How Demolition Permits Work in Raleigh: A Practical Guide

A demolition permit in Raleigh is one step in a chain, and for a lot of projects it is not the slowest step. This guide describes the general shape of the process. Forms, fees and rules change, so confirm the details with the City before you plan around a date.

Which office handles it

Inside the city limits, demolition permits are handled by City of Raleigh Development Services through the Raleigh Permit and Development Portal. Parcels in nearby towns such as Cary, Garner or Wake Forest belong to those towns' building departments. Check the jurisdiction first, because a Raleigh mailing address does not guarantee a Raleigh permit.

Residential or non-residential

The City separates residential demolition, covering one- and two-family dwellings and certain accessory structures, from commercial or non-residential demolition, which covers larger multi-family, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings. Each uses its own permit type, and the portal generally expects one permit per building address.

What the application usually asks for

• A licensed contractor: The demolition contractor needs the appropriate North Carolina license and is listed on the application.
• Utility disconnects: Evidence that gas, electric, water and sewer service has been shut off or capped.
• Well and septic sign-off: Properties with a private well or septic system generally need Wake County Environmental Services to sign off.
• Site plan items: Depending on the project, a site plan or checklist items may be requested.

Checks that come before submittal

• Historic status: If the building sits in a local historic overlay district or is a Raleigh Historic Landmark, a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Raleigh Historic Development Commission may be needed first. See our article on historic overlays.
• Asbestos inspection and notification: The state asbestos program expects an inspection and notification for regulated demolition. See our asbestos article for the outline.
• NC811: Locate requests apply before any digging, including foundation and slab removal.

Why dates slip

The physical demolition of a house can take days. Waiting on utility crews, an asbestos report or a historic review can take much longer. Be wary of anyone promising a firm start before these pieces are in place.

Raleigh Demolition Co can help you line these steps up before you commit to a schedule. Call (919) 420-3817 to talk through your property.