I watched this story regarding a bank owned house fire in Vine City on WSB-TV this morning with great interest:
http://bcove.me/saeg6uit
The sheer number of such houses - vacant, unoccupied, in disrepair is staggering. I have witnessed this cycle - and to be brief it goes like this:
Bank ends up with house from foreclosure or Investor purchased 'investment' house years ago with the aim of obtaining rent/appreciation.
Over years, market for qualified renters becomes slim.
Investor/bank deals with thefts of copper, air conditioning and heat units, wiring, etc.
Now house definatly not rentable and investor/banker required to board up house.
Boarded up house gets broken into over and over by vagrants. Drug use, prostitution, illegal residency (no power and water services, mind you) and house becomes completely trashed.
Investor/banker calls my company to obtain demolition permit to erase this potential liability prone structure from the lot.
Demolition permit denied by the city of Atlanta.
House continued to be occupied by vagrants.
House burns down.
Why does the city deny these permits? Please look at link- which is a portion of the demolition application.http://www.atlantaga.gov/client_resources/government/planning/applications/demolition.pdf
The city will grant a permit if you provide either:
1.) A site plan stating you will build back a structure
2.) A letter from code enforcement stating the structure is 51% or more deteriorated.
I have seen these houses over and over again be rejected for the letter from code enforcement. It forces the investor to signature verify that he/she will build back a property in its place (just to have the mechanicals stolen again?) and that the razing of the structure will not cause "open space".
From my understading, this Dept. of Planning procedure is in effect, trying to deter demolition of real property due to the loss of the tax on the real property (which of course is more than the tax on a vacant parcel).
The danger to public health is so high with this procedure. The big picture is being missed here - and responsible investors/owners/bankers are at a loss as to how to proceed.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Industry News
In partnership with the National Demolition Association, Purdue University Press has released a new demolition textbook for those both in and aspiring to the demolition field.
The book, Demolition: Practices, Technology and Management, was written by Richard J Diven, a 40-year demolition vet with ICONCO and RJ Diven Consulting, LLC and Mark Shaurette, an assistant professor in Building Construction Management at Purdue University.
The topics covered in the book include modern demolition practices and regulations, estimating and contracts, safety, typical demolition equipment, debris handling and recycling, use of explosives, disaster response, and demolition project management.
Michael Taylor, executive director of the National Demolition Association (NDA), speaks highly of the book. “This is the first systematic presentation of means and methods that define exactly what modern demolition contractors do,” he says. The Association is offering the book for free with new membership.
To purchase the textbook, visit the Purdue University Press website at http://www.thepress.purdue.edu/ or the NDA website at www.demolitionassociation.com.
The book, Demolition: Practices, Technology and Management, was written by Richard J Diven, a 40-year demolition vet with ICONCO and RJ Diven Consulting, LLC and Mark Shaurette, an assistant professor in Building Construction Management at Purdue University.
The topics covered in the book include modern demolition practices and regulations, estimating and contracts, safety, typical demolition equipment, debris handling and recycling, use of explosives, disaster response, and demolition project management.
Michael Taylor, executive director of the National Demolition Association (NDA), speaks highly of the book. “This is the first systematic presentation of means and methods that define exactly what modern demolition contractors do,” he says. The Association is offering the book for free with new membership.
To purchase the textbook, visit the Purdue University Press website at http://www.thepress.purdue.edu/ or the NDA website at www.demolitionassociation.com.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Conduct Pre-Demolition Inspection
Conduct a pre-demolition inspection with a government inspector, if applicable to your jurisdiction. Prior to the inspection, you will typically post a copy of the site plan to scale on the property with the permit. Inspectors often ensure that erosion control fencing and tree save fencing are installed appropriately, asbestos has been properly removed and the house is properly secured prior to demolition.
This post is one in a series.
Top 10 Tips for Demolishing a House
- Allow Time for Permits
- Find an Insured Demolition Company
- Research Permits & Regulations
- Apply for Permits & Provide Fees
- Hazardous Material Inspections
- Contact Utilities for Disconnection
- Submit Paperwork to Georgia Environmental Protection
- Identify Components for Recycling
- Contact Erosion Control Company
- Conduct Pre-Demolition Inspection
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Contact Erosion Control Company
Local regulations may require contacting an erosion control company to ensure compliance. Erosion control involves services including the following.
- Silt fence installation
- Tree protection fences
- Seeding
- Straw distribution
- Slope matting
- Storm drain inlet protection
This post is one in a series.
