Do I need a permit to demolish a house in Vaughan for a rebuild?

The Ontario Building Code Act requires a permit to demolish a building, and the City issues it. The permit lets the City confirm that services are safely disconnected, that the property isn't protected, and that the demolition won't affect neighbouring properties or City infrastructure.

Check the City's demolition application requirements with Building Standards for your property. The published checklist includes:

If you're rebuilding, you'll also need a building permit for the new house. Some owners apply for both together. The timing matters because a vacant lot waiting for a building permit can be a problem, so talk to your designer about the order.

Allow time for Cultural Heritage clearance on every demolition application and any additional review of a protected property. Utility disconnections can also take time to schedule, and trees on the lot may need a permit under the City's tree protection by-law. Check these items early rather than treating a permit as confirmation that the site is ready for work.

Once the permit is issued, a few things still need to happen. The designated substance survey required under section 30 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act should be done, and any asbestos removed under O. Reg. 278/05. Underground locates are requested through Ontario One Call. And the neighbours should know what's coming.

Vaughan requires Cultural Heritage clearance before every demolition permit application. The City also keeps a heritage register, and some areas, including Kleinburg-Nashville, Maple, Thornhill and Woodbridge, have heritage conservation districts. A designated or listed house, or one inside a district, may need additional review or a heritage impact assessment. The City can refuse the proposed demolition. Check the property's status before you buy a teardown lot or commission plans for a rebuild.

The City of Vaughan's tree protection by-law can apply to trees on private property, and the City also protects trees on the boulevard. A rebuild often needs trees removed or protected during construction. If a tree needs a permit, apply early, since it can affect the demolition schedule. Trees that are staying should be fenced off before the machines arrive so their roots aren't damaged.

For most rebuilds, this order keeps things moving:

A permit isn't a neighbour notice. A short note to the houses on each side and across the street, with the start date and a contact number, is courtesy that pays off, especially on streets in Maple and Woodbridge where houses sit close together.

At the site visit, we go over the permit, disconnections and survey for your house, and the written scope sets out which items sit with you and which sit with us. Our residential demolition page covers the teardown itself, and site clearing covers trees and outbuildings. Book a free estimate.