Deconstruction Overview

Step 1.Submit Your Applications

Submit a demolition permit application through BuildSA as well as an application for demolition review through the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) application portal. We recommend completing these applications at the same time since some reviews in BuildSA take longer than others.

Per the Unified Development Code (UDC), staff have up to 30 days to review your request, though we aim to respond sooner.

Staff Verifies Build Dates

Once your OHP application for demolition review is complete, staff will verify the build date.

• If your property is not subject to the deconstruction ordinance, staff will release our approval in the OHP portal and clear OHP review on the demolition permit application.
• If your property requires deconstruction by ordinance, staff will:
  • release our approval in the OHP portal
  • share a Build Date Confirmation Form
  • provide further instructions by email
  • place a hold on your demolition permit application in BuildSA stating that a Pre-Deconstruction Form is required

Step 2.Pre-Deconstruction Form Review

Prior to the start of work, your certified deconstruction contractor must complete a Pre-Deconstruction Form. The form requires current color photos of the interior and exterior of the structure as well as photos highlighting the types of materials to be salvaged.

Once your Pre-Deconstruction Form is approved, OHP staff will clear our review of your demolition permit application in BuildSA with the condition that a Post-Deconstruction Form be submitted within 10 days of project completion.

Deconstruction may commence once all reviews are cleared on the permit application in BuildSA.

Step 3.Post-Deconstruction Form Review

The Post-Deconstruction Form may be updated before submission and must be completed within 10 days after deconstruction ends.

The Post-Deconstruction Form requires:

Progress and Salvage Documentation

• weekly progress photos during deconstruction
• itemized list, quantities and photos of salvaged materials
• estimated diversion rate (percentage of materials diverted from landfill)

Receipts and Weight Tickets

• receipts for sold or donated materials (if applicable)
• receipts or weight tickets for hazardous material disposal (if applicable)
• receipts or weight tickets for all disposed materials

Once the Post-Deconstruction Form is approved by staff, mechanical demolition of any remaining materials may begin.