Demolition Projects FAQ

Each building that is occupied or has any utility connections such as electrical, gas, water or sewer requires a separate demolition (DMO) permit.

Project Requirements

Age – Is the building being demolished more than 50 years old?

If yes, then:

  • Submit pictures of each elevation of each building.
  • JPG, JPEG and PNG are acceptable formats.

Asbestos – Is Asbestos present?

If so, you must contact the following agencies for additional requirements:

Fill – Notes on Fill

  • All excavations must be filled, and the site graded to a natural grade.
  • If the fill material will not be placed as structural fill, the site plan and a non-structural fill letter must be recorded with the Clark County Auditor on the title of the property before the permit will be issued.

Multiple – Are you removing multiple buildings or structures?

Include a labeled site plan with your application showing size and use to determine whether separate permits will be required.

If demolishing multiple buildings, small unoccupied accessory structures, such as sheds without utilities, can be included on one application with the main building.

PCBs – Does your building contain PCBs?

PCBs are synthetic toxic chemicals that can impact aquatic and human health. PCBs can be found in buildings built or renovated between 1950 and 1980.

Products that may have PCBs include:

  • Paints
  • Adhesives
  • Insulation materials
  • Rubber
  • Mastics
  • Plastic applications
  • Asphalt roofing
  • Galbestos siding

There is currently no way to determine if materials contain PCBs based on sight alone. Sampling and laboratory testing are required.

Before starting demolition or renovation on buildings at risk of containing PCBs, property owners, and operators should consult the Department of Ecology website and follow the steps identified under, “What if you think a building contains PCBs?”

Department of Ecology PCBs in Building Materials

PCBs in building materials are primarily regulated under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). However, any contamination to the surrounding environment from PCBs in building materials is regulated under the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA), which directs investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites.

SEPA – When is a SEPA required?

  • Tanks over 10,000 gallons
  • Commercial buildings 12,000 SF and larger
  • Excavation of 500 cubic yards or more

For more information contact cddplanning@cityofvancouver.us.

Septic – Are you removing a septic system?

Removal of a septic system requires a separate demolition permit (from a main house or building).

Site Plan – When is a Site Plan required?

Site Plans are required when any of the following are true:

  • Multiple buildings or structures on site will be removed
  • Fuel tank is located within 5 feet of a foundation of a structure
  • Non-structural fill will be greater than 6 inches below natural grade

Submit your site plan with your DMO Application Form.

Tank – Requirements for abandoning a tank

The abandoned tank must be cleaned and then filled with slurry or other approved inert material (not sand).