Demolitions

Follow these steps to plan your demolition, apply for a permit and book inspections.

This page is for projects involving the demolition of all or part of a building.

Tip: print this page and use it as a checklist.


On this page:

  1. Check if you need a permit
  2. Confirm zoning rules
  3. Confirm who can prepare your drawings
  4. Prepare your drawings
  5. Prepare your forms
  6. Check fees
  7. Apply online
  8. Wait for review
  9. Get and display your permit
  10. Book inspections
  11. Contact us

1. Check if you need a permit

You need a building permit to demolish a building or part of a building.

For interior demolitions:


2. Confirm zoning rules

If the building you are demolishing is residential, you must get Planning approval before applying for a permit.

Visit the demolition control page for more information.


3. Confirm who can prepare your drawings

Drawings must be prepared by one of the following:

  • Homeowner – for their own house
  • BCIN-qualified designer

An engineer must provide general review during demolition if:

  • the building is more than three storeys high or over 600 m² in area
  • the structure includes pre-tensioned members
  • the demolition extends below the footing level of an adjacent building, within the angle of repose of the soil
  • explosives or lasers are used during demolition

Most homeowners won’t need an engineer unless the building is large or near another structure.


4. Prepare your drawings

All drawings must be to scale and dated.

Include a site plan that shows what is currently on the property and what will be demolished.

The plans examiner may request additional drawings.


5. Prepare your forms

Complete the forms that apply to your project.

Contact us if you’re not sure which forms you need.

Upload these forms with your building permit application (unless they don't apply to your project):

Bring these completed forms to the service counter on the 2nd floor of City Hall:


6. Check permit fees

Fees depend on your scope of work – HST does not apply: 

  • Less than 10,000 square feet: $118.00 
  • 10,000 to 20,000 square fee.: $315.00 
  • Greater than 20,000 square fee.: $422.00 

Pay when you apply:

  • online – credit card only
  • in person – cash, debit or cheque payable to City of Waterloo

We’ll start reviewing your application after we receive payment.


7. Apply online

Submit your application through the building permit portal.

Upload your drawings and forms when you apply.

Apply for a building permit


8. Wait for review

The typical time to review an addition is 10 business days.

Check the building permit timelines and fees page for current timelines.

We may contact you for more information before approval.


9. Get and display your permit

Once approved, your permit package will be available on the portal.

We’ll email you instructions on how to access it.

Print the full package and keep it visible at the work site.


10. Book inspections

Under the Ontario Building Code Act, you must book inspections before the work is covered.

Find the required inspections listed on your building permit under "Mandatory Inspections".

Book inspections through the building portal (find it on the left menu):

  • the earliest you can book an inspection is the next business day
  • you'll need your permit number

Book an inspection online


Contact us

Call 519-747-8712 or email building@waterloo.ca to book an appointment.