House Demolition Permits in Concord, Walnut Creek & Contra Costa County

Planning a house demolition in Concord, Walnut Creek, or anywhere in Contra Costa County? You’ll need a demolition permit before a single wall comes down. This guide covers exactly what permits are required, how long they take, and what they cost in the cities we serve most.

Why House Demolition Permits Are Required

Demolition permits exist to protect you and your community. Before a structure is demolished, the city needs to confirm:

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• Utilities are properly disconnected (gas, electric, water, sewer)
• Hazardous materials like asbestos and lead paint have been assessed and properly handled
• The demolition plan meets safety standards for adjacent structures and public rights-of-way
• Debris disposal is handled properly per California regulations

Permit Requirements by City: Contra Costa County Area

Concord, CA

• Permit required: Yes, from the City of Concord Building Division
• Processing time: 2–4 weeks (over-the-counter for smaller residential structures)
• Fee: Typically $300–$800 depending on structure size and valuation
• Asbestos survey: Required for structures built before 1980
• Utility disconnect letters: Required from PG&E, CCWD, and Concord city sewer before permit issuance

Walnut Creek, CA

• Permit required: Yes, from the City of Walnut Creek Community Development
• Processing time: 3–6 weeks (Walnut Creek reviews have increased with development activity)
• Fee: $400–$1,200 for residential structures
• Additional requirements: Neighbor notification may be required for structures within 5 feet of property lines

Unincorporated Contra Costa County

• Permit required: Yes, from the Contra Costa County Building Inspection Division
• Processing time: 3–5 weeks
• Fee: $400–$1,000 depending on square footage
• Areas covered: Bay Point, Pacheco, Clyde, Vine Hill, and other unincorporated areas

The Demolition Permit Process Step by Step

1. Hire a licensed contractor: California requires a licensed contractor (verify at California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)) for demolition projects over $500
2. Asbestos and lead assessment: Required for pre-1980 structures; certified inspector performs sampling
3. Utility disconnections: Schedule PG&E, water, and sewer disconnections (allow 1–3 weeks)
4. Submit permit application: Contractor submits plans and utility disconnect confirmation letters
5. Permit issuance and demolition: Demolition can begin once permit is approved and posted on site
6. Final inspection: Inspector verifies clean demolition and proper site condition

How Quartz Construction Handles Permits

Quartz Construction manages the entire permit process for our clients in Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Clayton, and all of Contra Costa County. We submit the application, coordinate utility disconnects, schedule the required inspections, and handle all paperwork — you simply approve the scope and we take it from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does a house demolition permit take in Concord?

A: In Concord, residential demolition permits typically take 2–4 weeks. We submit the permit application as soon as utility disconnect letters are in hand, which we help you schedule.

Q: Do I need an asbestos test before demolition in Walnut Creek?

A: Yes. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) requires an asbestos survey for structures built before 1980 before any demolition can proceed. If asbestos is found, it must be abated by a licensed asbestos contractor before demolition.

Q: Who pays for the demolition permit?

A: The permit fee is typically included in the demolition contractor’s quote. Quartz Construction includes permit fees in our all-in price — no hidden costs.

Q: Can I demolish a house without a permit?

A: No. Unpermitted demolition in California is illegal and can result in fines, stop-work orders, and liability for any damage or injury. All demolition projects require permits.

California requires a CSLB license for any demolition project over $500. Verify contractor credentials at the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to get a demolition permit in Concord vs. Walnut Creek?

A: Concord processes residential demolition permits over-the-counter in about 2-4 weeks, while Walnut Creek takes 3-6 weeks since review times have increased with development activity. Unincorporated Contra Costa County areas like Bay Point, Pacheco, Clyde, and Vine Hill typically take 3-5 weeks through the County Building Inspection Division.

Q: How much does a house demolition permit cost in Contra Costa County?

A: Fees vary by city and structure size: Concord runs about $300-$800, Walnut Creek runs $400-$1,200 for residential structures, and unincorporated county areas run $400-$1,000 depending on square footage.

Q: Do I need an asbestos survey before demolishing a house?

A: Yes, an asbestos survey is required for any structure built before 1980, and a certified inspector must perform sampling as part of the assessment. This step happens early in the process, before utility disconnections and permit submission.

Q: What steps happen before a demolition permit is issued?

A: You first need to hire a licensed contractor (required by California for demolition projects over $500), complete the asbestos and lead assessment, and schedule utility disconnections for gas, water, and sewer (allow 1-3 weeks). Once the contractor submits the permit application with utility disconnect confirmation letters, the permit is issued and posted before demolition can begin, followed by a final inspection.