Big Easy Demolition provides licensed commercial demolition services throughout the New Orleans metro. We handle full-structure teardowns, selective interior demolition, phased deconstruction, and site clearance for commercial and mixed-use properties. Every job is permitted, compliant with Louisiana DEQ and City of New Orleans requirements, and executed by a crew that understands the specific challenges of demolishing commercial structures in this region.
Commercial demolition in New Orleans is not the same as in other cities. Post-Katrina blight, aging warehouse stock, Prohibition-era brick construction, historic district restrictions, and the near-universal presence of hazardous materials in pre-1980 buildings all require planning that general contractors or out-of-state demolition crews are not equipped to provide. We are a local company with direct experience navigating these conditions on every type of commercial project.
We take on commercial demolition projects across all property types and sizes:
Commercial demolition in New Orleans involves several pre-demolition steps that must be completed in the correct order. Skipping any of them creates permit delays, DEQ violations, or liability exposure for the property owner.
The City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits issues demolition permits for commercial structures through the One Stop Shop (onestopapp.nola.gov) or in person at 1300 Perdido Street, Room 7E05. A complete application requires four color photographs of the structure (front, rear, left side, right side — each labeled with the municipal address), a copy of a Sanborn Map with the subject property marked, and documentation of all utility disconnections. If the property recently changed ownership, a recorded Act of Sale is also required.
Before a demolition permit can be issued, the property must be treated for rodent infestation by a licensed pest control company. The Health Department issues a certificate of approval that Safety and Permits requires before the permit is granted. All sewerage and water lines must also be sealed by a licensed plumber prior to demolition. Permit fees run $95 base plus $5 per $1,000 of demolition cost. Properties in a Neighborhood Conservation District carry an additional $500 application fee. Properties in HDLC or VCC jurisdiction carry a 50% surcharge on all permit fees.
Commercial buildings in a historic district require approval before any demolition permit can be issued. The Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) oversees 14 local historic districts in New Orleans, including the Marigny, Tremé, Bywater, Central City, Lower Garden District, Irish Channel, Holy Cross, Algiers Point, Carrollton, and Mid-City, among others. Within those districts, a Certificate of Appropriateness from the HDLC is required before Safety and Permits will issue a demolition permit. HDLC meets on a monthly review calendar, so plan for a longer pre-permit timeline if your property falls within one of these districts.
Buildings within the Vieux Carré (French Quarter) require separate approval from the Vieux Carré Commission (VCC), which governs all exterior work on all French Quarter structures regardless of street visibility. Properties in the city’s National Register Demolition Review District also face a separate local review layer before a demolition permit can be issued. For commercial properties seeking HDLC or VCC approval, documentation of structural deficiency or economic infeasibility of rehabilitation is typically required.
Louisiana DEQ requires an asbestos survey before demolition of any commercial structure, regardless of age. For structures built before 1981, regulated asbestos-containing materials are frequently found in floor tile, pipe insulation, roofing, fireproofing, and joint compound. If regulated materials are found, a licensed abatement contractor must remove them before demolition begins.
Under NESHAP regulations, a written notification (Louisiana DEQ Form AAC-2) must be submitted to LDEQ at least 10 working days before a non-emergency commercial demolition begins. Emergency notifications require a 24-hour notice with written justification. Failure to notify before demolition is a federal violation that can result in significant fines for both the contractor and the property owner. We handle all LDEQ notifications as part of our pre-construction process.
Commercial properties that previously operated as gas stations, auto repair shops, dry cleaners, or light industrial facilities may have underground storage tanks (USTs) on site. Louisiana DEQ requires that owners submit notification form UST-SURV-01 to the LDEQ UST Division at least 30 days before permanent closure or change-in-service. A Louisiana DEQ-certified individual must be physically present during the entire closure operation. If contamination is found, the owner must register the tank and conduct a formal site assessment before demolition of the structure can proceed. We coordinate with licensed UST removal specialists when subsurface tanks are identified during pre-demolition site assessment.
Mechanical demolition using excavators with specialty attachments is the most efficient approach for full-structure commercial teardown. We use high-reach demolition arms for multistory structures, concrete pulverizers for reinforced concrete, and shear attachments for steel framing. The method is selected based on structure type, site access, and proximity to adjacent occupied buildings.
Some commercial projects require partial teardown only. Interior demolition services are used when a tenant space needs full gut-out before a new build-out, when a facade is being preserved while the interior is reconstructed, or when one bay of a multi-tenant building is being removed while adjacent units stay in operation. Selective demolition requires careful sequencing to avoid compromising the structural integrity of the portions being retained.
