You need to obtain a building permit to relocate or demolish an existing building or structure. Your demolition application will be reviewed to ensure compliance with applicable law, including the Ontario Heritage Act, the Zoning By-law and in some areas, the Demolition Control By-law. The review will also identify any legislative or safety requirements that may need to be adhered to during or after the demolition of the structure. Clearance authorization from utilities confirming services have been appropriately disconnected or capped must be obtained as well..
The demolition of certain building types (silos, and barns) and non-load bearing interior partitions does not require a demolition permit.
Any person who commences demolition prior to the issuance of a Permit to Demolish shall, in addition to any other penalty imposed under the Act or Building Code, pay a non-refundable administrative surcharge fee as set out in Schedule "A" of the City of Ottawa, Building By-law 2014-220.
Before you begin
Before you begin
Owner’s duties
In Ontario, section 30 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires that a project owner identify designated substances on the project and provide a list to prospective constructors as part of the tendering information.
Encroachment
It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that the appropriate Encroachment Permit is obtained prior to undertaking a demolition requiring the use of the City road allowance in order to store materials and/or stage the work. Please call 613-580-2424, extension 16000 – Right of Way Permits and Applications Section.
Wells and septic systems
Abandonment of a well shall be done in accordance with the Ontario Well Water Regulation #903. You can print a copy of the regulation from ServiceOntario’s www.e-laws.gov.on.ca. For more information, call the Ministry of Environment Public Information Centre at 1-800-565-4923.
Abandoning a septic system requires pumping out of the tank, filling it with sand and capping it.
Demolition control
Where the building to be demolished is located within the Area of Demolition Control as defined in the attached Schedule 1 and includes the demolition of a residential unit and no replacement building permit has been issued, demolition control approval from the Planning, Development and Building Services Department is necessary. As well, demolition control approval will be required if the building is designated under Part IV or Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. Application forms are available at all Client Service Centres or online, together with the requirements for submissions. Before making an application, you should discuss your proposal with Planning, Development and Building Services Department staff. Consult the Demolition Control By-law No 2012-377.
Development Information Officers
In order to provide effective service to clients, the Development Information in-person service is available by appointment only. If you require the services of a development information officer, please call 613-580-2424, extension 23434 or email dioinquiry@ottawa.ca, include the subject address, proposed use, and other pertinent information relevant to the inquiry. Upon receipt of the inquiry, a phone call or an email response will be provided within two to three business days, in the event more information is required there will be options to allow for further discussion.
Cost and timeline
Cost and timeline
Approximate cost
Refer to Applicable fees
Approximate timeline
Approximate timeline based on City Council approved enhanced service level:
- First review - 10 business days
What you need
What you need
- Application for a Permit to construct or demolish
- Application fee
- A current plan or survey or site plan (fully dimensioned) indicating the dimensions of the property and lot size and the location of building(s) proposed to be demolished and all other buildings on the lot
- Demolition Permit Application Guidelines
- Demolition Permit Application Guidelines completed in full
- Demolition Review Form completed in full
- Demolition Permit Clearances Form completed and authorized by each of the appropriate authorities
Required inspections
Required inspections
Inspections are an integral part of the permit process and are required at commencement of demolition.
- Inspections can be booked via the online customer portal after issuance of the building permit or by contacting the Building Inspector to schedule your inspections. The contact information for the building inspector will be noted on the building permit.
- To ensure the availability of a building inspector, you should book inspections 48 hours in advance.
- Have the permit, plans and specs available for the building inspector to review.
Property tax adjustment
Property tax adjustment
Tax adjustments are not automatic. You must apply for a property tax adjustment after the demolition has occurred. Applications must be filed with the City prior to February 28 of the year following the year of demolition. For details regarding the application process please refer to cancellation, reduction or refunds of property or call 613-580-2444. Section 357 of the Municipal Act provides the authority by which to apply for an adjustment of property taxes after a demolition has occurred.
Development Charge credits
Development Charge credits
A municipal redevelopment credit may be available if demolition of an existing structure occurs within 10 years of the issuance of a building permit for a new building. After this period, no credit is possible. The time limit was set at 10 years with the enactment of the City's 2014 development charges by-law (Section 9 Redevelopment of Land Credits). Beginning January 1, 2019, the time limit will be limited to development that occurs within a five year period. Thus someone who demolished a building on or before December 31, 2013 will have no entitlement to a credit as of January 1, 2019.
Apply
Apply
Online Submissions
Demolition applications can now be submitted online using the new Building, Planning and Land Development online application and permitting portal available through My Service Ottawa. The new Land Management System (LMS) is a digital technology providing access to online permits and applications for Building Code Services.
Applying for applications and access to the customer portal requires a My ServiceOttawa (MySO) account set-up and registration with the new Building, Planning and Land Development system.
Do you currently have a My ServiceOttawa account?
- No - Please proceed to My ServiceOttawa login page and select the green ‘create an account’ button. Assistance is available for creating your account.
- Yes - Please login to your My ServiceOttawa account and complete the system registration by selecting the Building, planning and land development service widget.
Please refer to the My ServiceOttawa’s help page for assistance on how to manage your account. Several Customer Portal user guides have been developed to provide information on how to use the new system. You may find out more about the new Building, Planning and Land Development online application and permitting system by visiting the Engage Ottawa page.
Please note that payment must accompany all applications. Additional costs for photocopies may apply.
In Person
Building Code Service counters are open for personal services by appointment only. This includes the submission of permit applications, payment of fees and the issuance of permits.
There are various methods for submitting applications.
Application Forms: Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish (For reference only)