Simplified Demolition Permit Applications for Town of Oakville

Building Services Update February 2023

New! Simplified Demolition Permit Applications

Our Commitment to Improvement

We're focused on delivering a better building permit service, and we know we can't do it alone.
Collaboration, understanding and a strong desire to simply make things better for everyone involved is at the heart of our efforts.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences, identified improvements, implemented changes and adapted with flexibility to work in new ways.
Our hope is that the changes below make it easier for you to apply and receive a demolition permit.
We welcome your feedback. Contact suzanne.holder@oakville.ca or 905-845-6601 ext 3044.

Highlights of Changes

Created simple guides for residential and non-residential demolitions to navigate the approvals, documentation requirements and identify related considerations, depending upon the unique qualities of your project and property.

Reduced the clearance form signatures to the three utility providers.

Removed the upfront requirements for cross sections and pre-cautions during excavation for residential demolitions.

Created a tree declaration form to raise awareness of the importance of protecting trees during demolition activities and that stand alone permits may be required through Forestry in accordance with town by-laws.

View the full permit guides at: Residential Demolitions and Non-residential Demolitions.

How it works

A demolition permit allows you to remove all or part of a building.

The demolition of certain building types, like silos and barns, and non-load bearing interior partitions do not require a demolition permit.

If you plan to construct after the demolition, you will need to apply for a separate building permit.

Additional permits or precautions may be required if additional work is being proposed for the property.

Pre-permit clearances

Anticipate this step when planning your demolition project timeline before you are ready to apply for the demolition permit. Allow 6-8 weeks for the utility providers to sign off on clearances as additional infrastructure or underground work may be required. Utility companies often require the building to be vacated and services disconnected prior to providing a signed clearance.
What do I need to do? Schedule disconnection of services and receive clearance signatures from Oakville Hydro, Enbridge Gas and Region of Halton Public Works.
Why? These clearances mean that utilities have been disconnected and the site is safe to proceed with demolition activity. We cannot issue a demolition permit until these safeguards are in place.

Schedule disconnect for water service and sanitary sewers: pwpermits@halton.ca or 905-825-6000

Schedule disconnect for gas service: 1-877-362-7434

Schedule removal of hydro meter: customerservice@oakvillehydro.com or 905-825-9400

Submission Requirements for Residential Demolitions

Signed clearance form.
Site plan identifying the building to be removed. Here's an example.
Tree declaration form
Fee, payable at time of application
Submit online.

That's it!

Non-residential demolitions are the same as above with the addition of structural drawings and the commitment to general review.

Partial demolitions, as applicable to the scope of work, also require architectural, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection and/or electrical drawings.

Other considerations for your project

Heritage properties are managed to conserve important cultural heritage attributes.

If your property is on the town's heritage register it may require heritage approval.

Learn more at heritage planning or contact a town Heritage Planner for assistance at 905-845-6601 ext. 3870 or 3875.

Trees on your property, your neighbor's property and on the municipal right of way may require tree protection, particularly when heavy equipment and excavation is involved.

In certain instances, a permit may be required to remove private trees.

Learn more at tree removal and to find a licensed arborist.

Contact Engineering Records to determine if there are town easements or infrastructure on the property and confirm the municipal address.

905-845-6601 ext. 3323.

Money Talks

If you are redeveloping your property after demolition, you may be eligible for a development charge credit.

The credit is based on the number and type of residential units demolished and/or the total floor area and type of non-residential building or structures demolished and is available for five years from the issuance date of the demolition permit.

This credit, if eligible, is applied against development charges related to the new development.

To learn more, please contact DCForms@oakville.ca or visit development charges.

Did you know demolition activities may be eligible for a reduction in property tax assessment?

Section 357 of the Municipal Act provides municipalities with the authority to cancel, reduce or refund taxes based on specific criteria. Section 357 tax applications are filed to cancel, reduce or refund all or part of taxes levied on land.

If you think you are eligible to apply for a property tax adjustment, please complete the Application for Cancellation/Reduction/Refund of Taxes under Section 357 form and send to propertytax@oakville.ca.

Deadline for submission is the last day of February, the year following the issuance of a demolition permit. A $20.00 fee will apply. Learn more at assessments.

Emergency Services Training Opportunities

Do you have a non-heritage vacant building? Our local emergency services teams benefit from training in structures identified for demolition. Contact Halton Regional Police at TRU@haltonpolice.ca and Oakville Fire Department at fireprevention@oakville.ca to make arrangements.

Build Smart. Build Safe. Build with a Permit.

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