Residential demolition permits

Check whether you need a permit

• A demolition permit allows you to remove all or part of a building.
• Most renovation, construction or demolition projects require a building permit.

Before preparing your permit

Some approvals and permits must be in place before you start preparing your building permit application.

• Pre-permit clearances must be obtained in advance of applying for a demolition permit. These clearances form part of the demolition permit application.
• Please allow six to eight weeks for the utility providers to sign off on clearances as additional infrastructure or underground work may be required. Please be aware the utility companies may require the building to be vacated or have services disconnected prior to providing a signed clearance.
• Oakville Hydro: Contact customerservice@oakvillehydro.com or 905-825-9400 to schedule removal of hydro meter.
• Enbridge Gas: Call 1-877-362-7434 to schedule gas service disconnection.
• Region of Halton Public Works: Contact pwpermits@halton.ca or 905-825-6000 to schedule disconnect for water service and sanitary sewers.
• Contact the Ontario Dig Authority 1-800-400-2255 before you dig to locate underground utilities and avoid damage during construction.
• While a demolition permit can be applied for at any time with the appropriate documents, please note a demolition permit can only be issued once the permit for a replacement building is also ready to be issued.
• This is part of current business best practices, and according to the town’s by-law 2023-101. For some exemptions contact buildingrequests@oakville.ca.

Project preparation

Detailed information is needed to properly evaluate your plans and the unique conditions of your property:

• Heritage planning approval: 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 on our Heritage Planning page or contact a town Heritage Planner for assistance at 905-845-6601 ext. 3870 or 3875.
• Tree protection and removal: trees on your property, your neighbour'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 separate permit may be required to remove private trees.
• Engineering records: contact Transportation and Engineering for Engineering Records to determine if there are town easements or infrastructure on the property and confirm the municipal address. Please contact the Data and Information Technologist at 905-845-6601 ext 3323.

Prepare your documents0 of 4

Digital copies of drawings and documents are required, scaled to size and flattened. If preparing the documentation is beyond your comfort level or experience, we recommend working with a building code qualified (BCIN) designer, architect or engineer.

You need an account to see these 4 items.It’s free. Use Sign in at the top of the page to create one, then tick the items off on any device and print them as a checklist.

Complete the forms3Download the set6 forms

• Demolition Control Declaration formForm
• Demolition permit clearances formForm
• Tree protection declarationForm

Submit your application

• If it is your first time using our online services, you need to create a user name and password. If you have an existing account, you can use the same username and password.
• Provide information about your project and upload your drawings and documents. You do not need to provide the Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish.
• Save files in Vector PDF format, unlocked/editable, greyscale, flattened into a single layer and free of comments.
• Please name your files according to the standardized naming conventions. This saves significant time in processing your application.
• The review and approval process of your submitted documents regarding your building permit application will be processed through the ePlan, powered by ProjectDox software, if your application requires drawings to be uploaded.

Pay the fee

• The total fees depend on the size, type and use of the proposed project or building. The exact cost of your permit will be calculated once we pre-screen your request.
• The minimum fee for a building permit is $200.
• You will be prompted to pay a $100 pre-screening fee when you submit your request online. This non-refundable deposit will be credited towards the total cost of your permit.
• Building Services - Rates and Fees
• There may be additional fees such as development charges or deposits you need to pay before your permit is issued.
• Credit card up to $10,000 payable by signing into your town account
• Email transfer up to $10,000 through your financial institution to buildingrequests@oakville.ca
• Electronic funds transfer (EFT) in any amount with direct payment to the Town of Oakville’s bank account. Please direct the EFT notification to accountsreceivable@oakville.ca and notify Building Services once payment has been made at buildingrequests@oakville.ca
• Cheques are still accepted made payable to the Town of Oakville, and mailed or delivered to Building Services, 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville.