Demolition Permits

Please read the guides and information below to ensure fulfilment of all requirements prior to the submittal of an application.

Demolition Application Prior To Building Permit Application

When a new structure requires an existing building to be removed, the Demolition Permit must be applied for either prior to or at the same time as the Building Permit for construction. Building Permit Applications without a Demolition Permit Application will be rejected.

Heritage Review

Structures that have heritage protection or are older than 50 years will require a review by the Planning Division prior to a Demolition permit being accepted. The Heritage Review must be completed prior to submitting a Demolition Application.

Our Heritage Protection and Development Page has information about the review process and how to identify if your property requires a review.

Tree Permit Application

A Tree Permit Application is required with every Demolition Permit Application. A valid Tree Permit must be issued prior to issuance of the Demolition Permit.

Please review the required documents and drawings outlined in the Demolition Permit Guidelines and Application Package. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and additional requirements may apply, depending on the size and scope of work.

Proof of Ownership

• A current title search from BC Land Title Office (must be obtained no more than 30 days PRIOR to application)
• Consent to Demolition form, signed by ALL owners on title.
• A Letter of Authorization signed by ALL owners on title where an applicant is acting on behalf of the owner(s).

Required Documents

• A Topographical Survey from a B.C. Land Surveyor
• Pictures of all four sides of the building to be demolished and pictures of buildings adjacent to the building to be demolished. Please note: if the age of the building is 50 years or more, a heritage review will be completed prior to approval of a demolition permit. Contact the Planning Division for further information.
• Rodent Abatement and Control Declaration Report (from a licensed pest control company)
• A completed "Waste Disposal and Recycling Services Plan - Form 1"
• A "Hazardous Materials Survey - Form 2" completed by a qualified professional.

Additional recycling documentation and deposit requirements are outlined in the Recycling Requirements section below.

Metro Vancouver has set a target to reduce construction and demolition waste going to landfill by 2015. In order to help meet this target, the City of New Westminster will require demolition permit applicants to demonstrate adequate recycling practices. For all demolition permits, you are required to submit the following:

Required Recycling Documentation

• Waste Disposal and Recycling Services Plan (Form 1)
• Hazardous Materials Declaration (Form 2)
• Recycling Compliance Report (Form 3)

Recycling Incentive Deposit

A refundable Recycling Incentive Deposit will be collected. The Owner / Contractor must submit copies of the Recycling Compliance Report and weigh bill & receipts prior to deposit refund.

Water, Sewer and Electrical Services

Water, Sewer and Electrical Service disconnections are mandatory. The Building Division will notify Engineering and Public Works (water & sewer) and the Electrical Utility to arrange disconnection of services prior to permit issuance. The building must be vacant at the time of disconnection. A service fee will be charged if the crews arrive and find the building still occupied.

Please note:

• If the existing water meter is to be used for a new building, it must be the right size for the intended use.
• A Water/Sewer Turn-On Order should only be requested when you are ready to use the water service.
• You must pay for a Water/Sewer Cap Off or Replacement Order and pay a Damage Deposit prior to obtaining a permit. Retain receipts for proof of payment.
• The appropriate work orders are sent to the Engineering and Public Works Department which is responsible for the replacement, cap-off and turn-on of your Water/Sewer connection.
• When demolishing a single-family residence and rebuilding the same, it is the owner's responsibility to ensure the Water/Sewer connection does not conflict with the driveway. An application to move the Water/Sewer connection, at the owner's cost, can be made at the Engineering and Public Works Department. Please note whether the connection conflicted with the driveway in the past, or what material the new driveway is being constructed of.

Other Service Disconnections

It is the owner's responsibility to arrange for the disconnection of any other services (gas, telephone, cable, etc)

Final Inspection

A final inspection is required once your work is complete. Deposits will not be refunded until this inspection has been completed.

Untidy & Unsightly Premises

After the building has been demolished or removed, the site must be cleaned-up and all discarded materials and rubbish of any kind removed, as specified in the Unsightly Premises Bylaw. You can find more information about Bylaw Enforcement on our Bylaw Enforcement Page.

Prepare Your Application

Review information about demolition permits in our Demolition Permit Guidelines And Application Package, then complete the required forms and gather any supporting documents needed for your application:

Submit Your Application

Email all completed forms, required documents, and drawings to bldapps@newwestcity.ca

Submission requirements:

• All documents must be attached as PDF files (no links).
• We do not accept documents shared via cloud-based services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox).
• If your files are too large to email, please contact us to request access to our FileShare site.

Applications will be reviewed by staff once all required documentation has been received. Complete submissions will be accepted for processing.