval.
Planning a demolition project – Get your site plan
Since a professionally drawn site plan is necessary for obtaining a demolition permit, let us help you. Our team of experts has been creating site plans for permits for over 20 years. You can have a site plan in 24 hours and start the application process as soon as possible. If you have any additional questions, contact us.
If you found this article helpful, read about the cost of demolishing a house, where we explain each factor that will affect the final price.
