Demolitions
The Zoning & Permits office does not accept walk-in customers and permit applications can be submitted digitally. If you have any questions, call Permits Direct Line at 204-986-5140.
Le bureau du zonage et des permis ne prend pas la clientèle qui se présente sur les lieux, et les demandes de permis peuvent être soumises de façon numérique. Pour toute question, appelez la ligne directe des permis au 204-986-5140.
Is a permit required?
Yes, a building permit is required.
A building permit for demolition is required to demolish any building/structure, or part of a building/structure as per the Winnipeg Building By-law. A building permit for demolition is not required for detached accessory structures less than 10 m2 (108 sq. ft.).
Note: After applying for a permit, the City may conduct a site inspection prior to permit issuance to determine if the structure can be safely demolished without engineering. Where there is less than 8’-0” from the foundation to any other structure on adjacent properties, or where there is a potential hazard, the City may require the demolition to be engineered to prevent damage to neighbouring properties.
No, a development permit is not required.
Demolitions do not require development permits, as per the Winnipeg Zoning By-law.
However, if the building you are demolishing contains dwelling units (single/two family dwelling, etc.), a development permit for the new build must be submitted with the demolition permit application as per the Development Procedures By-law, which does not allow residential lots to remain vacant, except under the following circumstances:
- you obtained a zoning variance and Community Committee approval to proceed with the demolition
- you received an order to demolish due to unsafe conditions
Demolition information
Effective January 1, 2023, a City of Winnipeg demolition contractor licence will be required to apply for a permit to demolish a building/structure or a part of a building/structure. A demolition contractor licence is not required for residential accessory structures.
Examples of demolition:
- partial demolition where the foundation is being preserved to be re-used with a new build
- full demolition with no plan to rebuild on the lot in the near future
- full demolition with plans to rebuild immediately after the structure is demolished
The demolition must start within 30 days of permit issuance and be completed within 60 days.
It is the permit applicant’s responsibility to:
- contact Manitoba Hydro to arrange disconnection of electricity and natural gas to the structure and removal of meters
- permits will not be issued until the utility has notified us that the meters have been removed
- contact the Water and Waste Department to shut off the water and remove the water meter
- contact telephone and cable providers to arrange disconnection of services
- arrange to plug the sewer line with a concrete plug if it is being abandoned
- arrange for all mandatory inspections:
- Pre-backfill - when all demolition debris, including all foundation materials (if applicable) have been removed from the site and before any fill is placed in the excavation or any reconstruction has commenced
- Pre-backfill inground pool - when the bottom of the pool has been broken and the side walls have been collapsed inward to allow for placement of a minimum of 24 in. of clean fill to cover the remains
- Final - when the site is in a safe, level, well graded condition after demolition has been completed
Safety fencing is required at all times during the demolition and must be compliant with the Manitoba Building Code (6’-0” high and not climbable).
Application requirements
To apply for a demolition/removal building permit, provide the following documentation. Refer to the permit application for detailed information that must be included in each document.
- Demolition/removal building permit application form
- Owner statement (not required if owner is the applicant)
- Status of title
- Site plan (or building location certificate)
- Engineer’s report (required for buildings that do not have an order to demolish)
For demolitions with dwelling units (e.g. single/two family dwellings, etc.), the following must be submitted for the new build at the same time as the demolition permit application:
Once the development permit is issued, you can apply for a new construction building permit. When the building permit is approved, the demolition and building permits will be issued at the same time.
Related permits
How to apply
Please ensure you have gathered all required documentation before applying.
Apply online
(Development permits only)
Your one stop-shop to manage your permit applications
Apply in person
Zoning & Permits office
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Unit 31-30 Fort Street
Questions?
Please contact us.