Demolition

The Demolition Code allows the demolition of a dwelling, industrial building and development including garages and swimming pools to be done as complying development, provided they meet the standards set out in the Codes SEPP.

Demolition standards

If the site is in a heritage conservation area or draft heritage conservation area, only the following can be demolished:

• a detached development that may be constructed under the Housing Code or Rural Housing Code
• an attic conversion that may be constructed under the Housing Alterations Code
• internal walls and other elements of a house in a heritage conservation area or draft heritage conservation area.

For a full list of standards on demolition that may be carried out under complying development, please refer to these provisions of the State Policy.

Conditions for complying development

These provisions of the State Policy set out conditions that apply to a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) for demolition. These conditions will be specified on the CDC approval.

You need to notify your neighbour/s before beginning demolition work.

Asbestos removal

For buildings built before 1987, asbestos must be handled and removed by a licensed contractor. This is in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021.

Certain businesses are licensed to undertake asbestos removal work under these regulations. Where demolition does not require a licensed contractor to carry out removal work, the work should be undertaken in a manner that minimises risks.

Information on the removal and disposal of asbestos to landfill sites that are licensed to accept this waste is available from the NSW Environment Protection Authority.