Demolition Permit

A demolition permit is required for the following work on a residential or commercial building or structure:

  • Demolish an entire building or structure.
  • Partial demolition of a building or structure.

For Non-Structural Interior Demolition (exclusive demolition of interior finishes and elements), please apply for a Building and Development Application (BDA). 

Please see PLI's Demolition Requirements(PDF, 399KB).

Complete Demolition Work Types

  • Adjacent Structure Repair: applies to the complete demolition of a party wall structure where the party wall is required to be modified to be a weathertight assembly.
  • Primary Structure Demolition: applies to the complete demolition of a primary structure such as a house or commercial use structure.
  • Site Work: applies to grading required to return site to natural grade.
  • Utility Disconnect: applies to complete demolitions that include disconnection of utility services to the property.

Partial Demolition Work Types

  • Adjacent Structure Repair: applies to the partial demolition of a party wall structure where the party wall is required to be modified to be a weathertight assembly. Note for residential structures, demolitions limited to accessory structures can be performed as a Building and Development Application with an addition/alteration work type.
  • Primary Structure Demolition: applies to the partial demolition of a primary structure such as a house or commercial use structure.
  • Site Work: applies to grading required to return the site to natural grade.
  • Utility Disconnect: applies to partial demolitions that include disconnection of utility services to the property. 

Please see Other Agency Coordination for processes related to other agencies that may relate to your permit scope. For demolition permits:

  • Zoning Development Review
    • Zoning will review all demolition applications – a ZDR is not required.
  • Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD)
    • Removal of materials which contain asbestos materials may require an asbestos abatement permit application from ACHD.

last updated: 08/19/2026

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