You may not be the one applying for the permit needed for a project, but the “demolition near me” team you hire will. Still, knowing what’s involved in a residential demolition helps you understand what happens during the project, how safe the area will be once it’s finished, and why permits can be expensive and take time.
So, before you allow our team at Victoria Steel Stud Framing to work on your project, here’s what we do to obtain the necessary permit.
Permit Requirement Before Demolition Services in Victoria, BC
Before going through the requirements, let’s look at the overall requirements for a demolition project in British Columbia.
- Any required development permits must be approved before submitting an application for a building permit.
- Information such as the applicant’s name, property address, construction cost, and other project details will be collected through the eApply system.
- A separate building permit is required for each structure being demolished.
- A hazardous materials (HAZMAT) survey is required.
- A plumbing permit application is required to cap existing sanitary sewer, stormwater, and potable water connections.
- A plumbing permit application is required for the installation of a backflow preventer if the water service will remain active on the site after demolition.
- Schedule A and Schedule B documents, where applicable:
- Structural
- Geotechnical
- A Tenant Assistance Plan Compensation Report must be submitted directly to housing@victoria.ca and should not be included with the building permit application.
- A Tenant Assistance Plan must also be submitted directly to housing@victoria.ca, not with the building permit application.
- Development permit issuance is required for projects that involve a direct building permit application resulting in the loss of a rental unit.
- Copies of Notices to End Tenancy must be submitted to housing@victoria.ca and should not be included with the building permit application.
- A site plan drawn to a metric scale of 1:100 or 1:200.
- Show the location of all existing trees on the property and on neighbouring properties nearby.
- Indicate the location of all proposed trees.
- Arborist report
- Tree management plan
- Wood salvage
Get Development Permits First
Demolition Building Permit applications are submitted through eApply. Your contractors must have a MyCity account to apply. If they don’t already have one, they’ll be prompted to create an account during the application process.
The City aims to complete the permit review within 7 business days, in one review cycle. Once the application is confirmed as complete, they will receive a folder number (BP######) along with a link to pay a non-refundable $100 application fee to start the review.
The application will not be reviewed until the fee is paid. The date of payment received becomes the official application date, and a receipt will be emailed to the contractor.
A Separate Building Permit is Required
One permit is not allowed to demolish multiple buildings, and demolition contractors must clearly show which buildings are being removed and which are staying.
If there is more than one building on the property, each must be labelled as:
- The building being removed should be marked “TO BE DEMOLISHED.”
- Any buildings that will stay must be marked “TO REMAIN.”
HazMat Survey
A pre-demolition hazardous materials survey is required before full demolition to identify and plan for hazardous waste removal.
The experienced team you hire may have a consultant who will test and record various dangerous materials found in buildings, including:
- Asbestos in drywall, plaster, and flooring (vinyl sheets, tiles, and adhesives)
- Vermiculite insulation
- Lead paint on walls, trim, and metal surfaces
- Mould in walls, ceilings, and crawlspaces
- Silica in concrete, mortar, and brick
- PCBs in older light ballasts, caulking, sealants, and electrical equipment
- Mercury in thermostats, switches, gauges, and some older lamps
Plumbing Permit
The City of Victoria offers an online Plumbing Permit application through MyCity.
After the application is submitted, a permit number is received, and the demolition company can view the permit in their MyCity account, along with any other permits they hold.
Important notes: Additional drawings or calculations may be requested after submission.
Schedule A and B Documents
Schedules A and B are required Letters of Assurance under the BC Building Code. They confirm that qualified professionals are involved in the project. Schedule A verifies that a coordinating registered professional is overseeing the work, while Schedule B confirms that specific engineers or architects have completed design and field review tasks.
Tenant Assistance Plan and Notice to End Tenancy
A Tenant Assistance Plan (TAP) Compensation Report is a document prepared by developers or property owners. It is required by municipal bylaws and explains the financial and relocation support offered to tenants who are displaced by redevelopment or major renovations.
It must be submitted to HOUSING@VICTORIA.CA
- Tenant Assistance Plan Compensation Report – Required for projects governed by the Tenant Protection During Development Bylaw, where the permit (development permit or variance permit) was issued after October 2, 2025.
