Permit guideKitchenerBuilding PermitsDemolition
Demolition permits
You need a building permit to demolish any structure that is 108 square feet (≈ 10 m²) or larger.
The municipality lists what to submit. CodeEase shows what the building code asks of it. See CodeEase →
Check whether you need a permit
You need a building permit to demolish any structure that is 108 square feet (≈ 10 m²) or larger. There are two types of residential demolitions:
- shed, garage, roof structure, addition, etc.
- house, rowhouse, detached duplex unit, etc.
- Only if you demolish a structure 108 square feet (≈ 10 m²) or larger, such as a shed, garage, roof structure or addition
Minor demolition
Demolish a structure 108 square feet (≈ 10 m²) or larger including but not limited to a shed, garage, roof structure or addition.
Fees
- permit fee: $95
Forms
Drawings
- Site plan showing the size and location of the existing structure to be demolished, as well as property lines.
Fences at demolition sites
- Where, in the opinion of the Chief Building Official or Inspector, a demolition site presents a hazard to the public, the Chief Building Official or Inspector may require the owner to erect fences to fully enclose all areas of the site which prevent a hazard.
- Only if you demolish or remove a residential building, such as a house, rowhouse or detached duplex
Residential demolition
Demolish or remove a residential building including but not limited to a house, rowhouse or detached duplex.
Fees
- permit fee: $95
- rebate fee and engineering fee may be applicable
Forms
Drawings
- pre-grading plan, prepared by a professional engineer or an Ontario land surveyor
- post-grading plan, prepared by a professional engineer or an Ontario land surveyor
Demolition control
- If the structure has any residential units, you must also complete a demolition control agreement.
Fences at demolition sites
- Where, in the opinion of the Chief Building Official or Inspector, a demolition site presents a hazard to the public, the Chief Building Official or Inspector may require the owner to erect fences to fully enclose all areas of the site which prevent a hazard.
- Only if a partial or full demolition of an ICI building
ICI demolition permit
You need a building permit for a partial or full demolition of a building.
Fee
- demolition fee: $0.03 per square foot (≈ $0.32 per m²) (minimum $163) plus rebate fee
- rebate fee: $1,000
- Permit and rebate fees are due when the permit is submitted. We must receive the fees in order to start the permit review timeline and process.
- If a code review is required for determining the permit fees, the rebate fee is still required at the time of permit submission.
Application requirements
- application form
- pre- and post- grading plans, prepared by a professional engineer or Ontario land surveyor
- demolition tracking sheets with all sign offs completed
- completed demolition agreement form
Larger than 600 square meters
If you’re demolishing a builder larger than 600 square meters (≈ 6,458 sq ft):
- professional engineer’s report that includes the descriptions of the structural design characteristics of the building(s) and the method of demolition
- Commitment to General Review form from the engineer who is overseeing the demolition and completing the general review
Demolition control
- If the building is residential or includes any residential units, you need to apply for demolition control.
- Only if demolishing any residential building in the demolition control area
Apply for demolition control, if needed
Demolition control must be carried out carefully to make sure there are no residential units lost within Kitchener and to ensure we don’t lose buildings with heritage significance.
Redeveloping a property
- You must also submit a building permit application (including a demolition permit) and/or a site plan application. You can do this before you apply for demolition control or at the same time as your demolition control application.
Ontario Heritage Act designated property
- You must apply for a heritage permit before we consider your demolition control application.
Non-designated property of cultural heritage value or interest
- If the property is listed on the Municipal Heritage Register but not designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, city council must determine the heritage status of the property. We will not consider your demolition control application until council determines the property’s heritage status.
Exemptions
Your demolition may not require a demolition control approval. We exempt demolitions that are:
- outside the demolition control area
- necessary for environmental remediation of the property
- required for a public work or service approved by the City
- a mobile home
- exempted by provincial or federal regulation
- Even if you qualify for an exemption, you must apply and receive a demolition control exemption before we will issue a demolition permit.
- Our application form explains the documents required for an exemption.
Apply for demolition control
To apply for a demolition control permit:
- complete our application form and send it to staff by email, then send the original signed application and cheque to the address below
- send a cheque payable to the City of Kitchener by mail or courier to the address below
- Attn: Director of Development and Housing Approvals Planning Division City of Kitchener 200 King Street West Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7
Standard approval conditions
If your application is approved by staff or council, you will need to agree to our standard approval conditions:
- receive a building permit for the redeveloped property; and/or,
- obtain site plan approval for the redeveloped property; and,
- the redevelopment must be complete within two years.
- If the redevelopment of the property isn’t complete within two years, a lien of $20,000 per dwelling unit will be added to the property.
- Only if a proposed redevelopment results in the demolition or conversion of six or more dwelling units
Apply for a rental replacement permit, if needed
A rental replacement permit is required when a proposed redevelopment results in the demolition or conversion of six or more dwelling units. The applicant is required to replace the rental units and provide compensation to tenants.
Consultation
- A Planning Act application must accompany applications for rental replacement permits. Applicants looking to submit a Planning Act application with a rental replacement permit application need to request a pre-submission consultation before they apply.
Filing an application
- After you finish the pre-submission process, you can file a complete application for a rental replacement permit.
- The bylaw applies to applications relating to multiple properties containing six or more units together.
- For a permit to be issued, the applicant must submit documentation showing plans in the related planning application to replace the demolished or converted rental units and documentation of the compensation provided to tenants displaced by the application's approval.
- Download the application
- This Excel document can used to complete the application component requiring information on existing and proposed rental units.
- Learn more about our rental replacement permit in our bylaw guidelines.
Send the application
Please fill out the application form, then either:
- send it to our planning staff by email (for files under 10MB)
- upload it directly to ShareFile (for files over 10MB)
- Send us an email if you need access to ShareFile to upload your application.
- As soon as possible after sending us your application virtually, please send the original, signed application form and cheque (payable to the City of Kitchener) to:
- City of Kitchener Attn: Director, Development and Housing Approvals PO Box 1118 Kitchener, ON Canada N2G 4G7
Submit your application
You can apply for your building permit online or in person. All projects must follow our zoning bylaw.
- Online: Use our online services. After you apply, you can check the status of your permit and schedule any city inspections.
- In person: To apply for a building permit in person, please book an appointment. Please bring your completed forms and drawings to your appointment.
Written from Kitchener’s own pages as published on 23 October 2026. The municipality decides what a permit needs: confirm with it before you apply. Legal notice