Are you planning to demolish a building entirely or partially? Since this project involves several different tasks and can present numerous risks, you will undoubtedly need to follow certain steps.
One essential step for working in compliance is obtaining a demolition permit from your municipal administration.
In the following paragraphs, our building demolition specialists will share several pieces of information regarding the steps to obtain your demolition permit from the relevant authorities.
WITHOUT A DEMOLITION PERMIT, IT IS ILLEGAL TO DEMOLISH A RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL BUILDING
According to the law in effect in most parts of Quebec, it is strictly forbidden to carry out demolition work on a building without first obtaining a permit or authorization certificate. Moreover, violators may even be required to reconstruct demolished buildings without authorization.
Therefore, before giving the green light to such a project (house demolition, garage demolition, post-disaster demolition, etc.), a demolition permit application must be submitted, and it may be subject to a decision by various public bodies.
For example, in Montreal, the decision to permit or deny the demolition of a building may be made by the Demolition Application Review Committee, an urban planning committee, or the Director of Urban Planning and Business Services.
Thus, it is crucial to find out to whom you must submit your application.
HOW TO SUBMIT A DEMOLITION PERMIT APPLICATION
In most localities, submitting a demolition permit application follows a similar process.
First, you need to fill out a demolition permit application form from your municipality (downloadable from most Quebec localities’ websites). You must then send it along with the other required documents, which may vary depending on the municipality.
Here are examples of documents or information that might be requested when submitting your demolition permit application:
- Photographs of the building’s facades and its surroundings.
- The number and area of the building’s uses.
- If there are residential tenants, provide the measures planned for their relocation.
- If the building is vacant, specify since when.
- Reasons justifying the demolition request.
- Preliminary program for the cleared land, including plans to verify compliance with regulations.
- Schedule for demolition and reconstruction work if applicable.
You should also know that for a complete demolition request, a public utilities disconnection permit may also be required.
CONDITIONS FOR ISSUING A DEMOLITION PERMIT
When reviewing your demolition permit application, the relevant authorities may base their decision on several factors, the most important being:
- The current state of the building.
- The architectural appearance deterioration.
- Restoration costs.
- Objections received.
- Housing needs and relocation issues when the building contains multiple units.
- The proposed redevelopment project.
FEES ASSOCIATED WITH A DEMOLITION PERMIT APPLICATION
When submitting a demolition permit application, you may be required to pay fees for the study and analysis of the file.
Some boroughs or municipalities may also require additional amounts:
- A deposit to cover any damage to sidewalks or curbs, public facilities, and urban furniture.
- Fees for the disconnection of driveway entrances.
- Fees for sewer sealing and water disconnection.
As for the demolition permit price, it varies depending on the city or municipality, generally ranging between $50 and $200.
Of course, you are required to pay all these fees if you want your application to be processed.
PROCESSING TIMES FOR A DEMOLITION PERMIT APPLICATION
The nature of a demolition permit application will determine its processing time. Generally, the process takes between 1 to 6 months.
VALIDITY PERIOD OF THE DEMOLITION PERMIT
Regulations may differ in your locality, but the average validity period of a demolition permit is 6 months.
OBTAIN YOUR DEMOLITION PERMIT MORE EASILY WITH OUR SUPPORT
In summary, if you have not yet obtained a demolition permit or authorization certificate, you cannot demolish your property.
If the process of obtaining a demolition permit seems complicated, know that at Excavation Chanthier, a demolition company in Montreal, we can help you better understand it. To discuss demolition with experts, do not hesitate to contact our team. Our expertise and the quality of our work are recognized on the North Shore, South Shore, and in Montreal.