Do I Need Council Approval To Demolish A Building?

December 22, 2022

Demolishing a building can be a big undertaking. Before going ahead with the job, it's important to understand whether you need council approval. Several factors can impact whether council approval is necessary, and this blog post will help you understand them better.

What type of building is being demolished?

The type of building being demolished will dictate whether or not council approval is required. Generally speaking, demolishing a single-family home does not require council approval as long as the land is not used for any commercial activities afterwards. However, if the building being demolished is larger than 20m² (or contains asbestos ), it is best to check with the local council for approval before demolition.

Where is the building located?

In some cases, the location of the building can make a difference when it comes to determining whether or not council approval is needed for the demolition.
For example, if the building is located in an area that has been designated by the local government as heritage-listed or environmentally sensitive, then it is likely that council permission will be required before any demolition. Additionally, if your property borders another property that has been identified as potentially hazardous (e.g., due to its proximity to a railway line or airport), it may also be necessary to seek local government permission before demolition works. It's always best to do your research beforehand so you know what kinds of restrictions might apply in your area.

Are there any other local regulations?

Local regulations can also determine whether or not council permission is necessary when demolishing a building. These regulations vary from city to city and state to state, so it's important to check what regulations may apply in your particular location before beginning any works on site.
Additionally, there may be specific rules in place regarding noise levels and waste management during demolition—these should all be taken into account beforehand as well.

Conclusion

Demolishing a building requires careful consideration and planning before commencing site work. It's essential that you understand whether you need council approval ahead of time so that you don’t run into any unexpected issues down the line—like fines or delays due to lack of permissions.
By understanding which factors influence this decision (such as the type of building being demolished and its location) and researching any relevant local regulations beforehand, you can ensure that your project runs smoothly from start to finish.
Contact Complete Demolition on 0428 170 278 to learn more. We service clients throughout Newcastle, the Central Coast and the Hunter Valley.