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Demolition Permits

Demolition of a residential dwelling

Scope of work:

Demolishing a single detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling, or a non-stacked townhouse.

Permit details:

Submit the demolition permit application online using the following permit details:

  • Permit type: Demolition Permit
  • Subtype: Select the most accurate from the list
  • Work type: Demolition Residential

Submission requirements:

  • A site plan of the property clearly indicating the building(s) to be demolished
  • A site plan, floor plans and elevations of the proposed new residential dwelling as required in the Demolition Control By-law.
  • Utility sign-off sheets: While they are not required to be submitted when first applying for the demolition permit, they must be uploaded to the application before the permit can be issued.

Additional information:

During the permit review process, staff from Planning and Building Services will review the application. Approval from the General Manager of Planning and Building Services is required prior to permit issuance.

Once a complete demolition permit application is received, City staff will erect a “Notice of Demolition” sign in front of the property. The sign is not to be removed until the demolition permit has been issued.

Please refer to the Demolition Control By-law for more information.

Demolition of a residential accessory building

Scope of work:

Demolishing a residential accessory building such as a detached garage greater than 10 square metres (107 square feet) or a shed greater than 15 square metres (161 square feet).

Permit details:

Submit the demolition permit application online using the following permit details and include the details of the demolition in the project description:

  • Permit Type: Residential Accessory Building, Detached Garage or Shed
  • Subtype: Select the most accurate from the list
  • Work type: Renovate Existing

Submission requirements:

  • A site plan of the property showing the location of the building(s) to be demolished

Demolition of an industrial, commercial or institutional (ICI) building

Scope of work:

Demolishing an ICI building.

Permit details:

Submit the demolition permit application online using the following permit details:

  • Permit type: Demolition Permit
  • Subtype: Non-residential
  • Work type: Demolition Non-residential

Submission requirements:

  • A site plan of the property showing the location of the building(s) to be demolished
  • Utility sign-off sheets: While they are not required to be submitted when first applying for the demolition permit, they must be uploaded to the application before the permit can be issued.
  • A commitment to general review form and an engineer’s letter with a description of the structural design characteristics of the building(s) and the method of demolition of the building if it is a building that
    1. Exceeds 3 storeys in building heightor 600 square metres in building area,
    2. The structure includes pre-tensioned or post-tensioned members,
    3. The demolitionwill extend below the level of the footings of any adjacent buildingand occur within the angle of repose of the soil, as drawn from the bottom of such footings, or
    4. Explosives or a laser are to be used during the course of demolition.

For information on how to apply for a partial demolition of a building, or an interior demolition within an existing building, please contact Permit Services at [email protected] or 519-837-5615 extension 4255.

How to apply for the building permit

Ready to apply for your building permit? Follow the steps below to complete your application:

  1. Go online to the Guelph Permit and Application System.
  2. Register as a user.
  3. Submit your building permit application. Please have all drawings and documents ready in PDF format.

After you submit your application, you can go back to the Guelph Permit Application System to:

  • check the status of your permit
  • pay fees
  • book inspections online

Permit fees

Refer to the Permit Fee Schedule found in the Building By-law.

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