Residential Demolition
A guide to prepare your demolition permit application.
A demolition permit allows you to remove all or part of a building.
The demolition of certain building types, like silos and barns, and non-load bearing interior partitions do not require a demolition permit.
If you plan to construct after the demolition, you will need to apply for a separate building permit.
Additional permits or precautions may be required if additional work is being proposed for the property.
Interested in letting your non-heritage vacant building be used for emergency services training? Contact Halton Regional Police at TRU@haltonpolice.ca and Oakville Fire Department at fireprevention@oakville.ca.
Project preparation
Pre-permit clearances must be obtained in advance of applying for a demolition permit. These clearances form part of the demolition permit application.
Please allow six to eight weeks for the utility providers to sign off on clearances as additional infrastructure or underground work may be required. Please be aware the utility companies may require the building to be vacated or have services disconnected prior to providing a signed clearance.
Oakville Hydro: Contact customerservice@oakvillehydro.com or 905-825-9400 to schedule removal of hydro meter.
Enbridge Gas: Call 1-877-362-7434 to schedule gas service disconnection.
Region of Halton Public Works: Contact pwpermits@halton.ca or 905-825-6000 to schedule disconnect for water service and sanitary sewers.
Did you know demolition activities to permit redevelopment of a property may be eligible for a reduction in tax assessment under Section 357 of the Municipal Act?
The credit is based on the number and type of residential units demolished and/or the total floor area and type of non-residential building or structures demolished, and is available for five years from the issuance date of the demolition permit.
To learn more please visit our Tax Assessments and Appeals page or contact DCForms@oakville.ca.
Requirements for demolition
The demolition of a building should not commence prior to receiving approval from the following:
Heritage properties are managed to conserve important cultural heritage attributes. If your property is on the town's heritage register it may require heritage approval. Learn more on our Heritage Planning page or contact a town Heritage Planner for assistance at 905-845-6601 ext. 3870 or 3875.
Trees on your property, your neighbor's property and on the municipal right of way may require tree protection, particularly when heavy equipment and excavation is involved. In certain instances, a separate permit may be required to remove private trees. Visit our Licensed Contractors page to find an arborist.
If you plan to excavate, change the grade or remove trees you require a development engineering permit. Learn more at development engineering or contact serviceoakville@oakville.ca or 905-845-6601.
Contact Transportation and Engineering for Engineering Records to determine if there are Town easements or infrastructure on the property and confirm the municipal address. Please contact the Data and Information Technologist at 905-845-6601 ext. 3323.
Contact Transportation and Engineering Road Corridors to determine if there are easements or if you require a municipal address change. Learn more at on our Development Engineering Permits page or contact serviceoakville@oakville.ca or 905-845-6601.
Submission material checklist
Prepare the following documents and apply online on our Online Services page.
Select the hyperlinks for example drawings and documents.
- Oakville Hydro clearance
- Halton Region clearance
- Enbridge Gas clearance
- Site plan identifying the building to be removed
- Tree declaration form
- Fee (payable at time of application)