BUILDING DEMOLITION PERMITS

Policies, Procedures and Requirements

 

·         Before any building can be torn down or razed, a demolition permit must be applied for and approved.

·         If the demolition is in preparation for new construction improvement plans to the property, sediment/erosion control is required to be in place for any area disturbance of over 5,000 Sq.Ft.

·         If the building or structure is in the Historic District, approval from the Historic Preservation Commission is required prior to application submission.  Call the Planning Department at 301-600-1499 for info relating to HDC Approval.

·         Interior demolition will require a Building Demolition Permit if structural elements are involved.

·         A Plumbing Demolition Permit will also be required if there are any existing plumbing fixtures which need to be disconnected and/or removed from the building.

 

MAKING APPLICATION:

 

·         Complete Form, as applicable

 

§         If property is in the Historic District, provide a letter of approval for this demolition from the HDC

§         Provide detailed description of property being demolished (size, height, etc.)

§         If the disturbed area of demolition is over 5,000 SF, grading and sediment/erosion control must be approved.   Contact the Engineering Department (301-600-1405) for further information.

§         Provide four (4) copies of a site plan identifying building location and distances from property line and all other structures.

§         Note any plumbing, electric and/or gas connections that exist.

§         Note any asbestos located in the building. 

           If there is no asbestos, a written affidavit (signed by the owner) to this effect must be filed with the permit application

           If there IS asbestos, see 2nd page:  ASBESTOS

§         Identify any sprinkler or alarm system involved within the building.

§         Identify any underground or above-ground fuel tanks.

 

DEMOLITION PERMIT FEES:

 

§         Fee for Residential Demolition (Flat $64.00)

§         Fee for Commercial Demolition (Flat $128.00)

 

DEMOLITION PERMIT ISSUANCE:  Once a Demolition Permit is approved, it is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure that the following items are in place, secured and/or completed BEFORE a call may be made for a “Preliminary Inspection” for final approval to demolish to building.  (Note that all of these items may not apply to each building being razed.  Please read carefully and utilize this check list to assure that all directives for items pertaining to your particular permit are followed):

 

*       WATER/SEWER CONNECTIONS:   It must be verified with the City that water and sewer have been disconnected (capped off) to the building site.  

 

*        Water:   Contact:   City Water Department @ 301-600-1182

*        Sewer:   Contact:   City Sewer Department @ 301-600-1176

 

*       PLUMBING DEMO PERMIT REQUIRED:  A Plumbing Contractor, licensed with the City of Frederick, must obtain a plumbing permit to cap off both the water and sewer if the entire building is to be razed.  (Note:  for Commercial interior renovations only, a permit will be required for removal of any plumbing fixtures.    An inspection for this work must be completed and approved by the Plumbing Inspector.

*       UTILITIES:  All applicable utility companies must be notified to cut off power and/or service to the building

 

·         Electric  (Contact Allegheny Power @ 301-695-5700)

·         Gas (Contact Frederick Gas Company @ 30-662-2151)

 

*       SPRINKLER SYSTEMS/FIRE ALARMS:    If there are sprinkler systems and/or fire alarms associated with the building to be razed, it is the Owner’s responsibility to notify the Frederick County Fire Marshal’s Office at 301-600-1626. 

 

*       FUEL STORAGE TANKS:  It is the owner’s responsibility to notify the Maryland Department of the Environment (MdDOE) prior to removing any underground or above-ground fuel tanks.   Contact:  MdDOE @ 1-410-537-3443 or see:  http://textonly.mde.state.md.us/Programs/LandPrograms/Oil_Control/USThome/index.asp

 

*       STREETS AND SIDEWALKS: 

 

§         Blocking of Street/Sidewalk:  If any street, sidewalk or metered parking space, or portion thereof, needs to be blocked off, permission must be obtained from the City Engineering Department.  Contact the Traffic Engineer @ 301-600-1443 for approval.  Proper flagmen, barricades, etc., are to be in place on the day demolition is to occur. 

§         Dumpsters and/or Trucks on streets/sidewalks/metered parking spaces:  Contact the Traffic Engineer @ 301-600-1443 for approval.

 

*       ASBESTOS (in any quantity):

 

§         COPY OF MDE APPROVAL and/or GUIDELINES FOR REMOVAL MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION.  If there is asbestos located on the property, in any quantity, you must contact the Maryland Department of the Environment (Md DOE) at 1-410-631-3859 for permission and/or guidelines on removal.  (Note that the MDE requires that a minimum 10-day notice be given to them prior to expected demolition so they may have time to inspect, if needed).   

§         (Note:  If there is no asbestos located on or within the building being razed, a written affidavit, signed by the Owner, MUST be filed with the Building Permits Office at time of Demolition Permit Application).

 

 

*       PROTECTION OF AREA: 

 

·         Protection for the general public from demolition debris, etc., must always be provided.   The following protective measures are to be used (Per adopted International Building Code).

 

TABLE 3306.1

PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS

HEIGHT OF CONSTRUCTION

DISTANCE FROM CONSTRUCTION TO LOT LINE
TYPE OF PROTECTION REQUIRED

8  feet or less

Less than 5 feet

Construction railings

5 feet or more

None

More than 8 feet

Less than 5 feet

Barrier and covered walkway

5 feet or more, but not more than one-fourth the height of construction

Barrier and covered walkway

5 feet or more, but between one-fourth and one-half the height of construction

Barrier

5 feet or more, but exceeding one-half the height of construction

None

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3306.1 Protection required. Pedestrians shall be protected during construction, remodeling and demolition activities as required by this chapter and Table 3306.1. Signs shall be provided to direct pedestrian traffic.

