Demolition Permits

Demolition permits are required for all building types and situations:

  • Commercial and large industrial structures
  • Damaged buildings as a result of an event, e.g. fire, flooding or earthquakes
  • Portions of a single-family home if the life safety systems are compromised during reconstruction 

Prior to issuing a Demolition permit, the City requires all property owners to verify  that the buildings onsite are free of pests, such as rats.

To ensure the safety of workers and the public, the City of Coquitlam has implemented procedures to ensure all demolition activities within the City are undertaken in a safe, reasonable and sustainable manner.  It is the responsibility of the building owner and employer to ensure all asbestos containing materials are inventoried and risk assessments completed.  Visit WorkSafeBC Health-Safety Hazards-Exposures - Asbestos for more information on the hazards of asbestos.

The owner of an unoccupied or vacant property is required to protect the building or property against risk of fire, accident or other danger by preventing the entrance of unauthorized persons.

Important Information about Trees

Urban Forestry and Parks Services will also assess the lot to determine if any City trees will require protection. If it is determined that City trees are at risk, it is the property owner’s responsibility to provide tree fencing. Field checks may also be required to ensure that these requirements have been met. It is important to ensure that all tree protection issues have been addressed prior to calling for the initial field check to avoid delays of the issuance of the demolition permit. Visit our tree management webpage for more detailed information. 

The City of Coquitlam reminds developers, contractors and homeowners that they must remain compliant with the BC Wildlife Act and Migratory Birds Convention Act. The City of Coquitlam recognizes the annual bird nesting window as March 1 to August 31. If demolition works are scheduled during this time period, the property should be assessed for active birds nests by a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) prior to any demolition works occurring. Any QEP reports from bird nesting surveys are to be submitted to the City in advance of demolition works to ensure no nesting birds are disturbed. 

Please be advised that due to the diversity of bird species in Coquitlam, not all bird nests occur in trees. Many birds common to the City of Coquitlam and regional area make their nests on the ground, in shrubs or blackberry bushes, in tree cavities, or in sheds, barns and vacant buildings. For further information, consult the Province of British Columbia's Natural Resource Best Management Practices where construction or development is involved.

Apply for a Demolition Permit

  1. Obtain and complete all documents listed in our Demolition Permits Brochure (PDF).
  2. Visit the Building Permits Division on the Main Floor at Coquitlam City Hall in person to apply for a Demolition Permit. Bring with you the completed Demolition Permit Application (PDF) and all other required documentation. We will also ask for some basic information about the property, and collect a Permit Application Fee.
  3. Next, visit the Engineering & Public Works Department to arrange and pay for water shut off by City staff, capping of existing sanitary and storm connections, and other requirements. If you have a Building Permit application, we will give you a form for Driveway Access.
  4. Once the demolition permit has been issued, the structure may be removed and a final inspection scheduled.  The permit will then be finalized.  Note: Failure to call for a final inspection prior to December 31 of the previous calendar year, may affect you Utility Charges the following year.