Montgomery County Demolition Permit Requirements by Project Type
Permit requirements vary by municipality within Montgomery County. The table below reflects general requirements — always verify with your specific township before starting work. APES Demolitions can confirm requirements for your exact location.
| Type of Demolition Work | Permit Required? |
|---|---|
| Garage demolition (detached) | Yes |
| Garage demolition (attached) | Yes |
| Deck demolition | Usually No |
| Shed demolition (under 200 sq ft) | Usually No |
| Shed demolition (over 200 sq ft) | Yes |
| Interior demolition (walls) | Yes (if structural) |
| Interior demolition (non-structural) | Usually No |
| Bathroom/kitchen demolition | Depends |
| Pool demolition | Yes |
| Full structure demolition | Yes |
* Requirements vary by municipality. This table reflects general Montgomery County guidelines. Always confirm with your specific township.
Why Demolition Permits Matter (And What Happens Without One)
Skipping a required demolition permit might seem like a way to save time and money, but the risks far outweigh any short-term convenience. Here's what can happen if you demolish without a required permit in Montgomery County:
Risks of No Permit
- Stop-work orders that halt your entire project
- Fines from $500 to $5,000 or more
- Required to restore demolished structure at your expense
- Complications when selling your home (title issues)
- Homeowner's insurance may deny claims
- Liability if utility lines are damaged
Benefits of Proper Permits
- Legal protection for you and your contractor
- Inspections ensure work is done safely
- Clean title when you sell your property
- Insurance coverage maintained
- Utility disconnections handled properly
- Peace of mind throughout the project
How Does APES Demolitions Handle Permits?
Dealing with township permit offices can be time-consuming and confusing. APES Demolitions handles the entire permit process for our clients so you don't have to:
- 1
Site Assessment
We visit your property and determine exactly what permits are required for your specific project and municipality.
- 2
Application Preparation
We prepare all required documentation including site plans, project descriptions, and contractor information.
- 3
Township Submission
We submit the permit application to your township and follow up to ensure timely processing.
- 4
Utility Notifications
We contact PA One Call (811) to mark underground utilities before any demolition begins.
- 5
Inspections
We coordinate any required inspections with the township inspector before, during, and after demolition.
- 6
Final Closeout
We ensure the permit is properly closed out after work is complete, giving you a clean record.
Permit Requirements by Municipality in Montgomery County
Montgomery County has 62 municipalities, each with their own zoning and building codes. Here's a quick reference for the areas we most commonly serve:
King of Prussia / Upper Merion Township
Permits required for all structural demolition. Building department: (610) 265-1500. Processing time: 1–2 weeks.
Norristown
Permits required for garage, shed (over 200 sq ft), and structural demolition. Building department: (610) 272-5900. Processing time: 1–3 weeks.
Conshohocken
Permits required for all demolition work. Borough building department handles permits. Processing time: 1–2 weeks.
Wayne / Radnor Township
Permits required for structural demolition. Radnor Township Building Department: (610) 688-5200. Processing time: 2–3 weeks.
Collegeville
Permits required for garage and structural demolition. Borough office handles permits. Processing time: 1–2 weeks.
Phoenixville
Permits required for all demolition. Borough building department: (610) 933-8801. Processing time: 1–3 weeks.
* Contact information and processing times are approximate and subject to change. APES Demolitions verifies current requirements for every project.
Demolition Permit FAQs for Montgomery County PA
Do you need a permit to demolish a garage in Montgomery County PA?
Yes, in most Montgomery County municipalities you need a demolition permit to tear down a garage — whether it's detached or attached to your home. Permit fees typically range from $75 to $300. APES Demolitions handles the permit application as part of our garage demolition service.
Do you need a permit to demolish a deck in Pennsylvania?
In most Pennsylvania municipalities, you do not need a permit to remove a deck — only to build one. However, some Montgomery County townships may require a permit if the deck is attached to the house or over a certain size. We always verify requirements for your specific township before starting work.
How much does a demolition permit cost in Montgomery County?
Demolition permit fees in Montgomery County PA typically range from $75 to $300 for residential projects, depending on the municipality and scope of work. Larger commercial demolition permits can cost more. APES Demolitions passes permit fees through at cost — no markup.
Does APES Demolitions pull permits for their work?
Yes. APES Demolitions handles the entire permit process for all permitted demolition projects. We submit applications, coordinate with township building departments, arrange utility markings through PA One Call (811), and coordinate inspections. You don't have to deal with the township yourself.
What is PA One Call (811) and why is it required before demolition?
PA One Call (811) is Pennsylvania's free utility marking service. Before any excavation or demolition, contractors are legally required to call 811 at least 3 business days in advance so utility companies can mark underground lines (gas, electric, water, sewer, telecom). This prevents dangerous utility strikes during demolition. APES Demolitions always calls 811 before every project.
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