Calgary Demolition: Laws, Requirements, and Finding the Best Contractor

Demolition is a complex and often stressful process – but, some of that stress is avoidable if you know the laws and requirements surrounding demolition. However, these laws vary by location, including in Calgary, Alberta.

If you’re looking for guidance on Calgary demolition laws, read on for all you need to know about demolishing a building – from pipelines to contracts staying informed is the best tool you can have.

Laws

Demolition is the destruction of any building, partial or whole, or the movement of a site. If a building is demolished and later gets rebuilt, that also falls under this category.

Interior demolitions, though, do not count as traditional demolitions to Calgary law.

There are many laws in Calgary, Alberta surrounding the demolition process. Below are some of the crucial statutes.

3.5.1

This law states that any demolition must be completed carefully and in an organized fashion. Meaning, demolition cannot: 

• Involve unlicensed contractors 
• Occur rapidly or be excessively delayed
• Be performed without plans

This statute prohibits unqualified individuals from performing demolition services and ensures all prospective demolitions follow Calgary plans and regulations.

3.5.2

Explosives may have been a way to demolish buildings in the past, but this statute ends that process. 

For a demolition project to utilize explosives, they have to obtain written permission from the Province of Alberta and any other surrounding or local authorities. This law prevents contractors from causing any unnecessary damage.

3.5.4

Engineers are an essential aspect of the demolition process. This statute outlines the need for engineering surveys for citing safety hazards. These surveys also detect possible future problems.

3.5.12

Demolition is not as messy, dusty, and not environmentally friendly as you might think. According to the statute, demolitions must: 

• Minimize dust
• Keep dusty materials wet
• Prevent flooding
• Prevent contaminated water from flowing out of the site

If you want to keep neighbors and surrounding businesses happy, debris needs to be at a minimum. Not doing so can lead to breathing issues, extensive cleanup, and pollution. Cleanliness is especially relevant for demolitions handling asbestos.

3.5.13

After demolition, you have to hire rodent and insect exterminators according to health regulations. If you do not use an extermination service, infestations and the spread of disease may occur. 

These are just a few of the statutes involving demolition in Calgary – make sure to perform thorough research before proceeding with the demolition process.

Requirements

Calgary has very defined requirements for demolition. Before you start any part of demolishing a building, you need a permit. The required documents and examinations to apply for a demolition permit are as follows: 

• No personal or private information permitted on applications
• Provide a copy of plans – include property lines, neighboring properties, etc.
• Complete a service disconnect form
• Submit a public tree disclosure
• Turn in an asbestos abatement form

After you complete these documents, you also need to get an authorization letter from the property owner. The authorization ensures that the building is being demolished knowingly by the owner.

Other needed documents are color photographs of the front and rear of the property, a public safety plan, and an advanced weather forecasting plan for buildings over five stories.

One of the essential parts of this process is the service disconnection request(s). Demolition cannot continue until these forms are approved and submitted. Each service has a different disconnection process. 

Water

Before you discontinue water services, consider property development. If you plan to develop the property, call 311 to schedule an appointment. Otherwise, find a Calgary water services contractor and have them disconnect your water. 

A few things to note: 

• You have to disconnect water before gas and electricity
• Lines are only disconnected when the client is present 
• Calgary water services do not cover new service connections or tools
• The owner/engineer is responsible for finding the water connection locations

Gas & Electricity

This process is trickier than water and more dangerous. Because of this cutting-off process, your gas can take up to two weeks to be disconnected. You have to make an appointment with ATCO to initiate the removal. The three ATCO offices in Calgary are Crowfoot, Midnapore, and Whitehorn. 

To disconnect electricity, you have to contact your provider. From there, they disconnect your services and send you a form that you then submit for authorization. 

After your application is submitted and approved, start looking for inspection services. Calgary requires all demolition projects to have thorough inspections for safety and health measures.

Remember that if asbestos is present, proper removal is required before demolition can begin. Calgary also strictly enforces that the workplace must be aware of asbestos work at least 72 hours before the removal starts.

Finding the Best Contractor

Once you finish applying, inspecting, and exterminating, it’s time to find a contractor to perform the demolition. There are so many options for contractors, so finding the best one for your situation is a challenge. 

Calgary Demolition Services is a practical option for your demolition needs. They provide flexible scheduling and demolish a variety of buildings. 

Additionally, they: 

• Clean up after the demolition
• Work with budgets
• Offer emergency demolition services
• Perform interior commercial demolition
• Use quality equipment

They also have free quotes and can answer any questions you have about your demolition project. 

And, if you’re worried about time, Calgary House Demolition has you covered. They won’t waste time or violate statute 3.5.1 – demolition occurs on time unless unexpected circumstances develop, such as severe weather.

Takeaways

When you’re searching for demolition options in Calgary, it’s essential to know the required documents and processes before you find a contractor. Without an approved permit, you will not be able to follow through with the demolition. Thankfully, Calgary provides a detailed explanation of demolition requirements and the needed documents.

Safety is the most vital aspect of this process. Ensure you complete proper examinations, inspections and hire an experienced contractor. Doing so keeps your contractors, neighbors, and surrounding land safe and intact. That way, when demolition day comes, it’s as easy and quick as possible.