- Tenant Assistance Plan – Required for projects covered by the Tenant Protection During Development Bylaw where the permit (development or variance permit) was issued before October 2, 2025.
- Copies of Notices to End Tenancy – Applies to projects under the Tenant Protection During Development Bylaw where tenants have lived on the property within the past six months.
Development Permit Issuance
If the property is located within one of the development permit areas, a development permit is required before starting any work. The application process can take several months and may require Council approval. In some cases, permits can be approved by staff (delegated), which can take days to months, depending on the project size. Some smaller projects may be exempt from development permits.
This applies to projects where a direct building permit application would result in the loss of a rental unit.
Site Plan
With metric scale 1:100 or 1:200 that includes:
- A north arrow
- The municipal address and legal description
- Property boundary lines
- Nearby streets, lanes, and adjacent lots
- Any right-of-way setbacks, easements, or utility corridors (if applicable)
- A dimensioned outline of all buildings, including accessory buildings and structures with a footprint over 10 m²
- Retaining walls, showing their height from ground level
Trees
Before any demolition work begins, there is a need to identify and document all trees on the site. This helps protect trees that will remain and guarantees proper removal of trees that will be removed.
You will need to note the following:
- Mark each tree as either “Removed” or “Retained.”
- Assign each tree an ID number that matches the Arborist Report for all development-related applications.
- Show the canopy spread for each tree.
- Show the protected root zone for each tree.
- Show where tree protection fencing will be installed.
Arborist Report
A detailed document created by a certified arborist, such as Anchor Tree Service. It evaluates the health and condition of trees on a property and provides recommendations for their care and management.
Under the City of Victoria Tree Protection Bylaw, these reports are important for understanding the value of trees, identifying risks, and planning how to protect them, especially in areas facing development.
For demolition projects, refer to the Tree Protection Bylaw for the definition of “development-related.”
Submit a Tree Management Plan
A required document for demolition and development projects that explains how trees on the property will be protected, removed, or replaced. Prepared by a qualified professional, it includes a detailed inventory of existing trees, identifies which trees will remain and which will be removed, and shows the locations of protective measures such as tree protection fencing and protected root zones.
For more information, refer to the Tree Protection Bylaw for the definition of “development-related.”
Check If the Demolition Waste and Deconstruction Bylaw Applies to Wood Salvage
The Demolition Waste and Deconstruction Bylaw controls and sets requirements for how waste and reusable materials from demolition are handled. It aims to protect the community’s well-being and promote efficient use of disposal and recycling services.
Salvaging under this bylaw means removing wood from a project in a way that keeps it undamaged and intact for:
- Reuse
- Sale or donation to a business that resells or manufactures products from salvaged wood.
- Donation to a registered charity or non-profit that reuses or sells the wood.
Victoria Steel Stud Framing – Your "Demolition Near Me" Team
Our demolition company will handle every aspect of the entire project, from permit acquisition to waste management and junk removal. We make sure that everything is settled so the project is safe and complies with the bylaws of British Columbia. You can hire us to demolish residential homes, entire buildings, commercial properties, or an interior wall.
Our multiple contractors at Victoria Steel Stud Framing will make sure that our projects have a low environmental impact and follow local regulations anywhere in Victoria, Vancouver Island, Southern Vancouver Island, and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I demolish an old house (1800) in Victoria?
A heritage-designated property is protected under a Municipal Heritage Designation Bylaw. It cannot be altered or demolished without Council approval. Heritage value is determined through the Victoria Heritage Framework in the Official Community Plan. Acquiring routine maintenance services is allowed without approval as long as the materials, design, and appearance remain unchanged.
How long does it take to get demolition permits?
Residential demolitions usually take one to three weeks, while commercial projects can take several weeks or months. A common partial permit is for foundation to grade, and it does not add extra cost or delay to the review process.
Do I need a demolition permit if I’m only removing a wall?
Yes. You’ll need an Interior Strip Out Permit. An Interior Strip Out Permit (often part of a broader Building Permit) is a formal municipal authorization required to demolish, remove, or alter interior elements of a structure, such as walls, floors, ceilings, and fixtures, back to the studs or shell. It maintains structural integrity, fire safety, and plumbing/electrical systems during major renovations.
