Getting a Demolition Permit in Evansville

Demolition in Evansville is regulated by Chapter 15.25 of the Evansville Municipal Code (Wrecking and Extensive Repair), and permits are handled by the Building Commission. This guide summarizes the code and the Commission's permit page. Rules change, so confirm the details with the Building Commission and your contractor. Outside Evansville city limits, check with the building office for that county or town, which may have its own process.

When you need a permit

The Building Commission's permit page says a building wrecking permit is required to demolish any building, including accessory buildings such as detached garages and sheds. Chapter 15.25 adds that a "demolition permit" and a "wrecking permit" are the same thing.

The code's exceptions are narrow. It doesn't apply to wrecking a "minor building" (a masonry building no more than one story and 5,000 cubic feet above grade). It also doesn't apply to removing 50% or less of a building as part of a repair, alteration or addition. Interior demolition during a remodel usually falls under a building permit for the remodel instead. Ask the Commission if you're unsure. See interior demolition.

Who can pull the permit

Under the code, wrecking permits are issued only to a licensed demolition contractor. The owner must sign and verify the application to authorize the wrecking company. There is one exception: an owner may get a permit to wreck a minor building on their own property. If they do, the work must be done by the owner's own employees under their supervision, or by a licensed wrecking contractor. The contractor must keep landfill receipts for one year, and the Building Commissioner can ask to see them.

What the application asks for

• The owner's name, address and phone, plus any authorized agent and their relationship to the owner.
• The address and tax ID number of the property.
• A detailed description of the structure, including square footage and number of stories.
• A photograph of the front of the structure.
• The licensed demolition contractor's name and license number.
• The demolition method and the building's construction type and height.
• A scaled plot plan when barricades or sidewalk bridges are required.

The review process

1. Review and site visit. The Building Commission checks the application, including whether the address is in a special district such as a preservation or redevelopment area. Commission or Area Plan Commission staff may visit the site.
2. Posted sign. At application, the owner receives a "Structure to be Demolished" sign to post where it's easy to see from the street. It shows the owner's or agent's contact information and the date the permit will be issued if there are no objections. It must stay up at least 7 days and no more than 14.
3. Preservation and redevelopment review. A copy of the application goes to the Department of Metropolitan Development for review by the City's Preservation Officer and Redevelopment Commission staff, who report back within five working days.
4. Decision. If there are no valid objections, the permit is issued no later than 14 calendar days after a complete application. If the Evansville Preservation Commission or the Redevelopment Commission must approve the demolition, the Building Commissioner refers the owner to them first.
5. Appeals. A denial can be appealed to the Board of Public Safety for safety issues, or to the Redevelopment Commission for preservation issues. A hearing is held within 30 days of the appeal.

Before the machines arrive

• Asbestos. IDEM says buildings must be inspected by an Indiana-licensed asbestos inspector before demolition. Residential buildings with four or fewer dwelling units are exempt from the inspection rule, but anyone generating regulated asbestos waste must follow disposal rules. Your contractor may still recommend a survey for an older house.
• Utilities. Have gas, electric, water and sewer disconnected or capped according to each utility's procedures, and call Indiana 811 before any digging.
• Protection. Chapter 15.25 requires fences, barricades or sidewalk covers when a building next to a street, alley or sidewalk is demolished. Fences may be omitted when the building is set back 20 feet from the street or alley line. After the permit is issued and protection is in place, the wrecker notifies the Commissioner to inspect before work starts.

During and after demolition

• Dusty materials must be wetted down. Open fires and flame sources (other than necessary cutting torches) aren't allowed inside the building.
• The Building Commissioner can stop work that is reckless, careless, unsafe or in violation of local ordinances.
• When the work is done, the lot must be cleared of rubbish and debris and leveled. Basements, cellars and other excavations must be filled with new earth that is puddled and tamped to limit settling, or fenced off, to the Commissioner's approval.

For budgeting, see the demolition cost guide and house demolition.

Common questions

Sources

• Evansville Municipal Code, Chapter 15.25 Wrecking and Extensive Repair
• City of Evansville, Building Commission: Building Permits
• Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Asbestos in Indiana
• Indiana 811