Top 10 Tips for Demolishing a House
- Allow Time for Permits
- Find an Insured Demolition Company
- Research Permits & Regulations
- Apply for Permits & Provide Fees
- Hazardous Material Inspections
- Contact Utilities for Disconnection
- Submit Paperwork to Georgia Environmental Protection
- Identify Components for Recycling
- Contact Erosion Control Company
- Conduct Pre-Demolition Inspection
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Identify Components for Recycling
As part of your demolition, you should identify components that can be diverted from the landfill--to be recycled, repurposed, or deconstructed.
Deconstruction is a relatively new approach to demolition that minimizes materials going to landfills. It involves removing materials by type of material and putting them aside for reuse or recycling. With rising labor costs, this method may not be as cost-efficient as traditional demolition, however it is more environmentally sound and sustainable, long-term.
A routine single family dwelling might yield the following materials that are suitable for recycling or reuse.
Deconstruction is a relatively new approach to demolition that minimizes materials going to landfills. It involves removing materials by type of material and putting them aside for reuse or recycling. With rising labor costs, this method may not be as cost-efficient as traditional demolition, however it is more environmentally sound and sustainable, long-term.
A routine single family dwelling might yield the following materials that are suitable for recycling or reuse.
- Antique bricks
- Historic doors
- Aluminum siding and gutters
- Copper tubing
- Flooring
- Architectural elements
- Landscape items
- Concrete
This post is one in a series.
Top 10 Tips for Demolishing a House
- Allow Time for Permits
- Find an Insured Demolition Company
- Research Permits & Regulations
- Apply for Permits & Provide Fees
- Hazardous Material Inspections
- Contact Utilities for Disconnection
- Submit Paperwork to Georgia Environmental Protection
- Identify Components for Recycling
- Contact Erosion Control Company
- Conduct Pre-Demolition Inspection
Friday, June 25, 2010
Submit Paperwork to Georgia Environmental Protection
Your demolition may require submittal of a Project Notification Form to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. If the demo involves asbestos, notification must take place prior to asbestos removal. Normally, there is a ten business day waiting period required prior to handling asbestos or wrecking.
This post is one in a series.
Top 10 Tips for Demolishing a House
- Allow Time for Permits
- Find an Insured Demolition Company
- Research Permits & Regulations
- Apply for Permits & Provide Fees
- Hazardous Material Inspections
- Contact Utilities for Disconnection
- Submit Paperwork to Georgia Environmental Protection
- Identify Components for Recycling
- Contact Erosion Control Company
- Conduct Pre-Demolition Inspection
Monday, June 21, 2010
Contact Utilities for Disconnection
Various utilities must be contacted to properly disconnect service from the structure to be demolished. Municipalities often require that you provide verification in writing that each utility has been disconnected, including:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water and sewer
- Telephone
- Cable
- Other
This post is one in a series.
Top 10 Tips for Demolishing a House
- Allow Time for Permits
- Find an Insured Demolition Company
- Research Permits & Regulations
- Apply for Permits & Provide Fees
- Hazardous Material Inspections
- Contact Utilities for Disconnection
- Submit Paperwork to Georgia Environmental Protection
- Identify Components for Recycling
- Contact Erosion Control Company
- Conduct Pre-Demolition Inspection
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Hazardous Material Inspections
Get inspected for asbestos, wells, septic tanks, rodents and other potential hazardous situations.
Our accredited inspectors can determine if asbestos is present in your home. In planning a demolition, renovation or are suspicious of a product in your home, contact our inspectors to arrange and inspection. If asbestos does exist in a house that is scheduled for demolition, it most likely needs to be removed by a licensed asbestos abatement company. Companies like Southern Demolition and Environmental know how to minimize airborne fibers to reduce risk to you and your neighbors. In addition, measure are taken to ensure adherence to the Georgia Solid Waste Act.
Asbestos Removal
Older homes typically include asbestos in flooring products, HVAC ductwork, shingles, pipe insulation, exterior siding and floor tiles. Asbestos becomes dangerous when it gets disturbed during a demolition. Due to the size and it’s physical characteristics, asbestos fibers may become trapped in the lungs, causing inflammation over time. This can lead to breathing problems and increase the risk of asbestosis and various types of lung cancer.Our accredited inspectors can determine if asbestos is present in your home. In planning a demolition, renovation or are suspicious of a product in your home, contact our inspectors to arrange and inspection. If asbestos does exist in a house that is scheduled for demolition, it most likely needs to be removed by a licensed asbestos abatement company. Companies like Southern Demolition and Environmental know how to minimize airborne fibers to reduce risk to you and your neighbors. In addition, measure are taken to ensure adherence to the Georgia Solid Waste Act.
