How to Demolish Your Building: Requirements and Steps
The process of demolishing a building is not a simple matter. It requires you to go through many legal requirements and steps in order for the Edmonton demolition permit to be granted.
First, you need to contact the Department of Building Inspection and tell them that your building is not safe or has been condemned. They will inspect it for safety. If they determine it’s unsafe, then demolition can begin; if they find no evidence of structural damage to the building, then they might issue a stop work order until the issue can be resolved with an engineer.
Then you need to apply for a demolition permit through the City of Edmonton’s Building Services. If they deem your building unsafe and not salvageable, then they will grant the authorization to demolish it.
Make sure that no gas lines are active in order to avoid any potential accidents or injuries when demolishing the building.
Following these steps can help save time since some permits require waiting periods before demolition begins. This process is best suited for buildings with severe structural damage or those deemed unsalvagable by an engineer due to safety concerns (e.g., buildings which contain asbestos). It is important that all legal requirements be obtained prior to starting this process so delays don’t occur and impede the progress of completing your project.
Once the department approves demolition permits are issued by City Hall in which case owners have 30 days from date of issuance to complete all work including obtaining any necessary zoning changes before beginning construction or demolishing.
If there are environmental concerns such as asbestos or lead paint onsite at least two weeks notice must be given before starting demolition so that proper procedures may be followed.
If a heritage building is to be demolished, you may need approval from the Edmonton Historical Board since there are restrictions on demolition of buildings 50 years and older that have been designated as historically significant by the City’s Historic Resources Committee.
These legal requirements must be met when demolishing a building in order for it to legally come down. If these steps aren’t followed, then you could face fines or even criminal charges if your negligence results in injury or property damage.
