Demolition is defined as “tearing down” a structure or portion of a structure. unless specified otherwise, a demolition permit includes the removal of all foundations and debris from the property.

General requirements for all permit submittals:

• All plans must be signed & dated by the preparer
• All plans must include the situs address (job location)
• All plans must be drawn to a scale & size appropriate for the scope of work
• Plans or portions of plans that require necessary calculations, must contain the stamp and signature of the licensed preparer

Requirements For Demolition Permit: 

• Copy of a site plan showing the location of all structures and utilities (see site plan handout)
• Footprint of structure(s) to be demolished with dimensions
• Photos of structure(s)
• Letter of utilities termination from the following agencies, if applicable:

1. Underground service alert (800) 642-2444
2. County of Monterey Environmental Health Bureau (septic systems)
3. Sewage purveyor or County of Monterey Public Works (sanitary sewer)
4. Pacific Gas and Electric Co.

• Copy of the completed construction waste management plan receipt of application or “J” form MBUAPC when asbestos is present. Commercial demolition projects or some residential demolition projects

Clearance From The Following Agencies, If Applicable: 

1. Monterey County Environmental Health Bureau (Hazardous Material) (Completion Of Hazardous Material Questionnaire)
2. Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District (MBUAPCD)
3. OSHA permits, if applicable

Final inspection is required by the building division after the demolition work is complete. Demolition work involving asbestos containing material shall be accomplished in conformance with federal, state and local laws and regulations (see back for additional information).

Contractors shall be properly licensed for the demolition work. This includes special provisions and license for asbestos removal.

If the proposal includes demolition of multi-family units, commercial, industry or agricultural building a permit may be required from the local air pollution district.

Note: any structure 50+ years old or listed on a historical register (local, state, or federal) must have approval/clearances from planning services.

Federal and state laws and regulations require that special precautions be taken when demolition work involves asbestos containing materials.

The following acknowledgment of Health and Safety Code section 19827.5 is required in order to obtain a demolition permit.

AB 2791 Speier. Demolition Permits 

The people of the State of California do enact as follows: 

SECTION 1. Section 19827.5 is added to the Health and Safety Code to read: 19827.5 A demolition permit shall not be issued by any city, county, city and county or state or local agency which is authorized to issue demolition permits as to any building or other structure except upon receipt from the permit applicant of a copy of each written asbestos notification regarding the building that has been required to be submitted to the United States Environmental Protection Agency or to a designated state agency, or both, pursuant to Part 61 of Title 40 of the Code of the Federal Regulations, or the successor to that part. The permit may be issued without the applicant submitting a copy of the written notification if the applicant declares that the notification is not applicable to the scheduled demolition project. The permitting agency may require the applicant to make the declaration in writing, or it may incorporate the applicant’s response on demolition permit application. Compliance with this section shall not be deemed to supersede any requirement of federal law.