Other Hazardous Materials
Many houses build before 1978 contain lead-based paint. Before demolishing a house with a septic tank, you must remove or fill the tank to avoid a health hazard. Also, you should have your house inspected for rodents prior to demolition.This post is one in a series.
Top 10 Tips for Demolishing a House
- Allow Time for Permits
- Find an Insured Demolition Company
- Research Permits & Regulations
- Apply for Permits & Provide Fees
- Hazardous Material Inspections
- Contact Utilities for Disconnection
- Submit Paperwork to Georgia Environmental Protection
- Identify Components for Recycling
- Contact Erosion Control Company
- Conduct Pre-Demolition Inspection
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Apply for Permits and Provide Fees
Verify the entities that might have to approve your demolition. Obtaining a demolition permit in Georgia might require contacting the following entities:
Within the metro Atlanta area, municipalities often require having a registered surveyor or engineer prepare a site plan that indicates the building or house to be demolished, accessory structures, the septic tank (if any), trees to be removed, trees to be protected, erosion control measures and tree save fencing. Often, site plan reviewers will add notations that need to be added to the site plan for approval. Our relationships with our surveyors and engineers allow us to obtain a survey quickly and cost effectively.
When Southern Demolition and Environmental secures a demolition permit for a homeowner, builder or investor, we act as expeditiously as possible to engage the vendors required to make submission of application as seamless as possible. Turnaround times for various permit offices vary. Some permit offices, such as Cobb County, City of Lawrenceville and Fulton County can process demolition permits in as little as one day. Other permit offices, such as City of Sandy Springs, City of East Point, DeKalb County, Athens-Clarke County and City of Atlanta can take substantially more time and have more stringent requirements relative to the demolition permit application.
The City of Atlanta routes demolition applications and site plans through Site Development, in addition to the Planning Department, Arborist and Zoning (thus, the cost for demolition permit has increased). Before Nov 1st, 2009, one could get a demolition permit in one day. Now the turnaround time for approval can be as much as 10 business days - or more. It is important to submit multiple copies of site plans (nine are currently required, but have more prepared to be on the safe side). Also, be aware that the Department of Planning is not open to the public five days a week. Check with their schedule before planning to apply for the permit. They do take appointments, however, and it is recommended to make one in advance, should you seek to speak to a city planner.
- State of Georgia
- Municipality
- Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU)
- Condo or homeowner's association
- Historic preservation board
Within the metro Atlanta area, municipalities often require having a registered surveyor or engineer prepare a site plan that indicates the building or house to be demolished, accessory structures, the septic tank (if any), trees to be removed, trees to be protected, erosion control measures and tree save fencing. Often, site plan reviewers will add notations that need to be added to the site plan for approval. Our relationships with our surveyors and engineers allow us to obtain a survey quickly and cost effectively.
When Southern Demolition and Environmental secures a demolition permit for a homeowner, builder or investor, we act as expeditiously as possible to engage the vendors required to make submission of application as seamless as possible. Turnaround times for various permit offices vary. Some permit offices, such as Cobb County, City of Lawrenceville and Fulton County can process demolition permits in as little as one day. Other permit offices, such as City of Sandy Springs, City of East Point, DeKalb County, Athens-Clarke County and City of Atlanta can take substantially more time and have more stringent requirements relative to the demolition permit application.
The City of Atlanta routes demolition applications and site plans through Site Development, in addition to the Planning Department, Arborist and Zoning (thus, the cost for demolition permit has increased). Before Nov 1st, 2009, one could get a demolition permit in one day. Now the turnaround time for approval can be as much as 10 business days - or more. It is important to submit multiple copies of site plans (nine are currently required, but have more prepared to be on the safe side). Also, be aware that the Department of Planning is not open to the public five days a week. Check with their schedule before planning to apply for the permit. They do take appointments, however, and it is recommended to make one in advance, should you seek to speak to a city planner.
This post is one in a series.
