Demolition in Atherton.

From the Town of Atherton

• A demolition permit is required for the complete demolition of any structure, and may be required for partial demolitions of over 50% of the existing floor area.
• At application: the building permit application, a C&D recycling and waste calculation form, a COP plan with tree protection and a site plan, and fees and deposits.
• By ordinance there is a minimum waiting period of 10 working days between submittal and permit issuance.
• During that wait: a BAAQMD "J number" and letters from the utilities (electric, gas, sewer) confirming service is terminated.
• If the job includes a pool: a sewer district permit to drain it, or lab documentation of the chlorine level.
• Before issuance, the Town Arborist visits the site and a pre-demolition inspection checks the construction fencing. Building Department: (650) 752-0560.

How we help

• At the walk-through we tell you what paperwork your job is likely to need.
• We haul the debris on our own trucks, so one crew knows where every load went.
• We can usually start within 48 hours of your go-ahead. On permitted work the start date follows the permit.

Checked against the Town of Atherton's Demolition Permit Checklist (rev. March 2023) in October 2026. Rules and forms change, so confirm with the city before you plan around them.

Town of Atherton: demolition permit checklist