Describe whether the exterior footprint changes
Markham's permit guide distinguishes demolition that decreases a building's footprint, including exterior walls, from interior-only work, which it directs to an alteration application. Describe the actual proposal to Building Standards before choosing a form. The everyday word demolition does not determine the City's application category.
Prepare for the pre-demolition inspection
For a demolition permit, Markham describes a pre-demolition inspection to confirm that the structure exists, is vacant and the site is fenced in accordance with its bylaw. Arrange the applicable process with the City before removal begins. Do not demolish first and expect the inspection to document a building that is already gone.
Match the environmental and site documents
The City lists an environmental building audit and a site plan among demolition application requirements. It also identifies professional review and shoring information for applicable conditions. Ask the designer to establish the project-specific requirements, including any infill excavation. Keep those documents tied to the same removal boundaries; this guide does not decide engineering thresholds for your site.
Use the classification in the work brief
Tell the contractor which application path the City confirmed and what remains outstanding. Interior stripping and whole-building removal require different scopes even if both are described as demo. Use the scope guide to keep permitted work, professional dependencies and the contractor's proposed work consistent.
Questions to settle before the next step
Use this decision table with the people responsible for your property. Record the actual answers in your private project file.
| Decision | Question or evidence | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Interior-only or footprint reduction? | Confirm with Building Standards |
| Inspection | What must be ready before the City attends? | Arrange before removal |
| Documents | Audit, site and professional requirements | Designer confirms applicability |
Keep your completed record private. Bring the relevant scope questions into the optional project planner or discuss them directly with Clearpath.
Official information
Check the applicable requirements for your property and proposed work with the responsible authority or qualified professional.
Source references reviewed October 8, 2026.