Demolition

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A Building demolition permit is required for any structure that will be demolished. This is applicable for partial demolition or complete removal of a structure.

How to apply

Demolition permit applications are to be submitted online.

1. Review Requirements

Review and include everything required in the Demolition Permit Submittal Requirements [PDF] and create a site plan that shows:

The address and owner of the property
Description of the last known use of the building
Property lines for the parcel
All buildings and accessory structure footprints
All trees and their associated drip lines, including from adjacent properties if they have drip lines on the property. Include tree protection measures for any tree greater than 9” in diameter at 4 ½’ in height.
Access route to be used for demolition
Location and layout of any private sewer disposal system, including septic tank and leach field routing
Location of any potable water wells

2. Set up an account and sign in

Sign into the online permit portal

3. Apply for the permit, upload plans/documents

Applicant to upload a PDF file of construction/demolition plans. Plans need to be signed and stamped if done by a design professional.

We would like to request that applicant upload a larger size plan 11 x 17 – This will allow for extra room to stamp plans.

Provide one PDF file for any T-24 documents, structural calculations or any other product specifications or information your project may require.

Learn more about uploading documents.

4. Staff will screen the submittal

All demolition permit submittals must be filled out and plans must be in the correct format in order to be routed for review.

For some projects, plan review fees are required before review. If this is applicable, you will be notified.

5. Plan review in progress

Uploaded plans will be reviewed by the necessary departments. Plan review will take place. Learn more turnaround times.

6. Plan check comments or approvals

Plan check comments will be provided to applicant. Instructions for resubmittals will also be provided if applicable, by email.

If your permit is approved, you'll receive an email notification with next steps.

7. Complete pre-issuance conditions and pay fees

You will receive an email notification list of pre-issuance conditions that apply to your project.

Pay the permit fees. A credit card convenience fee will apply for each transaction. To make a payment, log in to the online permits portal. Click "Home", then click "Shopping Cart" to complete the payment.

Learn more about fees.

Some pre-issuance conditions may be as follows:

Notify utility companies
Provide signatures from any applicable utility companies acknowledging that they have been notified of the proposed demolition. City staff will send you a document for this after they receive your application.
Provide insurance
Submit General Liability insurance certificates naming "The City of Walnut Creek and its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers" as insureds pursuant to Section 9-2.03(c)(3) of the City of Walnut Creek Municipal Code by uploading this to the permit online.
Provide a bond
Provide a bond for the proposed demolition work. The amount will be calculated by Building staff based on the sum of the cost for demolition and adequate protection of City property from damage.
Notify the Bay Area Air Quality Management District
Submit a Bay Area Air Quality Management District Acknowledgement Form to show you have notified them of the proposed demolition.
Complete the Building Demolition Data Sheet
This will be provided to you after you submit your application. This helps determine the basis for traffic mitigation credits for future development.
Get approval from the County Health Department
Contact the County Health Department and get approval for abandoning private water wells or private septic tanks and their associated leach field. Please upload proof of this to the permit.
Set up Waste Management account
A waste management plan is required if any of the following statements are true for your project:

-Demolition is equal to or greater than 300 sq. ft. of sloped surface area

-Existing residential buildings or multi-family buildings where the addition or alteration increase the buildings conditioned area, volume, or size

-The project involves the construction or renovation of floor area greater than or equal to one thousand (1,000) square feet

-Any Commercial additions or alterations

-Total costs are projected to be equal to or greater than $50,000

Get an encroachment permit
If the demolition work will encroach within the public right-of-way, you will need to get an encroachment permit.
Fire Department notification
After you are issued your permit, Building staff will notify the fire department.
PCB Requirements may be triggered if you are demolishing a commercial building built or remodeled between 1950-1980.

8. Permit Issuance

Once all the pre-issuance conditions have been met and fees paid, your permit will be issued and approved stamped plans will be available for download under documents tab, and the permit card can be printed from the online permit portal.

Forms and documents

Waste management

Contact

Building staff
Call 925-943-5834
Email BuildingTech@walnut-creek.org