Commercial Demolition and Make-Safe Checklist (Houston)
Demolition is usually the first visible step of a commercial project, and it sets the tone for everything after it. Done carefully, it clears a suite or a building for the new work with no surprises. Done in a rush, it can disturb asbestos, knock out a fire alarm for the whole building, cut a live line or leave a structure in an unsafe state.
This checklist covers both selective interior demolition, the kind that comes before most tenant improvements, and full building demolition in Houston. It also covers "make-safe" work, the steps that keep a property secure and hazard-free when a project pauses or a building sits vacant. It is general information, not legal, environmental or engineering advice. For the permit side of a typical interior project, see our guide to the buildout permit process in Houston.
Step 1: Define the type of demolition
Write down exactly what is coming out. Typical categories:
- Selective interior demolition: walls, ceilings, flooring, fixtures and finishes inside a suite, often as part of a tenant improvement.
- Partial structural demolition: openings in walls or floors, removal of a mezzanine or roof section, or part of a building.
- Full building demolition: removal of the entire structure.
The type drives which permits apply, how much engineering input is needed and how the site must be protected.
Step 2: Get an asbestos survey before anything is disturbed
In Texas, this is a legal requirement, not a nice-to-have. The state rule on asbestos management in public and commercial buildings (25 TAC 296.191) says that before any renovation or dismantling in a public building, commercial building or facility, including preparations for partial or complete demolition, the owner must have an asbestos survey performed. The survey has to cover the work area and the surrounding areas that could foreseeably be disturbed.
The Houston Permitting Center's Commercial Prerequisite Checklist (CE-1105) also lists an asbestos survey as required for modifications to existing buildings, so the survey is part of the permit package as well.
Step 3: File state notification on time
The Texas Department of State Health Services explains on its asbestos notifications page that notification is required before demolition of a building or facility even when no asbestos is present, and before renovation projects that disturb asbestos-containing material. DSHS says the notice must be made no less than 10 working days, not calendar days, before the start of demolition or abatement.
The state notification rule (25 TAC 296.251) adds that for commercial facilities that are not public buildings, renovation notice is required when the amount of regulated asbestos to be disturbed meets the federal NESHAP threshold of 160 square feet of surface area, 260 linear feet of pipe or 35 cubic feet of facility components. The EPA's asbestos NESHAP page explains the federal side. Put the notice date on the schedule, because demolition cannot start before it.
Step 4: Pull the right city permit
For full commercial demolition inside city limits, the city's Commercial Demolition Permit page (HPWCODE1159) says a permit is required to demolish any commercial structure or building. It lists a fee of $94.00 for the first story and $47.00 for each additional story, a $33.56 admin fee, a valid period of 180 days and a processing time of 1 business day. The page lists a building permit application, an asbestos report and a sewer disconnect permit with an approved inspection as what you need, and it notes that the Building Official must approve demolition of high-rise buildings.
The same page explains that before the demolition permit application, a master plumber registered with the city must buy a plumbing permit to disconnect all sewer and water lines serving the building, finish that work and have it inspected and approved. A final demolition inspection follows the work.
Selective interior demolition is typically covered under the buildout or remodel permit for the project rather than a standalone demolition permit, so confirm scope with the permit office.
Step 5: Disconnect and verify utilities
- Coordinate electric, gas, water and telecom disconnects with each utility and with the building owner.
- Confirm in the field that lines are dead before cutting, not just on paper.
- Label any lines that must stay live to serve other tenants.
- Cap and mark plumbing to prevent leaks into the space below.
In a multi-tenant building, a wrong cut can shut down neighbors. Walk the space with the building engineer before work begins.
Step 6: Protect fire alarm and sprinkler systems
Interior demolition often happens in buildings with active fire protection. Before removing ceilings or walls:
- Coordinate with the building and the fire alarm vendor to avoid false alarms from dust.
- Identify which sprinkler heads and alarm devices will be affected.
- Plan for any impairment, including notifying the monitoring company and arranging a fire watch where required.
- Restore protection at the end of each phase.
The city's fire protection systems application (Form CE-1047) covers permits for fire alarm and sprinkler work, which is permitted separately from the building work.
Step 7: Check structure before removing anything load-bearing
Not every wall is a partition. Before removing walls, columns, mezzanines or roof framing, get a structural review. Shoring may be needed during removal, and some changes require engineered drawings for the permit.
Step 8: Control dust, debris and access
- Isolate the work area with barriers and keep negative air where needed.
- Protect adjacent tenants, elevators and common corridors.
- Schedule debris hauling and dumpster placement with the property manager.
- Keep exits and fire lanes clear at all times.
- Restrict access so only trained workers enter the demolition zone.
Step 9: Make the site safe when work pauses
Projects stall, and buildings sit vacant between owners or tenants. A make-safe plan keeps the property secure:
- Secure doors, windows and openings against entry and weather.
- Cap utilities and remove trip hazards and loose debris.
- Keep fire protection active where the building remains in service.
- Put up signage and lighting where required.
- Inspect the site on a regular schedule and after storms.
Our hurricane prep checklist for Houston rental property covers storm steps that apply to vacant commercial buildings too.
Step 10: Document everything
Keep the asbestos survey, DSHS notification, permits, inspection results, utility disconnect confirmations and photos of conditions before and after demolition in one folder. That record helps the next phase of construction, insurance and any future sale.
Quick checklist
- Scope of demolition defined in writing
- Asbestos survey completed and on site
- DSHS notification filed in time, if required
- Correct city permit pulled
- Sewer and water disconnects done and inspected for full demolition
- Utilities verified dead and live lines labeled
- Fire protection impairments planned
- Structural review for load-bearing elements
- Dust, debris and access controls in place
- Make-safe plan for any pause
FAQ
Do I need an asbestos survey for a small interior demo?
In Texas, a survey is required before renovation or demolition in commercial buildings, regardless of size. Notification thresholds differ, but the survey requirement applies.
Does interior demolition need its own permit in Houston?
Usually interior demolition is part of the buildout or remodel permit. Full building demolition needs a commercial demolition permit.
Who files the DSHS notification?
The owner or operator, or an authorized agent. The rule makes the owner responsible for compliance.
Can demolition start the day the permit is issued?
Only if every other requirement, such as state notification timing and utility disconnects, is also met.
Planning commercial demolition or a make-safe in Houston? BPC Development LLC provides free on-site estimates in Houston, TX. Call (281) 301-4737.