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Demolition is the complete removal of a structure from a site including the removal of any foundations, footings, piles or slabs to a minimum of 0.5 metres below grade. A Development Permit and a Building Permit are required to demolish a building.
Apply for Exterior Alteration Permits for partial building removal, such as tearing off an old attached garage or porch.
Permits are required for demolition projects such as:
A Development Permit and Building Permit for demolition are required for each house, however, all other structures and improvements on that property may be listed on the permits and demolished at the same time.
Property listed on the Inventory of Historic Resources in Edmonton will require submission of additional information; see Subsection 7.140.6 Municipal Historic Evaluation of the Zoning Bylaw. All proposed demolitions of buildings on the Inventory are vetted through the Heritage Conservation Unit prior to the issuance of the Development Permit. This process involves contact with City Council to determine if the City will intervene to formally protect the building from demolition. Contact heritageplanners@edmonton.ca for more information.
Notification signs are mandatory for the demolition of residential structures in the RS Zone, except accessory structures (sheds/garages) in the rear yard that are not visible from the street.
Sign installation instructions will be provided to you once a Development Permit approval is granted. See Subsection 7.160.2 of the Zoning Bylaw.
Before starting the demolition a building permit is required to be issued.
Utility Location: Even small excavations can lead to unintended consequences! Click-Before-You-Dig or 1-800-242-3447 provides a no-fee utility line marking service.
Natural Gas Service Line Management: A charged natural gas line struck during demolition may cause inconvenience and/or serious harm to persons and property. Demolition permit issuance follows primary line cutback confirmation, if applicable, by ATCO Gas. Arrangements for disconnect can take time so do not delay contacting them.
Secondary gas lines (like those between a house and detached garage) must be properly managed; these are usually not ATCO property or responsibility. Contact a gasfitter or search ‘Edmonton utility locate service’ for private line location and disconnection.
Anyone demolishing a building shall first ensure that any asbestos-containing materials with the potential to release fibres have been dealt with per Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations. OHS provides guidance and administers oversight of asbestos remediation. An Asbestos Project Notification must be submitted to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) where applicable, except for:
Arrangements for bulk sampling and asbestos removal can take time, so contact a consultant early in the planning process. A demolition permit will not be issued until every structure to be demolished is determined to be clear of asbestos.
A Project Implementation Plan is intended to help permit applicants, constructors and owners understand and fulfill their roles and responsibilities associated with a construction project to safeguard the health and safety of the public, adjacent properties and infrastructure.
A Project Implementation Plan can include the following:
Review the Project Implementation Plan Guide and submit the Project Implementation Plan - Letter of Commitment with the building permit application.
The structure must be highlighted on the aerial photo (Google Maps, Edmonton Maps, and so on) or site plan by an arrow "→" or cross "X".
Online applications contain Asbestos Management and Utilities Disconnect questions.
For In-person applications only, complete, sign and submit the Asbestos Management and Utilities Disconnect form and any applicable supporting documentation.
Review the Project Implementation Plan Guide and sign and submit the Letter of Commitment required for any demolition in redeveloping areas.
Each application is unique. Typical demolition applications involve the following fees:
| 2025 Standard Application Fees (effective January 1, 2025) | |
|---|---|
| Development Permit Fee | $100 |
| Building Permit Fee | $120 |
| Safety Codes Fee | $4.80 |
| Total Permit Fee | $224.80 |
Additional fees may apply. See the 2025 Residential Permits and Fees (effective January 1, 2025) for more information.
Requirement:
File Instructions:
City staff will review your application to ensure your project complies with the Zoning Bylaw and applicable Safety Codes.
Overall application processing times can be found on the development and construction application processing times web page. Applicants can also check the status of their specific application by visiting their project dashboard in SelfServe.
See up-to-date queue times for building permit applications.
City staff may request additional information at various stages of the Development Permit and Building Permit process. To learn how to reply to a more information request in SelfServe, see the More Information Requested (MIR) Guide
Changes and revisions can be submitted at various stages of the process.
To make changes:
Additional charges may apply for revisions.
To cancel your application, email the Cancellation/Refund Request form to the City employee who is handling your application.
Inspections may be requested by visiting the project dashboard in SelfServe or by calling 311 (outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311)
To learn more visit Residential Inspections.
Contact our Development Services team to get help with your project.
Appointments
Book an appointment for general questions about your project and the permit requirements.
Phone
311 (outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311)