This is another followup in the multi part series (last update was July 2018) on how to get a demolition permit in Calgary. Without repeating that post, I discussed how much better and easier it was to be able to apply from home, at any time, for a demolition permit. The old process often required multiple trips to city hall and was tremendously time consuming for the applicant. As a frequent applicant, I was frustrated with how much time was spent on incessantly paper intensive document work just to get the utilities cut off and the permit applied for. As confusing as the process was to me, at least I could navigate it, it was easy to see how opaque the task would be for a first time applicant.

With my current demo application underway I was pleased to discover the city has now improved the process again, and changed the security payment rules. This is a $4250 fee to get the water shutoff approval and appointment for the meter removal. Previously the applicant had to go to the bank and get a draft, then travel to city hall and wait in an often long line to hand over the draft. This was easily a two hour ordeal that I found absolutely demoralizing, smacking myself in the head with my hammer compared favourably to dealing with that task. The city has now created a process called the Water EPay, which allows a builder to register and submit payment online. It was very easy to do and along with the full online submission I can finish everything on my computer, after hours, without ever visiting downtown. What a time and frustration saving improvement. Once I get the asbestos testing and gas line shut off in a couple weeks, my permit will issued without my ever needing to travel further than the job site (which is a couple blocks from my home and office). So thanks city you have actually achieved a meaningful red tape regulatory improvement. Any small improvement does contribute to productivity and lowers the cost of rebuilding the inner city.