Demolitions

Information for residential, commercial or industrial projects that involve demolishing or removing a building.

In order to demolish or remove a building, you may need both a development permit and a demolition permit. It depends on the building and the situation. When you apply online, your answers will determine which permits are required for your situation.

Development permit not required if:
  • The building or structure to be demolished has a gross floor area no greater than 500 square meters (5382 sq. ft.), and
  • The site, building or structure is not a Historic Resource, and
  • The site, building or structure is not listed on the Heritage Inventory.
Demolition permit not required if:
  • The building to be demolished is a detached residential accessory building (e.g. garage, shed), and
  • The building is 10 square meters (107.6 sq. ft.) or less in area, and
  • The building has no utility services, nor primary utility meters/connections for the residence, and
  • There are no hazardous materials (e.g. asbestos) in the construction of the building, and
  • The demolition can be completed within one day and does not create a hazard to the public.

If the above conditions do not apply to your situation, then you must obtain the required permits before proceeding with a demolition.

Learn about asbestos abatement requirements

The Government of Alberta has a free guide which describes procedures for safe removal or abatement of asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos Abatement


Utility disconnection

Determine which utilities will require disconnection. Contact each provider separately and obtain disconnect verification, including date of disconnection.

  • Electric utility (403) 529-8270
  • Gas utility (403) 529-8190
  • Sewer and Water utilities (403) 529-8176
  • Shaw (residential customers): 1-888-472-2222
  • Shaw (business customers): 1-877-742-9249
  • Telus (residential customers): 1-888-811-2323
  • Telus (business customers): 310-3100

Line locates
Utility Safety Partners

Before demolishing a building, find out where the utility lines are. Locates are free of charge but require three days notice.

Line locates

Contact Utility Safety Partners (formerly Alberta One-Call) to obtain:

  • Line locates ticket indicating City of Medicine Hat services (water, sewer, gas, electric), and
  • Utility locate slips from other Utility Safety Partners

Shaw line locates are only available from Shaw Communications. While recommended, the City does not require line locates for telecom companies such as Telus, Shaw or Bell.


Heritage designation

Applications for building demolition or removal will be reviewed by Planning staff to ensure that there is no impact to a designated heritage resource.

To learn more, visit:

Heritage Properties


Property assessment

If you are demolishing a detached residential garage and not replacing it with another garage, the property assessment and property taxes will be impacted. To update the property file, contact City Assessment.

Assessment and Property Taxes

How to Apply

Apply online

New to ePermit?
See user guide

We can help you apply online. Contact us by email or phone (403) 529-8374.

Online:
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
In-person:
  • debit
  • cash
  • cheque
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
Mail:
  • cheque

Fees and Charges

 

 

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If your intent is to demolish an interior structure only (interior wall, ceiling, plumbing system, etc.) contact Planning & Development Services for relevant information, or visit:

Home Improvement

 

 

 

How long will it take to approve permits?

  • Development permits: Timelines vary based on application type and the impact to the community.
  • Demolition permits: Typically within 15 business days, provided that an approved Development permit (if required) has been issued. The timeline of a Demolition permit application will increase if amendments or resubmissions are needed from the applicant.

Inspections

To book required inspections for demolition work, visit:

Contact Us

Planning & Development Services

580 1 St SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1A 8E6
403-529-8374
Email us

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