Top 10 Tips for Demolishing a House
- Allow Time for Permits
- Find an Insured Demolition Company
- Research Permits & Regulations
- Apply for Permits & Provide Fees
- Hazardous Material Inspections
- Contact Utilities for Disconnection
- Submit Paperwork to Georgia Environmental Protection
- Identify Components for Recycling
- Contact Erosion Control Company
- Conduct Pre-Demolition Inspection
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Research Permits and Regulations
If your building is covered by a condo or homeowner's association, you will have to earn approval of that entity as well. Some homeowner's associations have restrictions on the hours during which demolitions may take place. Others prohibit the placement of dumpsters on site, and that means more expensive disposal on a daily basis.
If your building is located in a historic district, you may require the approval of a historic preservation board.
Homeowners have been fined hundreds of dollars for demolishing a house without a permit.
If you hire a demolition company, you should include the demolition permit cost in your contract.
This post is one in a series.
Top 10 Tips for Demolishing a House
- Allow Time for Permits
- Find an Insured Demolition Company
- Research Permits & Regulations
- Apply for Permits & Provide Fees
- Hazardous Material Inspections
- Contact Utilities for Disconnection
- Submit Paperwork to Georgia Environmental Protection
- Identify Components for Recycling
- Contact Erosion Control Company
- Conduct Pre-Demolition Inspection
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Find an Insured Demolition Company
Sign a written contract with an insured demolition company. Ask to see proof of any relevant insurance documents and certifications. In addition to being underwritten by a top rated insurance carrier, Southern Demolition and Environmental has earned the following certifications and licenses.
DBE – MARTA
FBE – Fulton County
FBE – City of Atlanta
CCR – Registered Contractor
City of Atlanta Business License
AHERA Accredited Asbestos Inspectors
Licensed Asbestos Abatement Supervisors
OSHA Competent Operators
Certifications
DBE – Georgia Department of TransportationDBE – MARTA
FBE – Fulton County
FBE – City of Atlanta
CCR – Registered Contractor
Licenses
Licensed Georgia Asbestos Abatement ContractorCity of Atlanta Business License
AHERA Accredited Asbestos Inspectors
Licensed Asbestos Abatement Supervisors
OSHA Competent Operators
Familiarity with Local Codes
The National Building Code provides guidelines for demolitions, but many local municipalities have their own code. Ensure you find a contractor familiar with local regulations.This post is one in a series.
Top 10 Tips for Demolishing a House
- Allow Time for Permits
- Find an Insured Demolition Company
- Research Permits & Regulations
- Apply for Permits & Provide Fees
- Hazardous Material Inspections
- Contact Utilities for Disconnection
- Submit Paperwork to Georgia Environmental Protection
- Identify Components for Recycling
- Contact Erosion Control Company
- Conduct Pre-Demolition Inspection
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Allow Time for Permits
Allow enough time for permits and compliance with regulatory agencies. Obtaining a demolition permit in Georgia might require contacting the following entities:
- State of Georgia
- Municipality
- Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU)
- Condo or homeowner's association
- Historic preservation board
Each of these associations has its own rules and procedures.
City and County demolition permits can take anywhere from one hour to one month or longer for plan review and for issuance. Some municipalities require pre and/or post inspections to finalize the permit. In addition, the EPD requires a 10 business day notification prior to demolition.
This post is one in a series.
Top 10 Tips for Demolishing a House
- Allow Time for Permits
- Find an Insured Demolition Company
- Research Permits & Regulations
- Apply for Permits & Provide Fees
- Hazardous Material Inspections
- Contact Utilities for Disconnection
- Submit Paperwork to Georgia Environmental Protection
- Identify Components for Recycling
- Contact Erosion Control Company
- Conduct Pre-Demolition Inspection
Friday, May 28, 2010
Top 10 Tips for Demolishing a House
Demolishing a single family dwelling can take only a day or two with the right expertise and equipment.
When most people think of "demolition," they conjure up images of a giant wrecking ball taking down an office tower. However, many demo jobs simply involve tearing down a single family house, a dilapidated detached garage, or similar structure.
People demolish houses for any number of reasons, including:
- Obsolescence – the house is no longer viable as a dwelling
- Financial - removing the house could make the land more attractive for potential resale and/or reduce the owner’s property tax liability and liability
- Development – builders, developers, and owners build speculative homes or custom homes on land that is currently occupied with a dwelling
- Condemnation – The local Code Enforcement Agency may be levying fines against you for a dilapidated dwelling.
If you do choose to select a demolition professional to complete your demolition project, we hope you'll consider hiring Southern Demolition and Environmental. We will take these 10 steps and reduce them to one decision – the selection of our organization for turnkey demolition services.
We will post a new tip every four days over the next month. Check back for more updates!
