Thinking about tearing something down in Toronto? Whether it’s a garage, an old house, or just part of a building, you can’t just grab a sledgehammer and start breaking stuff.
You need a demolition permit. And if you don’t know what that is or how to get one, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step by step, in plain English.
A demolition permit is an official permission slip from the City of Toronto that says, “Yes, you’re allowed to take this structure down.” It’s just like how you’d need a driver’s license to drive a car—you need a permit to legally demolish something.
This permit applies whether you’re knocking down a whole building or just a major part of one. If there’s structure involved—like walls, roofs, or foundations—it probably needs a permit.
Demolition isn’t just about making noise and breaking stuff.
It affects safety, traffic, utilities, the environment, and sometimes even your neighbours. The City wants to make sure:
Plus, if you’re planning to rebuild on the same spot, the City needs to check that everything lines up with zoning bylaws and the Ontario Building Code.
In Toronto, demolition permits generally fall into two buckets:
But there’s more to it than just “Type A” or “Type B.” Depending on what you’re demolishing and where, you may also need a few additional clearances and permits:
Bottom line? Sometimes “just getting a demolition permit” means getting 3–5 additional green lights first.
Here’s a simple rule of thumb: if it has walls, a roof, and was once used for something like living, working, or parking, it probably needs a permit to take down.
You need a demolition permit if:
You usually don’t need one for:
Short answer? Big trouble.
If you demolish something without a permit:
So don’t risk it. Always check before you wreck.
If your building shares a wall (like in a townhouse or semi-detached home), you may be legally responsible for protecting the neighbour’s property. Sometimes the City will ask for structural engineering plans showing how you’ll do that safely.
If your building was built before the 1990s, there’s a good chance it contains asbestos or lead. The City may require a clearance report showing that all hazardous materials have been tested and safely removed before demolition starts.
Once the demolition is done, you’re not off the hook. The City may inspect your site to ensure:
If you don’t do this, you can be fined or even required to bring in extra cleanup crews at your own cost.
Don’t sit on your permit forever. If you don’t start demolition within six months of approval, the permit can expire. If that happens, you’ll need to reapply and pay again. So, make sure your timeline is realistic before submitting your application.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the whole process. You don’t need a law degree to understand it—just follow along.
Are you:
This determines which forms you need. For a replacement build, you’ll apply for both a demolition permit and a building permit together.
You’ll need:
Sometimes, you’ll also need clearance from Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Water, or Urban Forestry.
As of January 1, 2025, the base fee for demolition is $0.17 per square foot, with a minimum fee of $206.53.
But these numbers change, so always check the latest rates.
You can apply:
Don’t forget to include all necessary documents and fees. Otherwise, your application may be delayed or rejected.
The City will review your application to make sure everything checks out. This usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity. For large projects, like demolitions of large commercial buildings and heritage buildings, the process may take several months.
If something is missing or unclear, they’ll contact you.
Once approved, you’ll get an official permit. Don’t start work until it’s issued—even if you’re “just starting to clean up.”
Post the permit on site. Inspectors may show up unannounced.
Only licensed contractors with the proper insurance should be doing demolition in Toronto. They should also be familiar with local codes, environmental protocols (asbestos, mold, etc.), and safe disposal practices.
While we can’t help you with the permits, we can take care of the part that really matters: doing the job safely, cleanly, and professionally.
We’re fully licensed and have structural insurance, which is rare in this industry. Many companies skip that extra protection, but we don’t cut corners.
From selective deconstruction (like one room or one floor) to full-scale residential and commercial teardowns, we do it all.
We’re also certified to handle hazardous materials, including mold, asbestos, and lead, and we follow every provincial safety code to the letter.
And when the job’s done, we leave nothing behind. That’s our “No Nail Left Behind™“ guarantee.
So once your permit is approved, we’re the demolition contractor in Toronto you can call to get the job done right—the first time.
