Westchester House Demolition Checklist: Permits, Utilities, Asbestos and 811

13 Oct Westchester House Demolition Checklist: Permits, Utilities, Asbestos and 811

Before a house can be demolished in Westchester County you need five things in place: an asbestos survey, the utility companies’ confirmation that gas and electric are cut off, the local water and sewer disconnections, a demolition permit from your town or city, and a UDig NY (811) location request at least two working days before work starts. The exact paperwork varies by municipality, so this checklist quotes the official requirements for White Plains and Greenburgh as worked examples and links every source.

The checklist at a glance

Step 1: Do I need an asbestos survey?

Yes. The NYS Department of Labor states that asbestos “surveys are required for all demolitions… regardless of construction date,” carried out by “a certified New York State Asbestos Inspector.” A copy goes to the office issuing your demolition permit and to the Department of Labor. With 76.0% of Westchester homes built before 1980 (U.S. Census Bureau), asbestos is found often. Full details are in Do you need an asbestos survey before demolition in New York?

Step 2 and 3: How do I get Con Edison to disconnect gas and electric?

Con Edison serves much of Westchester. If another utility serves your address, ask it for the equivalent confirmation. Con Edison’s service guide sets out the order:

• “Close all Con Edison billing accounts associated with the property. Obtain a notarized letter from the property owner requesting the removal of Con Edison services.” In Westchester, include the property’s SBL or Print Key (the tax map parcel number).
• “After all services have been disconnected in the street, the Energy Services Department will provide a confirmation letter.”
• If the status of a service is unclear, Con Edison “may issue a Gas Investigate Work Request… before demolition work can proceed.”

That confirmation letter is what your building department asks for. White Plains, for example, requires you to “Submit approvals from Consolidated Edison Company that gas and electric have been disconnected.” Con Edison does not publish a fixed timeline, so start this step early.

Step 4: Who disconnects water and sewer?

Your local water and public works departments, usually with a licensed plumber filing the permit. Two examples:

• White Plains: “Submit approvals from the Department of Public Works, for sewer and water disconnections,” and a “Licensed Electrician to file for permit to disconnect.”
• Greenburgh: a “Plumbing permit for the disconnect of gas, water and sewer lines” and a “Letter from Greenburgh Water Department stating water service has been disconnected and meter has been removed.”

Step 5: What does a Westchester demolition permit application ask for?

Each municipality has its own form. Here is what two of them list:

A requirement that is “not listed” on one form may still apply through state law, as the asbestos survey does. Yonkers publishes its own demolition application; check it, or your own town’s building department, for the current list before you file.

Step 6: Do I need to call 811 before demolition?

Yes, even on private property. The UDig NY Excavator Manual states: “You must place a Location Request at least two (2) working days but not more than ten (10) working days before any excavation or demolition starts (not including holidays).” It adds that you must notify “regardless of where the planned excavation or demolition is located. Even if it is on private property.” UDig NY serves all of New York State outside New York City and Long Island, which includes Westchester. It was formerly called Dig Safely New York, and some town forms still use the old name.

What about a pool, shed or garage?

Smaller structures usually still need a permit, but the paperwork can be lighter. Greenburgh’s form says drawings are “not required for sheds or above-ground pools,” and its asbestos certificate requirement is “not for sheds or pool structures.” For in-ground pools, see in-ground pool removal in Westchester: partial vs full removal.

Let us handle the paperwork

Demolition Experts NY coordinates the survey, utility cut-offs, permits and 811 call as part of every house demolition across Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess and Fairfield County. Request a free estimate or call 914-737-0823.

Sources

• NYS Department of Labor, New York State Asbestos Survey Requirements (form P232, revised January 2026).
• Con Edison, Gas and Electric Service Update Guide.
• City of White Plains, Demolition Instructions (May 2014).
• Town of Greenburgh, Demolition Permit Application.
• UDig NY, Excavator Manual 2026.
• U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B25034.

Cite this page: “Westchester House Demolition Checklist: Permits, Utilities, Asbestos and 811”, Demolition Experts NY, October 2026. Requirements change; confirm the current list with your local building department.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need before demolishing a house in Westchester County?

An asbestos survey, utility confirmation that gas and electric are disconnected, local water and sewer disconnections, a demolition permit from your town or city, and a UDig NY (811) location request at least two working days before work starts.

How do I get Con Edison to remove service before demolition?

Close all Con Edison accounts for the property and send a notarized letter from the owner requesting removal of services, including the SBL or Print Key in Westchester. Con Edison issues a confirmation letter once services are disconnected in the street.

Do I need to call 811 before demolishing a house in New York?

Yes. UDig NY requires a location request at least two and no more than ten working days before any excavation or demolition starts, even on private property.

How much is a demolition permit in Greenburgh?

Greenburgh’s demolition permit application lists a $300 application fee plus $10 per $1,000 of demolition cost.

Is Dig Safely New York the same as UDig NY?

Yes. Dig Safely New York is now UDig NY, the one-call center for all of New York State outside New York City and Long Island.