Demolition Permits in Vancouver: What You Need to Know Before Starting Your Project

Demolition is more than just tearing down walls—it’s a process that involves strict regulations, environmental considerations, and necessary permits. Whether you’re planning to remove an old house to make way for a new build or demolishing an outdated garage, understanding the permit requirements and safety protocols is essential.

At PK Demolition, we specialize in residential demolition services across Vancouver and the Greater Vancouver Area. While we do not secure permits on behalf of clients, we aim to guide homeowners through the process so they know what to expect. This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the key aspects of demolition permits in Vancouver, but it should not be considered legal advice. Regulations can change, and requirements may vary by municipality, so it’s always best to check with the City of Vancouver or a qualified professional for the most up-to-date information.

Understanding Demolition Permits in Vancouver

The City of Vancouver has specific demolition permits depending on the age of the building and recycling requirements:

• Demolition Permit – Recycling and Reuse Requirements: For homes built before 1950, homeowners must submit a Recycling and Reuse Plan and a Compliance Form if they plan to reuse salvaged materials.

  
  

• Demolition Permit – Recycling and Deconstruction Requirements: This applies to homes built before 1910 or designated as heritage properties, requiring additional deconstruction measures to salvage materials.

  
  

• Demolition Permit without Recycling Requirements: This permit is for homes built after 1950, with the exception that drywall must still be properly recycled as Vancouver prohibits landfill disposal of drywall.

  
  

• Demolition Permit for Multifamily and Commercial/Industrial Buildings: This permit applies to multifamily residential buildings, commercial properties, and industrial structures.

Municipal Variations in Regulations

While this article focuses on Vancouver, demolition regulations may vary across municipalities such as Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam or West Vancouver. Each city may have its own permit application process, waste disposal requirements, and heritage property regulations. Before starting a demolition project, homeowners should always check with their local city government to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and avoid unexpected delays.

Inspections for Hazardous Materials

Many older homes contain hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead paint, or mold. Before a demolition permit is approved, an asbestos and hazardous material inspection must be conducted. If hazardous materials are found, they must be removed by certified professionals before demolition can proceed.

Key Points: ✔ A Hazardous Building Material Report must be submitted. ✔ Materials like asbestos siding, ceiling tiles, and lead-based paint require specialized handling. ✔ Failure to conduct proper hazardous material removal can lead to fines and work stoppages.

Disconnecting Utility Services

Before demolition begins, all utility services must be safely disconnected, including:

• Gas

• Water

• Electricity
  

Failure to disconnect services properly can cause damage to underground pipelines, electrical lines, or even neighboring properties. It’s essential to work with utility providers to ensure proper disconnection before starting demolition.

Interior vs. Exterior Demolition

There is a major distinction between interior demolition and exterior demolition:

• Interior Demolition: Focuses on removing walls, floors, ceilings, and fixtures while keeping the structure intact. This is common for renovations or partial building alterations.
  

• Exterior Demolition: Involves completely knocking down structures, including walls and foundations, often requiring heavy machinery such as excavators and wrecking balls.
  

Each type of demolition requires careful planning to ensure safety and compliance with municipal bylaws.

Hauling and Recycling: Managing Demolition Waste Responsibly

Proper waste management and recycling are critical components of a responsible demolition project. A well-structured debris removal and recycling plan ensures compliance with municipal regulations while reducing environmental impact.

✔ Strategic Debris Removal – Heavy materials such as concrete, bricks, and siding must be carefully removed and separated to prevent unnecessary landfill waste. Using excavators and skid steers speeds up the process. ✔ Sorting and Recycling – Materials like metal, wood, and drywall should be sorted for recycling, especially in Vancouver, where drywall disposal in landfills is prohibited. ✔ Waste Disposal Regulations – Homeowners should check with the City of Vancouver for up-to-date disposal requirements to ensure compliance. ✔ Storage & Reuse Planning – If you intend to reuse salvaged materials, such as wood beams or bricks, ensure you have a designated storage area to keep materials in usable condition for your next project. ✔ Proper Bin & Dumpster Selection – Choosing the right-sized bins or dump trucks is essential for efficient hauling and disposal, minimizing unnecessary costs and project delays.

By implementing an organized waste management strategy, homeowners can reduce costs, comply with local laws, and contribute to a more sustainable demolition process.

Final Thoughts: Ensuring a Smooth and Compliant Demolition

Successfully completing a demolition project in Vancouver requires more than just hiring a contractor and tearing down a structure—it demands careful planning, compliance with local regulations, and responsible waste management. Understanding permit requirements, conducting hazardous material inspections, and coordinating with utility providers are all essential steps in the process.

Since demolition laws and requirements may change over time, homeowners should always verify the latest regulations with the City of Vancouver or consult a professional for guidance. This article serves as an informative guide, but it should not be considered legal advice.

At PK Demolition, we are committed to delivering safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible demolition services in Vancouver and beyond. Whether you’re preparing for a home renovation or a full teardown, our experienced team ensures every project is handled with professionalism and care.

Contact us today at (604) 771-3291 or request a quote online to get started on your demolition project.