If you're planning to demolish a building, structure, or even part of a structure in Calgary, permits are required — no exceptions. Skipping the permit process exposes you to stop-work orders, significant fines, and complications when you eventually sell or develop the property.
This guide covers exactly when Calgary demolition permits are required, how to apply, what documents you need, how long the process takes, and what happens if you skip it.
When Is a Demolition Permit Required in Calgary?
The City of Calgary requires a demolition permit for:
- Demolishing any building or structure
- Removing a structure or portion of a structure
- Partial demolition that affects the structural integrity of a building
- Demolishing accessory structures including detached garages, sheds over 10 square metres, and outbuildings
You generally do not need a demolition permit to remove a small deck under certain size thresholds, or to perform interior work that doesn't affect structural elements. However, if your project involves removing load-bearing walls, the floor system, or the roof structure, a permit is required. When in doubt, contact the City of Calgary's Development Services directly — getting the wrong answer costs far more than asking upfront.
Types of Permits and Approvals Required
A demolition project in Calgary typically requires several approvals, not just one permit.
Demolition Permit
The primary permit issued by the City of Calgary authorizing the demolition work. It applies to both residential and commercial projects.
Development Permit
In some cases — particularly when demolition is part of an infill redevelopment — a development permit is required alongside the demolition permit. This is common in established inner-city neighbourhoods where zoning review applies.
Utility Disconnections
Before any demolition begins, all utilities must be disconnected and capped by the respective utility companies:
- Electricity: Disconnected through ENMAX for most Calgary properties. This includes meter removal and proper service termination at the street.
- Natural Gas: Disconnected through ATCO (or FortisAlberta depending on your area). The gas service must be physically capped at the property line.
- Water and Sewer: Disconnected through the City of Calgary. Water service is turned off and capped; sewer connections are typically plugged.
These disconnections must be complete before demolition begins. Utility companies have their own lead times — ATCO in particular can require 4–6 weeks to schedule a gas disconnection. Start this process early.
Underground Utility Locate
Before any excavation or demolition that could affect underground infrastructure, you must contact Utility Safety Partners (formerly Alberta One-Call) at least three business days in advance. They coordinate with all underground utility owners to mark the location of buried lines on your property.
This is both a legal requirement under the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code and a basic safety measure. Striking a buried natural gas line during demolition can be fatal. The locate service is free for the requester.
Required Documents for a Calgary Demolition Permit
Documentation requirements vary slightly by project type, but typically include:
Residential Demolition
- Completed demolition permit application form
- Site plan showing the location of the structure(s) to be demolished
- Proof of utility disconnections (ENMAX, ATCO, City water/sewer)
- Hazardous materials assessment report (required for buildings built before 1990)
- Asbestos abatement documentation from a licensed contractor (if applicable)
- Proof of property ownership or written authorization from the owner
Commercial Demolition
All of the above, plus:
- Engineering drawings or structural assessment (may be required for complex projects)
- Environmental site assessment (Phase I or Phase II depending on prior site use)
- Waste management plan (required for larger demolition projects)
- Evidence of contractor's liability insurance coverage
The Calgary Demolition Permit Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Assess for Hazardous Materials
For any building constructed before 1990, hire a licensed professional to conduct a pre-demolition hazardous materials assessment. This report identifies asbestos, lead paint, mould, and other hazardous materials that must be addressed before demolition proceeds.
This step comes first because assessment results determine what else must happen before permits can be issued and work can begin.
Step 2: Complete Asbestos and Hazardous Material Abatement
If the assessment identifies hazardous materials, licensed abatement contractors must complete removal before demolition begins. In Calgary, this work is regulated under the Alberta OHS Code.
Asbestos abatement generates waste that must be sealed, labelled, and transported to an approved disposal facility. Documentation of proper disposal is required as part of the permit application package.
Step 3: Arrange Utility Disconnections
Contact ENMAX to disconnect and remove electrical service. Contact ATCO for natural gas disconnection. Contact the City of Calgary for water and sewer disconnection.
Do this early. ATCO gas disconnections often have a 4–6 week wait. Starting utility disconnection requests while gathering other documents saves significant project time.
Step 4: Submit the Permit Application
Submit your demolition permit application to the City of Calgary through the online development portal. Include all required documents and pay the applicable permit fee.
Residential permit fees typically run a few hundred dollars. Commercial projects vary based on scope. Your demolition contractor often handles this submission as part of their service.
