Demolition in Hamilton: permits, demolition control and utility disconnection

Short answer: demolishing a building in Ontario generally needs a demolition permit, and in Hamilton the City's own form says demolition cannot start until both a demolition permit and a building permit are issued. In areas of demolition control, the City can also attach conditions, including a replacement building. The details below come from the City's published owner agreement form; check your own property with the City before you plan around any of it.

1. Demolition control in Hamilton

For owners of residential properties in an area of demolition control, the City's form describes a "routine demolition" approved by the Chief Building Official under By-law 22-101. The conditions it lists before approval are:

• A building permit for a replacement building must be obtained.
• If the replacement is not erected within two years of demolition, the owner pays the City $20,000 per dwelling unit. The amount can be collected like municipal taxes and stays a lien on the property until paid.
• Notice of these conditions is registered on the property's title.

The form is explicit that this approval is not a demolition permit.

2. What is needed before a demolition permit is issued

Besides the building permit, the City lists a Water and Sewer Permit or Sewage System Permit and a disconnection of services form. The form does not explain which utilities must be disconnected for a given property, so ask the City or your utility providers early. Disconnections can take time and should not be left until the week of demolition.

3. Interior demolition is a different question

Stripping finishes, removing old tile or clearing a basement for a renovation is not the same as demolishing a building. Whether a permit is needed depends on what is being removed. Taking out structural or load-bearing elements, or altering plumbing, can need a building permit, so confirm with the City before anything structural comes out. Our demolition page covers the demolition work we do.

4. Hazardous materials in older buildings

Older buildings can contain asbestos and other designated substances. Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act requires the owner of a project to determine whether designated substances are present. On an older property, ask for a designated substances survey before demolition starts, so the answer is known before the crew arrives and not after dust is already in the air.

Checklist before demolition starts

1. Confirm with the City whether your property is in an area of demolition control.
2. Check whether a demolition permit and a building permit are both needed.
3. Plan the replacement building, since the two-year rule can apply.
4. Arrange utility disconnections and the City's disconnection of services form.
5. On an older property, get a designated substances survey.
6. Agree in writing who applies for each permit, and who is responsible for disposal and site clean-up.

Rules and by-laws change. This guide reflects the City of Hamilton's 2025 owner agreement form and was last checked on 21 October 2026. It is general information, not legal advice.