Demolishing an old building may seem simpler than building one, but from a regulatory and technical standpoint it is a sensitive stage: it needs a permit, it affects neighbours, passers-by and utilities, and any mistake can hold up your new project. This guide explains the demolition permit in detail: when you need it, its official requirements, its steps, special cases, and tips for safe execution.
What Is a Demolition Permit?
A demolition permit is an official authorization issued electronically through the Balady platform that allows individuals, government entities, engineering offices and establishments to demolish an existing building without visiting the authority in person. The platform classifies it among construction permits as an electronic-only, non-instant service subject to fees.
When Do You Need a Demolition Permit?
- Demolishing to rebuild: removing an old house to build a new one in its place.
- Removing a dilapidated building or one at risk of collapse. Read: Buildings at risk of collapse.
- Removing buildings to develop the land or sell it as vacant land.
- Demolishing part of a building as part of a larger project, depending on the scope of work set by the engineering office.
Official Requirements for a Demolition Permit
According to the Balady platform, the requirements for applying for the Issuing a Building Demolition Permit service are:
- Contracting an engineering office.
- Paying the service fees.
- A building permit or a survey decision.
Can a Building Without a Building Permit Be Demolished?
Yes. Balady answers that a demolition permit can be issued after a survey decision is issued for demolition purposes. This matters because many old houses were built with paper permits or none at all. So the first step is the survey decision. Learn about our survey report service and land surveying service.
Steps to Get a Demolition Permit on Balady
- Log in to the Balady platform through the National Single Sign-On.
- Choose construction license services, then the Issuing a Building Demolition Permit service, and review the requirements and conditions.
- Choose "Issue request", then "Issue demolition permit", and start the service.
- Enter the confirmation code sent to your mobile.
- Select the building permit or survey decision on which the application will be based.
- Choose the track: when a building permit is selected, the guide shows two options, either the "Municipal Store app" or the "regular track".
- Select the engineering office and send the application.
- The office completes the application form and sends it to the municipality.
- Pay the fees, then the permit is issued and printed.
Duration and Fees
The service is not instant and has fees, which can be estimated with Balady's fees calculator. The actual time depends on whether the survey decision is ready, how quickly the office completes the application, and the municipal review.
What to Prepare Before the Actual Demolition
1. Disconnecting utilities
Coordinate with the electricity and water companies and the gas and telecom providers to disconnect services before starting, to avoid the risk of electrocution and leaks.
2. Documenting the neighbours' condition
Photograph the neighbouring buildings and shared walls before starting. This protects you from later claims and protects the neighbour from real damage.
3. The demolition plan
The engineer determines the demolition method (manual or mechanical), its sequence from top to bottom, and how shared walls will be handled.
4. Safety and hoarding
Fence off the site, put up warning signs, and follow the construction safety precautions in Chapter 33 of the Saudi General Building Code (SBC 201). Read: Safety requirements during demolition.
5. Debris
Plan to remove the rubble as you go, and do not leave it on the sidewalk. Read: Occupying the sidewalk with construction materials.
After Demolition: What Comes Next?
If the goal is to rebuild, the next steps in order are: the site preparation permit, then the building permit, then the occupancy certificate on completion. The full sequence is in: Demolishing an old building to rebuild: the right order of permits.
Common Demolition Permit Mistakes
- Demolishing without a permit because the building is "old and worthless"; this is a municipal violation.
- Relying on a survey decision that does not match the land's actual boundaries.
- Neglecting the shared wall with the neighbour, which is the source of most disputes.
- Starting to excavate right after demolition without a site preparation permit or a building permit.
Demolition Permit FAQs
What are the requirements for a demolition permit?
Contracting an engineering office, paying the service fees, and a building permit or survey decision, according to the Balady platform.
Can a building be demolished without a building permit?
Yes, after a survey decision is issued for demolition purposes.
Is the demolition permit instant?
No, Balady classifies it as a non-instant service subject to fees.
Who can apply?
The service is available to individuals, government entities, engineering offices and establishments.
Do I need an engineering office?
Yes, contracting an engineering office is one of the service requirements.
Can only part of the building be demolished?
The engineering office determines the right route according to the scope of work, since some partial works may fall under modifying components or restoration. Read: Restoration vs. modification vs. addition.
Who is liable if the neighbour's building is affected?
Liability is determined by what can be proven, which is why prior documentation and engineering supervision are the foundation of protection.
Do I need a demolition permit for a building at risk of collapse?
Yes, and it starts with a structural report that determines the condition. See our structural inspection report service.
Can I build straight after demolition?
No, you need a building permit, and you may need a site preparation permit before it.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that prepares the required drawings and reports, submits the application through Balady and follows it up until issuance. Learn about our demolition permit service, or contact us to review your case.
For all permit types: The complete guide to building permits in Saudi Arabia.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.
