08/06/2026
🏗️ 3 Things to Know Before Your Next Demolition Project in Raleigh
1. The city permit is only one part of the process.
For commercial and non-residential demolition, Raleigh requires a pre-demolition meeting to review hazardous material surveys, utility disconnects, areas of disturbance, the demolition plan, and the contractors involved. If the project affects the right-of-way, additional coordination and permits may also be required.
2. Asbestos compliance starts before demolition.
North Carolina requires demolition notifications to the Health Hazards Control Unit, even when no asbestos is found, at least 10 working days before demolition begins. If regulated asbestos-containing materials are present, they may need to be removed by properly accredited professionals before the structure comes down.
3. Your site has to be ready for the work, not just your building.
Utilities need to be properly identified and disconnected. In addition to utilities, access and equipment staging requires planning. After preparing your equipment and utilities, it is important to identify areas that are staying (ex. property corners, adjacent structures, sidewalks, trees, utilities, etc). If you're disturbing 12,000 square feet or more, Raleigh may also require mass grading approval before demolition.
At ACM Services Inc., we know the difference between simply tearing something down and properly preparing a site for what comes next.
