Demolition Permit Ottawa: When You Need One & How to Apply
🏗️ Quick Answer
Under Ontario’s Building Code Act, you need a demolition permit Ottawa before tearing down any building or structure — including partial demolitions. The permit fee starts at $117 for structures up to 5,000 sq. ft. and the City’s review target is 10 business days. Properties in the Demolition Control area that involve removing residential units without a replacement building permit also require Demolition Control approval ($6,200.48). Exemptions apply only to silos, barns, and non-load-bearing interior partitions.
Whether you are tearing down an old garage, removing an addition, or demolishing an entire house to build new, Ottawa requires a demolition permit before any work begins. The process involves more than just filling out a form — utility disconnections, asbestos identification, site plans, and potentially Demolition Control approval all need to be addressed before the first wall comes down.
At Architectural Drawing, we prepare the site plans and documentation needed for demolition permit applications — as well as the permit drawings for whatever you are building next. This guide covers every step of the demolition permit Ottawa process in 2026.
When Do You Need a Demolition Permit in Ottawa?
The Ontario Building Code Act is clear: no person shall demolish any building without first obtaining a permit. In Ottawa, your demolition permit Ottawa application will be reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Heritage Act, the Zoning Bylaw, and — in some areas — the Demolition Control Bylaw.
✅ Permit Required
• Demolishing an entire building (house, garage, shed over 10 m²)
• Partial demolition of a structure (removing an addition, wing, or storey)
• Relocating a building to a different lot
• Demolishing load-bearing walls, structural elements, or foundations
• Any demolition within a Heritage Conservation District
❌ Permit NOT Required
• Removing non-load-bearing interior partition walls
• Demolishing farm buildings (silos, barns)
• Filling in an in-ground swimming pool (no demolition permit needed)
• Removing fences (regulated by Fence Bylaw, not Building Code)
🚨 Do Not Start Without a Permit: Any person who begins demolition before obtaining a demolition permit Ottawa will be charged a non-refundable administrative surcharge under Building Bylaw 2014-220, in addition to any other penalties under the Building Code Act. This surcharge is separate from — and added on top of — the regular permit fee.
Demolition Permit Fees in Ottawa (2026)
Demolition permit fees are based on the gross floor area of the building being demolished. Here is the 2026 fee structure:
Demolish a Garage
(under 5,000 sq. ft.)
$117
Demolish a House
(2,000 sq. ft. home)
$117
Demolish a Large Building
(8,000 sq. ft.)
$155
For the complete City of Ottawa fee schedule — including construction permit fees for whatever you plan to build next — see our 2026 Ottawa building permit fees guide.
Demolition Control: When Extra Approval Is Needed
In addition to the standard demolition permit Ottawa, some projects require Demolition Control approval from the Planning, Real Estate and Economic Development Department. This is a separate, more complex application process that can take up to 98 days.
Demolition Control approval is required when all three of the following conditions are true:
No replacement building permit has been issued for the site
The demolition will remove one or more residential dwelling units
The property is within the Area of Demolition Control as defined by Schedule 1 of Demolition Control Bylaw 2012-377
Demolition Control approval is also required if the building is designated under Part IV or Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act — regardless of whether it is within the Demolition Control area. Heritage-designated demolitions may be referred to Planning and Housing Committee and ultimately to City Council for a final decision.
💡 Bypass Demolition Control: If you obtain a building permit for the replacement structure before applying for your demolition permit, Demolition Control approval is typically not required — even in the controlled area. The standard demolition permit is issued alongside the construction permit by Building Code Services. This is the most common approach for tear-down-and-rebuild projects in Ottawa.
How to Apply for a Demolition Permit in Ottawa
Identify designated substances — under Section 30 of Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, you must identify all designated substances (including asbestos, lead paint, and other hazardous materials) on the property and provide a list to prospective contractors as part of your tendering information.
Disconnect all utilities — obtain clearance from every utility confirming services have been disconnected or capped. This includes Hydro Ottawa, Enbridge Gas (1-855-228-4898), Bell/Rogers, and City water/sewer services. Fees may apply for each disconnection.
Prepare your site plan — submit a current survey or fully dimensioned site plan showing property boundaries, the location of all buildings on the lot, and which building(s) are proposed for demolition. Architectural Drawing can prepare this for you.
Obtain an Encroachment Permit (if needed) — if the demolition requires using the City road allowance to store materials or stage equipment, obtain an Encroachment Permit from Right of Way Permits at 613-580-2424 ext. 16000.
Submit your application — apply through My Service Ottawa with the completed Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish, your site plan, utility disconnection clearances, and the permit fee ($117+).
Wait for permit issuance — the City’s target for first review of a complete demolition permit submission is 10 business days. If Demolition Control approval is needed, allow up to 98 days for the planning review.
Schedule inspections and demolish — inspections are required at commencement of demolition. Book 48 hours in advance. After demolition is complete, you must notify the City within 2 business days of completion.
Demolishing & Rebuilding in Ottawa?
We prepare site plans for demolition permits and complete drawing packages for your new construction — bundled into one efficient process.
(613) 518-1387
Important Steps After Demolition
Property Tax Adjustment
Tax adjustments after demolition are not automatic. You must apply for a property tax adjustment under Section 357 of the Municipal Act. Applications must be filed with the City before February 28 of the year following the year of demolition. Contact 613-580-2444 for details on the application process.
Redevelopment Credit
A municipal redevelopment credit may be available if you demolish an existing structure and obtain a building permit for a new building within 5 years. This credit can offset a portion of the development charges on the new construction. After 5 years, no credit is available.
Well & Septic System Abandonment
If the property has a well, abandonment must comply with Ontario Well Water Regulation #903. For septic systems, the tank must be pumped out, filled with sand, and capped. Contact the Ontario Ministry of the Environment at 1-800-565-4923 for questions about proper procedures.
Drawing & Documentation Requirements
Every demolition permit Ottawa application must include:
If you are demolishing to rebuild, we recommend bundling your demolition site plan with the permit drawings for your new construction to save time and money. Whether you need drawings for a custom home, addition, or detached garage, our team at Architectural Drawing can prepare everything in one package. Learn about our process or see our pricing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a demolition permit cost in Ottawa?
A demolition permit in Ottawa costs $117 for the first 5,000 square feet of gross floor area, plus $12.75 for each additional 1,000 square feet. Most residential demolitions — including an entire single-family house — fall within the $117 base fee. A Demolition Agreement costs $487, and Demolition Control approval (when required) costs $6,200.48.
How long does a demolition permit take in Ottawa?
The City’s target for first review of a complete demolition permit submission is 10 business days. Most straightforward residential demolitions are processed within this timeframe. However, if Demolition Control approval is also needed, that planning review can take up to 98 days under the City’s Guaranteed Application Timeline Initiative (GATI).
Do I need a demolition permit to tear down a shed or garage?
Yes, if the structure is a building as defined under the Building Code Act. This includes detached garages, workshops, and sheds that exceed 10 square metres. A standard demolition permit ($117) is required. Exemptions apply only to farm buildings such as silos and barns, and to non-load-bearing interior partition walls.
Do I need a demolition permit to remove an addition?
Yes. Partial demolitions — including removing an addition, wing, sunroom, or upper storey — require a demolition permit in Ottawa. The site plan must show which portions of the building are being removed and what will remain.
What is the Demolition Control area in Ottawa?
The Demolition Control area is defined in Schedule 1 of Demolition Control Bylaw 2012-377. It covers a significant portion of the urban area where the City wants to prevent the loss of residential units without a plan for replacement. If your property is within this area and you plan to demolish residential units without a replacement building permit, you need Demolition Control approval ($6,200.48) before your demolition permit can be issued.
Can I demolish a heritage building in Ottawa?
Demolishing a building designated under Part IV or Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act requires Demolition Control approval regardless of the property’s location. These applications may be referred to the Planning and Housing Committee and then to City Council for a final decision. Pre-consultation with City planning staff is strongly recommended before applying.
Do I need to disconnect utilities before demolition?
Yes. Clearance authorization from all utilities confirming that services have been disconnected or capped must be obtained before the demolition permit can be issued. This includes Hydro Ottawa, Enbridge Gas, telecommunications providers, and City water and sewer services. Each utility may charge separate disconnection fees.
Do I need to remove asbestos before demolition?
Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (Section 30), you must identify all designated substances — including asbestos — before demolition and provide this information to any contractor working on the project. If asbestos is present, it must typically be removed by a licensed abatement contractor before general demolition begins. Homes built before 1990 are most likely to contain asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, or roofing materials.
Can I get a property tax reduction after demolition?
Yes, but it is not automatic. You must apply for a tax adjustment under Section 357 of the Municipal Act before February 28 of the year following the demolition. For example, if you demolish in 2026, the application deadline is February 28, 2027. Contact the City at 613-580-2444 for the application process.
Do I need a permit to remove interior walls in Ottawa?
Removing non-load-bearing interior partition walls does not require a demolition permit. However, removing load-bearing walls requires a building permit (renovation permit) with structural engineering to support the load transfer. If you are unsure whether a wall is load-bearing, consult a qualified designer before removing it.
Demolish & Rebuild With Confidence
We prepare demolition site plans and replacement building drawings — giving you everything needed for both permits in one streamlined package.
(613) 518-1387