3826 AMHERST ST. WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TX 77005 | 713.662.5833 | INSPECTIONS@WESTUTX.GOV
PAGE 1 OF 2
INSPECTION REQUEST LINE 713.662.5805 | BEFORE 4:30 PM FOR NEXT DAY
Public Works Department
Development Services
BUILDING–DEMOLITION
CODE OF ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE II, SECTION 18-65
NOTES
• Complete copy of Chapter 18 is available in the Permit Ofce.
(a) Duty to Remove, Restore
It shall be the duty of each permittee on a demolition permit,
at the time required by this section:
1. To remove and properly dispose of each demolished
structure and all equipment, slab, beams, porches, rubble,
steps and other debris resulting from the work; and
2. Grade the surface of all the ground affected by the work
so that water will not accumulate and the ground can be
mowed with ordinary lawnmowers.
(b) Demolition of Principal Building
If a principal building is demolished, the permittee shall also
demolish all other structures on or appurtenant to the site
(including private driveways, sidewalks, curb cuts, etc., in the
adjoining street area) and remove, dispose, grade, etc., as
provided above. Exceptions:
1. This subsection does not apply to existing structures
that are proposed to be kept as accessory structures
for a new principal building, if: (i) they comply with
applicable regulations; (ii) a building permit for the new
building is issued at or before issuance of the demolition
permit; and (iii) the building is completed within the
time allowed by that permit. If a swimming pool or
similar impoundment is proposed to be kept under this
subsection, it must be fenced, covered and maintained
so that children cannot enter (and water cannot become
stagnant or breed insects).
2. This subsection does not apply to a driveway between
the curb and sidewalk in the street area, if the owner
of the site: (i) declares an intent to re-use them to begin
construction on a new principal building within one year;
and (ii) submits a written request for the city to remove
them (if not so re-used), together with a cash deposit to
cover the estimated cost of removal, plus 50 percent. The
conditions may specify methods of mitigation to be used.
(c) Notice, Completion, etc.
Demolition permittees shall notify the building ofcial before work
begins, shall prosecute the work diligently to completion and shall
complete the removal, disposal and grading on or before the tenth
day following the day work begins. It is an afrmative defense in
any proceeding to enforce this section that:
1. Inclement weather prevented completion and that
diligence was used to complete the work at the earliest
practicable time;
2. If work occurred before the start of such ten-day period,
it consisted of salvage operations only, it took place
completely inside a building (without any outdoor storage,
without any exterior changes on the site and without
disturbing any window, outside door or other external part
of the building), and it occurred during the term of the
demolition permit; or
3. If the entire structure(s) are to be "deconstructed", any
and all items with any possible re-use value will be
salvaged and removed from the site. The deconstruction
shall be prosecuted diligently and be completed 49
days from the issuance date of the demolition permit.
The site shall be completely enclosed with a six-foot-high
chain link fence with any access gates locked when
actual deconstruction work is not being performed. The
demolition permit shall state, at the time of submittal, that
deconstruction is being requested.
(ORD. NO. 1848, § 1(APP. A), 7-9-2007; ORD. NO. 1896, § 1,
5-11-2009; ORD. 1963, § 1(EXH. A), 10-22-2012)
DEMOLITION PERMIT REQUIREMENTS