- Permits
- Toronto Building
- Homeowners
The process is predictable once you know the order. Here is how it runs and where it tends to slow down.
1. When you need one
In Toronto, demolishing a building, or part of a building, needs a permit under the Building Code Act. That covers houses, most garages and many accessory structures. Very small sheds may fall under exemptions, but the size limits and conditions change, so check with Toronto Building before assuming. Interior finish removal that does not touch the structure usually does not need a demolition permit on its own.
2. What goes in the application
A typical residential demolition application includes:
- A completed application form and the owner's authorization if an agent applies.
- A site plan showing the building to be demolished, property lines and neighbouring structures.
- Confirmation of utility disconnects: gas, electricity and water. Sewer and water connections are capped through the City.
- Information about trees, since Toronto's tree bylaws protect many private and City trees and demolition near them needs protection or a permit.
- Heritage status, since listed or designated properties have extra requirements.
3. Demolition control for houses
Toronto uses demolition control for residential property. In practice, if you apply for the demolition permit and the building permit for a replacement at the same time, the Chief Building Official can usually issue the demolition permit once the building permit is ready. If you want to demolish without a replacement building permit, the application can go to City Council for approval, which takes longer. We cover this in what is demolition control.
4. What slows applications down
The same issues come up again and again:
- Utility disconnects not booked early enough. Gas and hydro disconnects run on the utilities' own schedules.
- A tree on or near the property that needs an arborist report.
- A heritage listing the owner did not know about.
- Missing owner authorization when a contractor applies as agent.
5. After the permit is issued
The permit must be kept at the site. Work has to follow the approved scope, and the site has to be fenced and kept safe. When demolition is finished, Toronto Building inspects the site, and the permit is closed. We describe that visit in the inspection after demolition.
6. A realistic order of steps
For a typical North York house, the smoothest order looks like this:
- Check heritage status and trees on the property first.
- Commission the Designated Substance Survey.
- Book gas, hydro, water and sewer disconnects.
- Prepare the site plan and file the application, together with the replacement building permit where you have one.
- Schedule any asbestos abatement so it finishes before the demolition date.
- Fence the site and start work once the permit is issued.
7. What we do about it
On most residential demolition jobs we prepare and file the permit application as the owner's agent, book the utility disconnects, and keep you updated. On jobs where your designer or builder is handling permits, we give them the information they need. Request a free estimate and we will tell you on the visit which parts we can take off your hands. For smaller jobs like a garage, see our junk and debris removal service too.
Frequently asked questions
- Can my contractor apply for the permit for me?
- Yes. A contractor can apply as your agent with your written authorization.
- Do I need a permit to take down a garage in Toronto?
- Usually yes. Garages are generally large enough to need a demolition permit. Check current exemption sizes with Toronto Building.
- Who arranges the utility disconnects?
- The owner or their agent books them with the gas and hydro utilities and arranges water and sewer capping through the City.
- Does a heritage listing stop a demolition?
- Not automatically, but a listed property needs advance notice to the City, and a designated property needs Council consent. It can add time.