You’ll need a Demolition Building Permit to remove a building or portion of a building if it’s greater than 10 square metres (108 square feet) in the building footprint area. A Demolition Permit is issued to ensure that the work is completed in a safe manner and the site left clean. This permit also notifies the B.C. Assessment Authority to remove the building from the property records used to provide the property assessment.
Speak to Us
Start by contacting the Building Department to book your pre-application meeting for requirements, which will identify key considerations and potential issues. You can also review the demolition checklist to see what’s required.
Application Process
Checklists are updated periodically. Please ensure you have the most recent edition by checking the Permit Package
1. Completed Building Permit Application Please complete application and sign. All registered owners to sign application or agency agreement. Include requested demolition date. This is needed to coordinate utility removal. For current fees refer to Fees and Charges Bylaw–Appendix 4 2. Owner’s Acknowledgement Form All permit applications that include a new foundation or the use of heavy equipment on the property must include a signed Owner's Acknowledgement Form. If damage noted, please take photos and send to buildinginfo@penticton.ca 3. Development Permit (DP) Approvals Please confirm your application does not require a DP (Hillside, Riparian, and/or Environmental, etc.). If Planning applications required, approvals are required prior to application 4. Building Agency Agreement If a third party is representing the owner of the property for building permits, a signed and completed Building Agency Agreement form is required. 5. Dimensioned Site Plan (Metric - 1:200 or Engineer - 1” = 20’ 0” prefered scale) Include all buildings with dimensions, landscape features such as retaining walls and pools, covenants, rights-of-way, easements. Indicate all Structures to be demolished. 6. Pre-demolition Hazardous Materials Survey (Assessment) Required for any pre-1990 structures in accordance with OHS Regulation 20.112 7. Clearance Report A Clearance Report for abatement of any items reported in the Pre-Demo Hazardous Materials assessment, is required at time of application. 8. Utility Billing Account and Disconnection The Utility Customer/Account Holder must apply to finalize their utility billing account. The Property Owner must apply for “disconnection/service removal” of the Electrical and Water Services or have arrangements made prior to issuance. 9. RDOS Waste Disposal Application for Demolition and Renovation Waste Be aware of RDOS Landfill approvals for waste disposal of demo and renovation waste Delayed Demolition Request This process is for requesting a permit to be issued prior to service disconnections or hazardous materials remediation. If approved, a Security Deposit is required in lieu of Utility Disconnection. All of these forms are available on the Building Applications and Forms page.
- Please complete the Demolition Permit Package and submit to the Building Department.
- Demolition Permit Requirements Bulletin
- Utility accounts will need to be disconnected and finalized before a demolition permit is issued.
- Please consider any remediation work required before water and electrical are disconnected. Exemptions can be arranged by contacting the Building Department at 250-490-2571.
- If a gas disconnection is required, contact FortisBC at 1-888-224-2710.
- Utility accounts will need to be disconnected and finalized before a demolition permit is issued.
The RDOS has shared a list of self-identified contractos for Demolition Hazardous Assessment/Abatement. This list is provided for convenience, The City of Penticton does not guarantee work or qualifications. Contractors are required to have City of Penticton Business Licence or hold a Intercommunity Business Licence Okanagan South.
While there are no guaranteed timelines for building permits, we strive to issue permits in a timely manner. The timeline for all building permits depends on the completeness of the application, how quickly the City's comments are responded to, and volume of applications to be reviewed by each review group.
Use MyCity to check on the status of your building permit, find out who the permit it has been assigned to, see any fees and charges and schedule inspections once permit is issued.
Upon receiving a completed permit application, the building department endeavours to provide confirmation that a permit can be issued, or a written deficiency list provided within the noted timeframes.
Fast Track Your Application
Your project may qualify for a Residential Xpress (RXp) Building Permit, with the City's goal to review eligible applications within 1-14 business days. To learn more, contact our Building Department at 250-490-2571 or Xpresspermit@penticton.ca.
Xpress Permits (including demolition permits): Other Residential and Commercial Xpress 5-14 days Emergency Repairs and Restoration Permits are given priority.
Some projects requiring multi-department reviews may take longer. Please contact our office if you are making a large project application to arrange for a pre-application meeting.
Things to Consider On Site
A preliminary review (Owner’s Acknowledgement Form) is to be completed in advance of demolition works to review the condition of City roads, sidewalks and boulevards. Please note that trees located within City boulevards are not to be trimmed or removed without approval from the City, see Protection of City Boulevards and Trees Bulletin
Any work over or on City Sidewalks and Roads will require a Construction Road Closure permit. Please complete a Construction Road Closure Permit.
A final inspection is required once your work is complete. Deposits will not be refunded until this is completed.
UNTIDY & UNSIGHTLY PREMISES
After the building has been demolished or removed, the site must be cleaned-up and all discarded materials and rubbish of any kind removed, as specified in the Building Bylaw.
Have Questions?
Also contact the following organizations for requirements:
- Click or Call Before You Dig: 1-800-474-6886
- WorkSafeBC: 1-888-621-7233
- Contact the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen for landfill requirements involving renovation/demolition waste.
- View your permit application status online using your MyCity account.
Building Department
Phone: 250-490-2571
Email: buildinginfo@penticton.ca