Calgary Residential Demolition / House Demolition Permits FAQ

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For Calgary, if you wish to knock down a building (or move it), you'll need a demolition permit.

This can include situations where you intend to only take down part of a building, or when you wish to tear a structure down to the foundation, and then rebuild it.

Interior commercial or interior residential demolition work will need a building permit, rather than a demolition permit.

The City of Calgary has a useful Demolition Permit Guide​.

As of 2024 the Demolition Permit fee for the City of Calgary is $1.44 per square metre (note: in 2020 it was $1.52 per square metre)

Additionally there is a flat Administration fee of $112.00 plus a 4% Safety Codes Council Fee added to the total.

This does not include utility disconnect charges or building permit fees.

The City of Calgary has a quick demolition fee calculator located here:

https://www.calgary.ca/pda/pd/permits/building-permit-fee-calculator-demolition.html

Before a house demolition can begin, the site must be cleared of any asbestos contamination. 

The City of Calgary requires an Asbestos Abatement Form​ form to be submitted as part of the permitting process.

What this means for you is that:

1) the building must be inspected for Asbestos prior to demolition, and 

2) any contaminated material must be removed before building demolition work begins

3) a sign off will be required as part of the remediation process declaring that the site is safe

Public trees must be protected during the house demolition and subsequent construction process. There is a public tree disclosure statement form that will be part of the demolition permit process, regardless of whether public trees are present or not.  If you have public trees within 6 metres of the site, you will need to have a tree protection plan. 

Additional tree protection information can be found at  calgary.ca/treeprotection.​

When you elect to work with YYC Demo, we will install temporary fencing around your house demolition project before any work is scheduled to start. Securing your site is important. Fencing provides a deterrent against trespassers and vandals, and helps protect yourself from injury liability. As the property owner in the City of Calgary, you are required to ensure public safety around a residential demolition (or any building demolition) location where hazards are present.​

A construction site contact information sign must be placed on the fencing during the demolition and construction process.

Gas, electrical and water services must be disconnected prior to demolition work. Information on disconnection procedures can be had by contacting the respective utility provider.

You will need a separate signature for water, gas and electrical on the City of Calgary's service disconnect request form.