Step 5: Await Permit Approval
Processing times vary by project complexity. Simple residential permits may be approved within 1–2 weeks. More complex commercial demolition permits can take 4–8 weeks. The City may request additional documentation or clarification during review.
Step 6: Arrange the Underground Locate
Contact Utility Safety Partners at least three business days before any excavation or ground-disturbing work. This step is often done in parallel with permit processing to save time.
Step 7: Post Permit and Begin Work
Once the permit is issued, it must be posted visibly at the work site. Demolition can then begin. The site must comply with all City requirements including dust control, noise bylaws, perimeter fencing, and debris management throughout the project.
How Long Does the Calgary Permit Process Take?
Total time from starting the process to beginning demolition depends heavily on utility disconnection lead times and whether hazardous materials are present:
- Small residential, no asbestos: 3–5 weeks from engaging a contractor
- Residential with asbestos abatement required: 6–10 weeks
- Commercial interior demolition: 4–8 weeks
- Full commercial building demolition: 8–16 weeks
ATCO's gas disconnection scheduling is often the longest single item on this timeline. Starting the utility process on day one — before any other step — keeps your project moving.
Consequences of Demolishing Without a Permit in Calgary
Skipping the permit process is not worth the risk. Consequences include:
- Stop-work order: Work stops immediately when an inspector identifies unpermitted demolition
- Fines: The City of Calgary can issue significant fines for bylaw violations related to unpermitted demolition
- Retroactive permit requirement: You may be required to obtain a permit after the fact, which is more complicated and expensive than doing it upfront
- Title complications: Unpermitted demolition can create issues on a property title, complicating future sales and development approvals
- Insurance implications: Incidents during unpermitted demolition may not be covered by your insurance policy
- Environmental liability: Improper asbestos disposal during unpermitted work can result in charges under provincial environmental legislation
Emergency Demolition in Calgary
When a structure poses an immediate life safety risk — such as a fire-damaged building in danger of collapse — emergency demolition can proceed with permits and documentation to follow as quickly as possible. The City of Calgary has provisions for these situations.
Contact the City and your demolition contractor simultaneously. Crews can often be on-site within hours for genuine emergencies, while the permit paperwork catches up. Utility companies also have emergency line for urgent disconnections.
How Makki Demolition Manages Permits for Calgary Clients
Navigating Calgary's permit process is one of the most time-consuming aspects of any demolition project. Makki Demolition manages the entire permit and pre-demolition process for our clients:
- We coordinate the pre-demolition hazardous materials assessment
- We arrange and document hazardous material abatement if required
- We initiate utility disconnection requests with ENMAX, ATCO, and the City of Calgary
- We submit the permit application with all required documentation
- We arrange the underground locate through Utility Safety Partners
- We post permits at the work site and maintain full compliance throughout demolition
You don't need to manage multiple government agencies, utility companies, and abatement contractors simultaneously. One call to us starts the entire process.
We serve Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, and Okotoks, and we know the specific permit requirements of each municipality.
Call us at +1 (403) 392-2803 or contact us online to get your project started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to demolish a detached garage in Calgary?
Yes. The City of Calgary requires a demolition permit for detached garages and most accessory structures over 10 square metres. This applies even if you plan to rebuild immediately.
How much does a demolition permit cost in Calgary?
Residential demolition permits typically range from $150 to $750. Commercial projects vary based on building size and complexity. Your contractor should be able to give you an estimate based on the current City fee schedule.
Can my demolition contractor apply for the permit on my behalf?
Yes. Licensed contractors in Calgary can apply for demolition permits as the permit holder on behalf of the property owner. Most full-service demolition contractors — including Makki Demolition — handle permit applications as part of their standard service.
What happens if asbestos is found during demolition?
Work must stop immediately. Licensed abatement contractors must assess the extent of contamination and complete abatement before demolition can resume. All removal and disposal must be documented for regulatory compliance.
Who do I contact for underground utility locates in Calgary?
Contact Utility Safety Partners at least three business days before any digging or excavation. The service is free for the requester and is legally required before breaking ground in Alberta.
Can I demolish a structure in winter in Calgary?
Yes, demolition services operate year-round in Calgary. Winter demolition is more complex due to frozen ground and cold weather requirements, but experienced contractors have equipment and protocols for cold-weather work. Permit requirements are the same regardless of season.
Need Professional Demolition Services?
Contact Makki Demolition for a free estimate on your project.