3306.2Walkways.Awalkway shall be provided for pedestrian travel in front of every construction and demolition site unless the authority having jurisdiction authorizes the sidewalk to be fenced or closed. Walkways shall be of sufficient width to accommodate the pedestrian traffic, but in no case shall they be less than 4 feet (1219 mm) in width. Walkways shall be provided with a durable walking surface. Walkways shall be accessible in accordance with the Maryland Accessibility Code and shall be designed to support all imposed loads and in no case shall the design live load be less than 150 pounds per square foot (psf) (7.2 kN/m2).

3306.3 Directional barricades. Pedestrian traffic shall be protected by a directional barricade where the walkway extends into the street. The directional barricade shall be of sufficient size and construction to direct vehicular traffic away from the pedestrian path. See Section 3306.3 for barrier design requirements

3306.4 Construction railings. Construction railings shall be at least 42 inches (1067 mm) in height and shall be sufficient to direct pedestrians around construction areas.

3306.7 Covered walkways. Covered walkways shall have a minimum clear height of 8 feet (2438 mm) as measured from the floor surface to the canopy overhead. Adequate lighting shall be provided at all times. Covered walkways shall be designed to support all imposed loads. In no case shall the design live load be less than 150 psf (7.2 kN/m2) for the entire structure.

3306.9 Adjacent to excavations. Every excavation on a site located 5 feet (1524 mm) or less from the street lot line shall be enclosed with a barrier not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) high.  Where located more than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the street lot line, a barrier shall be erected when required by the building official.  Barriers shall be of adequate strength to resist wind pressure as specified in Chapter 16.

 

 [F] 3309.1 Where required. All structures under construction, alteration or demolition shall be provided with not less than one approved portable fire extinguisher in accordance with Section 906 and sized for not less than ordinary hazard as follows:

1. At each stairway on all floor levels where combustible materials have accumulated.

2. In every storage and construction shed.

3. Additional portable fire extinguishers shall be provided where special hazards exist, such as the storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids.

 

3311.4 Water supply. Water supply for fire protection, either temporary or permanent, shall be made available as soon as combustible material accumulates.

 

3311.2 Buildings being demolished. Where a building is being  demolished and a standpipe exists within such a building, such standpipe shall be maintained in an operable condition so as to be available for use by the fire department. Such standpipe shall be demolished with the building but shall not be demolished more than one floor below the floor being demolished.

 

SECTION 3307 PROTECTION OF ADJOINING PROPERTY

3307.1 Protection required. Adjoining public and private property shall be protected from damage during construction, remodeling and demolition work. Protection must be provided for footings, foundations, party walls, chimneys, skylights and roofs. Provisions shall be made to control water runoff and erosion during construction or demolition activities. The person making or causing an excavation to be made shall provide written notice to the owners of adjoining buildings advising them that the excavation is to be made and that the adjoining buildings should be protected. Said notification shall be delivered not less than 10 days prior to the scheduled starting date of the excavation.

 

INSPECTIONS:

 

*       PRELIMINARY INSPECTION:  Prior to any demolition activity, a Preliminary Inspection is required to be performed by the Building Inspector to ensure that structure is ready to be razed.  (Contact the Building Department at 301-600-3818 or 3819).

 

DEMOLITION:  Once inspection has been completed and approval given for demolition to begin, the following procedures are to be adhered to:

 

*        CENTRAL ALARM:  The owner is responsible for notifying Central Alarm before demolition of the structure can begin.  Contact Central Alarm at 301-600-1478.

*        DUST:  Any dust must be contained.   Water down is acceptable.  A hose bib must control backflow.  (Note:   It is ILLEGAL to connect to a fire hydrant).

*        DEBRIS:  Debris be removed and disposed of in accordance with all local laws.

*        FOUNDATION:  The foundation shall be immediately filled after cleanup and the lot shall be graded, seeded and returned to a mowable lawn. 

*        GRADING, SEEDING & LAND RESTORATION:  All shall be done in accordance with City Specifications.

 

*        FINAL INSPECTION:  Once demolition has been completed, a final inspection is to be performed.   (Contact the Building Department at 301-600-3818).

 

*       CONTACTS:

 

Permits Coordinator                            301-600-3829

Building Inspector                               301-600-3818 or 3819

Plumbing Inspector                             301-600-3820 or 3821

Electrical Inspector                             301-600-3822 or 3823

City Planning Department                 301-600-1499

City Water Dept                                   301-600-1182

City Sewer Dept                                   301-600-1176

City Engineer’s Office                        301-600-1405

City Traffic Engineer                          301-600-1443

Frederick Co Fire Marshal                 301-600-1626

Central Alarm                                      301-600-1478

MD Dept of Environment                  410-537-3000

Allegheny Power                                  301-695-5700

Frederick Gas Company                    301-662-2151

 

PLEASE NOTE:  It is the Applicant’s responsibility to meet all codes.  Proceeding without following the required steps may result in the issuance of citations for any violation.