Top 10 Tips for Demolishing a House
- Allow Time for Permits (June 1)
- Find an Insured Demolition Company (June 5)
- Research Permits & Regulations (June 9)
- Apply for Permits & Provide Fees (June 13)
- Hazardous Material Inspections (June 17)
- Contact Utilities for Disconnection (June 21)
- Submit Paperwork to Georgia Environmental Protection (June 25)
- Identify Components for Recycling (June 29)
- Contact Erosion Control Company (July 6)
- Conduct Pre-Demolition Inspection (July 10)
Thursday, April 8, 2010
The City of Blight remains........
This link is to an article, the "City of Blight", which recently appeared in The Creative Loafing:
http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/city_of_blight/Content?oid=1407087
The article further refers to an organization known as the "Dirty Truth". Check out the website at http://www.dirytruth.org/. There are some staggering statistics relative to NPU-V - neighborhoods including Summerhill, Peoplestown, Adair Park, and Pittsburg. According to the website, in 2007, there were 1296 vacant or unoccupied lots in NPU-V, which represented 42% of all properties.
Neither source names demolition as an answer to fighting some of these properties that are blighted, vacant, and harboring illegal activities. Many of these homes are antiquated, obsolete, and "not worth" rehab (in my humble opinion). The lack of energy efficiency, electrical issues, plumbing issues, and structural integrity make some properties so costly to rehab and retrofit, it would seem that constructing new would be more practical. However, this doesn't seem like the most reasonable alternative.
Why don't city planners look at the long term ramifications of perpetuating the ideal of "single family residential" houses in neighborhoods that can't stabilize them from within? Why are we having to pour federal tax dollars into the "Neighborhood Stabilization Program" which repairs and renovates some of these obsolete structures? Wouldn't anyone interested in urban planning see the benefits of promoting multifamily options in these neighborhoods of blight? These neighborhoods are in such close proximity to downtown Atlanta - why not encourage demolition, the creation of green spaces and attract developers that can offer housing options more reflective of new urbanistic characteristics.
At the very least, the city of Atlanta should permit owners of these properties the ability to demolish their own properties. Currently, unless the owner submits plans and has the intention to rebuild a single family residence, the owner will be denied a demolition permit. Only if the Department of Code Compliance issues a letter stating that the structure is over 51% deteriorated, can an owner raze his property without having to rebuild in its place.
One street that particularly stands out in my mind is Spencer Street off of Lowery Blvd. Check it out. Based on my drive-by experiences, it appeared that approximately 75% of the houses were boarded, vacant and/or extensively fire damaged. Even the church at the corner was boarded up! What a sight to see. In my mind, I see acres of green space where eventually an environmentally responsible developer can see potential for offering clean, safe, efficient housing, within choice proximity to our city.
The above photo is an example of an obsolete, boarded up, not-so-vacant house in Southwest Atlanta on Cohen Street. Moments before the photo was taken, people were seen coming and going from the door. I didn't think anything of it, until I realized that all the windows were boarded up. If I was the owner, and I wanted to demolish this house, and Code Enforcement wouldn't deem it 51% deteriorated, and I didn't have plans to rebuild a single family house on the parcel, I would not be issued a permit to demolish it!
http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/city_of_blight/Content?oid=1407087
The article further refers to an organization known as the "Dirty Truth". Check out the website at http://www.dirytruth.org/. There are some staggering statistics relative to NPU-V - neighborhoods including Summerhill, Peoplestown, Adair Park, and Pittsburg. According to the website, in 2007, there were 1296 vacant or unoccupied lots in NPU-V, which represented 42% of all properties.
Neither source names demolition as an answer to fighting some of these properties that are blighted, vacant, and harboring illegal activities. Many of these homes are antiquated, obsolete, and "not worth" rehab (in my humble opinion). The lack of energy efficiency, electrical issues, plumbing issues, and structural integrity make some properties so costly to rehab and retrofit, it would seem that constructing new would be more practical. However, this doesn't seem like the most reasonable alternative.
Why don't city planners look at the long term ramifications of perpetuating the ideal of "single family residential" houses in neighborhoods that can't stabilize them from within? Why are we having to pour federal tax dollars into the "Neighborhood Stabilization Program" which repairs and renovates some of these obsolete structures? Wouldn't anyone interested in urban planning see the benefits of promoting multifamily options in these neighborhoods of blight? These neighborhoods are in such close proximity to downtown Atlanta - why not encourage demolition, the creation of green spaces and attract developers that can offer housing options more reflective of new urbanistic characteristics.
