Apply to demolish a residential building

Demolition control applies to residential buildings and mixed-use buildings containing residential units. 

It does not apply to commercial, industrial, institutional or accessory buildings.

On this page:

1. Find out if demolition control applies
2. Meet source water protection requirements
3. Prepare your documents
4. Get a signed affidavit
5. Apply
6. Pay fees
7. Wait for a decision
8. Contact us

1. Find out if demolition control applies

You must get demolition control approval before you apply for a demolition permit if the building has a residential unit. This includes historic homes that were changed to non-residential use without a change-of-use building permit.

Demolition control helps the city manage the removal of residential units and maintain the integrity of neighbourhoods. It requires replacement residential units to be constructed within two years of demolition.

For full regulatory details, read the Demolition Control Bylaw.

If the proposed demolition is part of a development that requires a Plan of Subdivision or Site Plan approval, it must receive a recommendation for approval before a decision will be issued on a demolition control application. 

2. Meet source water protection requirements

All demolition control applications must meet the Region of Waterloo’s source water protection rules.

Follow these steps:

1. Go to the Region’s Source Water Protection Map.
2. Select “I need a document for a building permit or development application” and enter your address.
3. Answer the questions and download the Notice of Source Protection Plan document.
4. Save the document and include it with your application.

If you cannot access the documentation online, email RiskManagementOfficial@regionofwaterloo.ca and include:

• the property address
• a note that this is for City of Waterloo Demolition Control
• a brief description of the proposed demolition

3. Prepare your documents

Prepare the following documents before you apply:

• completed demolition control approval application form
• if the applicant is a purchaser or purchaser’s agent, include a copy a copy of the section of the purchase and sale agreement that authorizes the purchaser to apply
• a sketch that includes:
  • project name
  • applicant name
  • firm preparing the plans (if applicable)
  • dimensions in metric
  • elevations
  • scale
  • north arrow
  • municipal address
  • adjacent streets
• photos of the buildings to be demolished
• Environmental Screening Questionnaire (PDF) from the Region of Waterloo
• Source Water Protection Screening Form
• Notice of Source Protection Plan document (if relevant)
• signed and commissioned affidavit
• any other documents identified during a pre-application consultation with staff

Your application will not be reviewed until all required documents are submitted.

4. Get a signed affidavit

An affidavit (also called a declaration of oath) that was signed in the presence of a commissioner must be submitted as part of your complete application.

Fill out the form

Complete the Statutory Declaration of Oaths form (PDF).

Get it commissioned

You can use a commissioner or notary public of your choice. In-person or remote commissioning is acceptable, as long as the person taking the oath is authorized to do so.

In-person commissioning is available at City Hall at the Legislative Services desk on the third floor. The City of Waterloo does not offer remote commissioning.

For more information or current fees, visit the commissioning documents page.

5. Apply

Submit your completed application and supporting documents through the digital demolition control application form.

Your application must be complete before staff can review it.

Apply for Demolition Control

6. Pay fees

The fee is:

• $670 for one building
• $305 for each additional building

How to pay

In person
IPPW counter, second floor, City Hall 

By mail
Cheque payable to City of Waterloo
ATTN: Development Planning
100 Regina Street South
PO Box 337, Station Waterloo
Waterloo, ON N2J 4A8

Drop box
Deposit a cheque in the secure drop box on the William Street side of City Hall.
Write ATTN: Development Planning on the memo line.

7. Wait for a decision

Review usually takes up to 10 business days once your application is complete.

• if your application meets the Demolition Control Bylaw, the Chief Building Official will make a decision
• if not, the application will be sent to City Council for a decision

You will be notified when a decision is made.

Next steps

If your demolition control application is approved, you must apply for a Demolition Permit before any work begins.

If your application is denied, contact staff to discuss your options.

Contact us

If you have questions about your application, email zoning@waterloo.ca.