Hollywood has a little of everything: 1920s houses near downtown and in Hollywood Lakes, mid-century block homes across the west side, big lots in Emerald Hills, and tight, zero-lot-line streets near the beach. The permit process is the same across the city, but the job on the ground can look very different from one neighborhood to the next.
The paperwork
What a Hollywood demolition permit usually involves
| Item | What it is | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| City of Hollywood permit | The demolition permit from the city's building department, signed by the contractor and the owner or the owner's agent. | An agent signing for the owner needs a notarized authorization from the owner. |
| Broward asbestos statement | The Statement of Responsibilities Regarding Asbestos, submitted through Broward County's ePermits. | Homes with four or fewer units use the simpler version. Commercial buildings and five or more units need a full survey and a notice at least 10 working days before work. |
| Utility disconnects | Electric, gas if there is any, and water service, each confirmed in writing. | Start these first. They usually take longer than anything else. |
| Sewer cap or septic abandonment | A plumbing permit to cap the sewer at the property line, or to abandon an old septic tank. | Plenty of older Hollywood homes still have septic tanks. |
| Refrigerant recovery | Proof that a certified technician recovered the refrigerant from the AC equipment. | Usually a letter from the licensed contractor who did it. |
| Survey and site protection | A current survey showing what's coming down, plus silt fencing, dust control and protection of the street and sidewalk where needed. | Your contractor sets these up before the first wall comes down. |
The city's current demolition checklist is the final word. Requirements change, so confirm with the City of Hollywood building department before applying.
Neighborhood by neighborhood
What changes across Hollywood
Hollywood Lakes and downtown
Some of the city's oldest homes. Expect older materials that need asbestos testing, possible septic tanks, and a closer look at whether the property has historic designation.
Hollywood Beach
Narrow lots, buildings close together, sand, salt air and limited parking for equipment and trucks. Hand work and smaller machines are common, and lots near the dune can involve extra coastal review.
Emerald Hills and the west side
Bigger lots and more room for equipment, but often large trees, pools and long driveways that add to the scope.
Canal and Intracoastal lots
Seawalls and docks need protecting, and debris has to stay out of the water. Plan where the excavator sits before work starts.
Before you start
Things to check first
Historic status
Hollywood has a Historic Preservation Board. If the property is designated or in a historic district, demolition needs its review on top of the permit, so ask early.
Flood zone
Much of Hollywood east of US-1 is in a flood zone. That doesn't stop a demolition, but it matters for what you can build next and how high.
What comes next
If you're building, line up the new plans so the lot doesn't sit empty. The closed demolition permit is usually what lets the new building permit move forward.
Related
Keep reading
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to demolish a house in Hollywood, FL?
Yes. Demolishing a house or building in Hollywood needs a permit from the City of Hollywood, along with Broward County's asbestos statement, utility disconnects, a sewer cap or septic abandonment permit, and proof of refrigerant recovery.
Who signs a Hollywood demolition permit application?
The contractor and the property owner, or the owner's agent. An agent signing for the owner needs a notarized authorization from the owner.
Does a Hollywood home need an asbestos survey before demolition?
Single-family homes and buildings with four or fewer units generally aren't subject to the federal asbestos demolition notice, but Broward County still requires its asbestos statement through ePermits. Commercial buildings and five or more units need a full survey and a notice at least 10 working days before work.
How long does a demolition take in Hollywood?
The demolition of a typical house usually takes a few days on site. The utility disconnects, county asbestos review and city permit review before it usually take a few weeks, so start the paperwork early.
Is Rosemont Ventures Group based in Hollywood?
Yes. We're a licensed Florida general contractor (CGC1541479) based in Hollywood, and we pull our own demolition permits with the city.
This article is general information. City of Hollywood and Broward County requirements change over time. Confirm the current demolition checklist with the City of Hollywood building department before applying.