Demolition Permits

A step-by-step guide for making a building permit application

Review guidelines and requirements for obtaining demolition permits in Norfolk County, including application procedures and eligibility criteria.

Building permits help protect you, your home, and the interests of your community by making sure the project is structurally sound and follows the Ontario Building Code, municipal zoning and other applicable laws.

Do I need a demolition permit?

A demolition permit is required anytime a building area is reduced or a building is demolished.
A demolition permit is not required for a farm building; however, other buildings on a farm do require a demolition permit.

View the Demolition Permit Application checklist (PDF).

Property tax reductions

If you or your builder or contractor have applied for a building or demolition permit that resulted in structures on your property being demolished, damaged, or renovated during the year, you may be eligible for a reduction in your taxes under Section 357 and/or Section 358 of the Municipal Act.

If you are a builder or contractor who has applied for a demolition or building permit on behalf of a property owner, please ensure that the owner is provided with this information.

Property owners are responsible for filing applications.

Please visit Property Taxes for eligibility criteria, filing deadlines and instructions on applying for a property tax adjustment. For more information, call 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 1666 or email propertytaxes@norfolkcounty.ca.

Building Permit process

Step 1: Preparing your application

Completed forms:

Building Permit Application Form
Commitment to General Review if:
- The building exceeds 3 storeys in building height or 600m.sq in building area,
- The Building Contains pre-tensioned or post-tensioned members,
- Demolition will be below the level of the footing of an adjacent building,
- The building is to be demolished with explosives or lasers.
Applicant Authorization Form: if the property owner does not complete the application
Demolition Checklist

Required Documents:

Plot Plan:
- Property lines and lot dimensions,
- Location of demolished building and all other structures on the lot,
- Distance from demolished building to property lines,
Method of demolition plan by a professional engineer (if required)
Environmental Building Audit completed by an environmental consultant (if required).

Fees

Demolition Permit fee

Step 2: Applying

Online

Visit the Norfolk CityView Permits Portal and make your application online

In Person

Visit our service counter located at 12 Gilbertson Dr., Simcoe, Ontario.

Please call or email ahead and make an appointment. Our Permit Coordinators will review your application and provide in writing any missing items and a cost breakdown for the permit fees and payment options.

Step 3: Plans Review

A Building Inspector will contact you in writing if there are building code concerns or missing information from your application.

A building permit is issued once all documentation has been received, fees are paid in full, and your plans are check for compliance zoning by-law and the building code.

Step 4: Inspections

Once you have obtained a building permit, a building inspector needs to attend your site at several milestones in the construction process. Read more about inspections.

Once all inspections are complete and passed, your permit will be closed.

Need help?

If you have any questions on the building permit process or plans required, please
contact permits@norfolkcounty.ca or call 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 6016.

ServiceNorfolk

50 Colborne Street South
Simcoe, Ontario
N3Y 4H3

Phone: 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 0

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