Demolition Permitting

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Online Building Permit System Updates Coming August 10

Online Building Permit Application users please be advised that on August 10, 2026 our portal system will be updated to fix some known issues, increase security, and prepare our system for new building permit types.

Existing user accounts, application records, and submitted documents will be unaffected by this update. There will be no changes to existing permit application processes or business workflows. The exact maintenance window times for the updates will be announced later.

In order to completely remove an existing structure(s) and ensure the safety of demolition workers as well as nearby properties and structures, a permit is required which will outline standards and guidelines to be followed. If the structure is only being partially destroyed with the intent of altering, or revamping the remaining structure, this is considered a renovation and requires a Building Permit instead.

Know Before You Apply: Demolition vs. Renovation 

Total Removal = Demolition Permit
Partial Removal = Building Permit

Demolition permits are considered a conditional sub-permit of a Building, Rezoning, and/or Subdivision Permit. 

When a Permit is Needed

A demolition permit is required for:

  • Complete demolition of a building 
  • Demolition of accessory structures (garages, sheds, foundations)

Before Submitting a Permit Request

Whenever an existing structure is demolished, there is the potential for existing utilities and services to be impacted or damaged. To minimize these potentials, please ensure that you contact the following organizations in order to locate and secure all services and requirements necessary for the property prior to constructing and to inform your demolition plan:

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An excavator finishes demolishing a building while a worker houses it down with water to prevent dust from entering the air.

Impact of Demolition  to Service Connections (Water, Sewer, Electrical, etc.)

Application Requirements

Once all the above have been completed, you can then begin compiling the necessary items for your demolition plan. Items required to be submitted with your completed Demolition Permit Application* are:

  • Current Land Title Search (within last 30 days)
  • Letter of Authorization from homeowner (applicable only if applicant is not the owner)
  • Corporate Registry/Company Summary (applicable only to business owned properties)
  • Site plan showing all buildings, well, septic, watercourses, and fuel tank locations on the property with distance to property lines and building(s) to be demolished clearly indicated
  • Contractor name and valid Maple Ridge Business Licence
  • Homeowner Letter of Confirmation (applicable to structures built prior to 1990)
    • A hazardous materials survey following the guidelines for OHS Regulation 20.112 is to be completed, and any hazardous materials identified are to be safely removed by a qualified abatement contractor. For more information, please contact WorkSafeBC at: (604) 276-3100 or www.WorkSafeBC.com
  • Notice of Project Form (NOP) provided by WorkSafeBC
  • Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESC) (required for any structure to be demolished within 50m of a watercourse)
  • Arborist Report

*Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

The building(s) must remain secure during demolition and the site must remain secure until all* debris is removed. This may be achieved by:

  • Temporary 1.8 m (6 ft.) high fencing
  • Complete boarding of accessible doors and windows at the end of every work day
  • 24-hour onsite security

*All relevant structures, foundations, building components, debris (which includes but not limited to internal contents, glass metal material, brush, etc), garbage.

Apply Now

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A sign saying "Do not enter, Demolition Area" is affixed to the fence next to an excavator at a demolition site.

Demolition Permit Fees

If you’re applying for a demolition permit, the applicable fee is outlined in the Maple Ridge Fees & Charges Bylaw No. 7575-2019. This fee is paid upon permit approval before your permit is issued. You can make your payment through the online portal—go to "Bills" and then "Fees & Payment."

Please refer to the bylaw for full details on fees.

Contact Information

Engineering

Tel: 604-467-7339
Email: Engineering@MapleRidge.ca

Building

General Inquiries

Tel: 604-467-7311
Email: BuildingEnquiries@MapleRidge.ca

Planning

Tel: 604-467-7341
Email: Planning@MapleRidge.ca

Permit Applications

Email: PermitApplications@MapleRidge.ca

Inspection Requests

See the Inspections & Results page for options.