At the very least, the city of Atlanta should permit owners of these properties the ability to demolish their own properties. Currently, unless the owner submits plans and has the intention to rebuild a single family residence, the owner will be denied a demolition permit. Only if the Department of Code Compliance issues a letter stating that the structure is over 51% deteriorated, can an owner raze his property without having to rebuild in its place.
One street that particularly stands out in my mind is Spencer Street off of Lowery Blvd. Check it out. Based on my drive-by experiences, it appeared that approximately 75% of the houses were boarded, vacant and/or extensively fire damaged. Even the church at the corner was boarded up! What a sight to see. In my mind, I see acres of green space where eventually an environmentally responsible developer can see potential for offering clean, safe, efficient housing, within choice proximity to our city.
The above photo is an example of an obsolete, boarded up, not-so-vacant house in Southwest Atlanta on Cohen Street. Moments before the photo was taken, people were seen coming and going from the door. I didn't think anything of it, until I realized that all the windows were boarded up. If I was the owner, and I wanted to demolish this house, and Code Enforcement wouldn't deem it 51% deteriorated, and I didn't have plans to rebuild a single family house on the parcel, I would not be issued a permit to demolish it!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Help! I need to get a demolition permit.........Tips and Advice
Whether you are obtaining a demolition permit in the City of Atlanta, City of Sandy Springs, or elsewhere in the metro Atlanta area, it is often a requirement to have a registered surveyor prepare a site plan that indicates the building or house to be demolished, accessory structures, the septic tank (if any), trees to be removed, trees to be protected, erosion control measures, and tree save fencing. Often, site plan reviewers will add notations that need to be added to the site plan for approval. Our relationships with our surveyors allow us to obtain a survey quickly, and cost effectively.
When Southern Demolition and Environmental secures a demolition permit for a homeowner, builder or investor, we act as expeditiously as possible to engage the vendors required to make submission of application as seamless as possible. Turnaround times for various permit offices vary. Some permit offices, such as Cobb County, City of Lawrenceville, and Fulton County can process demolition permits in as little as one day. Other permit offices, such as City of Sandy Springs, City of East Point, Dekalb County Athens-Clarke County and City of Atlanta can take substantially more time and have more stringent requirements.
The City of Atlanta now sends demolition applications and site plans through Site Development, in addition to the Planning Department, Arborist and Zoning (thus, the cost for demolition permit has increased). Before Nov 1st, 2009, one could get a demolition permit in one day. Now the turnaround time for approval can be as much as 10 business days - or more. It is important to submit multiple copies of site plans (nine are currently required, but have more prepared to be on the safe side). Also, be aware that the Department of Planning is not open to the public five days a week. Check with their schedule before planning to apply for the permit. They do take appointments, however, and it is recommended to make one in advance, should you seek to speak to a city planner.
If your property is cited by the code enforcement agency of your jurisdiction, and you are required to demolish your property, please contact the qualified personnel at Southern Demolition and Environmental at 404-931-1173. Our expertise in permit acquisition has saved our clients thousands of dollars in potential fines from code enforcement agencies.
When Southern Demolition and Environmental secures a demolition permit for a homeowner, builder or investor, we act as expeditiously as possible to engage the vendors required to make submission of application as seamless as possible. Turnaround times for various permit offices vary. Some permit offices, such as Cobb County, City of Lawrenceville, and Fulton County can process demolition permits in as little as one day. Other permit offices, such as City of Sandy Springs, City of East Point, Dekalb County Athens-Clarke County and City of Atlanta can take substantially more time and have more stringent requirements.
The City of Atlanta now sends demolition applications and site plans through Site Development, in addition to the Planning Department, Arborist and Zoning (thus, the cost for demolition permit has increased). Before Nov 1st, 2009, one could get a demolition permit in one day. Now the turnaround time for approval can be as much as 10 business days - or more. It is important to submit multiple copies of site plans (nine are currently required, but have more prepared to be on the safe side). Also, be aware that the Department of Planning is not open to the public five days a week. Check with their schedule before planning to apply for the permit. They do take appointments, however, and it is recommended to make one in advance, should you seek to speak to a city planner.
If your property is cited by the code enforcement agency of your jurisdiction, and you are required to demolish your property, please contact the qualified personnel at Southern Demolition and Environmental at 404-931-1173. Our expertise in permit acquisition has saved our clients thousands of dollars in potential fines from code enforcement agencies.
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