For commercial structures with significant salvageable material, deconstruction is an option that recovers usable building components before the structure comes down. Brick, old-growth timber, heart pine flooring, cast iron columns, and architectural millwork from commercial buildings in historic New Orleans neighborhoods have real resale value. Deconstruction is slower than mechanical demolition, but it reduces landfill costs and can provide tax documentation for donated materials under IRS guidelines.
Commercial demolition generates substantial debris volume. We manage the full haul-off process, separating materials for recycling, landfill, and hazardous waste disposal in compliance with Louisiana DEQ regulations. For large commercial jobs, we establish on-site debris staging areas and coordinate with permitted C&D landfill facilities licensed to accept commercial demolition waste.
Once the structure is cleared, we can grade the site and restore it to a clean, level condition ready for the next phase of development or sale. For projects disturbing one acre or more, Louisiana DEQ requires a stormwater general permit (LPDES) before work begins. We identify applicable permit requirements during the pre-construction review so no regulatory step is missed. Learn more about our debris removal process for large-scale projects.
How much does commercial demolition cost in New Orleans?
Commercial demolition costs depend on structure size, construction type, hazardous material content, and site access conditions. A small freestanding retail building runs differently than a multistory warehouse with reinforced concrete and asbestos abatement requirements. We provide detailed written estimates after a site assessment — we do not quote commercial projects over the phone without seeing the structure.
How long does it take to get a commercial demolition permit in New Orleans?
Standard commercial demolition permits from the City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits typically take two to four weeks once a complete application is submitted. Historic district reviews through the HDLC or VCC add time — plan for an additional four to eight weeks for those approvals depending on the review calendar and the type of structure involved.
Do I need an asbestos survey before demolishing a commercial building?
Yes. Louisiana DEQ requires an asbestos survey before demolition of any commercial structure. If regulated materials are found, licensed abatement must be completed before demolition begins, and LDEQ must receive Form AAC-2 notification at least 10 working days before work starts. We can recommend licensed abatement contractors in the New Orleans area and schedule demolition to begin immediately after abatement is complete.
Can you demolish a commercial building in the French Quarter or a historic district?
Yes, but it requires additional approval. The Vieux Carré Commission (VCC) governs demolitions in the French Quarter; the Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) handles other historic districts. Approval requires documentation of the structure’s condition and, in most cases, demonstration that rehabilitation is not feasible. We can work through this process with you and your attorney or architect.
Do you handle permits and LDEQ notifications, or does the property owner?
We manage all permit applications, LDEQ asbestos notifications, and coordination with relevant commissions as part of our project scope. Property owners are responsible for granting access and providing title documentation. We walk you through every requirement before any work begins so there are no surprises.
What happens to the debris after a commercial demolition?
We sort, haul, and dispose of all demolition debris at permitted C&D facilities. Materials that can be recycled or salvaged are separated from general demolition waste. You receive a clean, cleared site at job completion. For large projects, we provide documentation of disposal for DEQ compliance records.
Call us at 504-688-4399 or fill out our contact form to schedule a site visit. We assess commercial projects in person before providing a written estimate. Our team can typically arrange a site visit within two to three business days and will give you a clear scope, timeline, and cost breakdown before any agreement is signed. We serve commercial clients throughout Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, St. Tammany Parish, and the broader New Orleans metro area.
“Big Easy Demolition was very quick to respond and provided excellent demo services at very short notice. I recommend them to anyone in need of demolition service at a very reasonable rate.”
“Big Easy Demolition is the way to go! I had renovation debris and they cleaned everything up nicely. They were very professional and they showed great service and care.”
“We hired Big Easy Demolition for an interior demolition project. They started and completed the job on time and cleaned up at the end of each day. They are easy to deal will and go the extra mile for you.”
“They handled the demolition of our old commercial building efficiently and safely. Their team managed everything from obtaining permits to clearing the debris, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish. Highly recommended for anyone looking for complete demolition services!”
“We needed selective demolition and interior gutting for our historic home renovation, and they exceeded our expectations. They were meticulous in preserving the original features while removing the old materials. Their expertise made all the difference!”
“After some major landscaping changes, Big Easy Demolition came through with concrete removal and site cleanup. Their crew worked efficiently and left our yard looking pristine. Their attention to detail and quick turnaround time were impressive!”
“Big Easy Demolition did an excellent job clearing land and excavating for our new home construction. They worked with precision, ensuring all the stumps, rocks, and debris were completely removed. The site preparation was perfect, and we couldn’t have asked for better service!”
“We called Big Easy Demolition for an emergency demolition after a storm severely damaged our garage. They responded promptly, securing the site and safely removing the structure in no time. Their professionalism and urgency made a stressful situation much easier to handle!”
