Demolition can be daunting for Sydney homeowners, but it doesn’t have to be. Before hiring the services of a demolition company, homeowners must understand the process of obtaining the required approvals. Whether you’re demolishing a single-family home or a commercial building, this post will help you understand the steps you need to take before demolition can begin. We’ll walk you through the steps required to obtain the necessary approvals and ensure your demolition in Sydney is successful.
Required Approvals for Demolition in Sydney
Asbestos Testing and Removal:
Asbestos is a hazardous material that was once widely used in construction but is now known to pose a significant health risk. If asbestos is present in your home, it must be removed before demolition can take place. To conduct an asbestos test, you’ll need to hire a licensed asbestos assessor who will take samples of any materials that may contain asbestos. If asbestos is found, it must be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist. This is not a DIY job, it’s critical that asbestos is removed safely and properly to protect both the workers and the environment. Don’t risk your safety or the safety of those around you. Be sure to get an asbestos test before you begin any house demolition projects in Sydney.
Development Application:
When it comes to house demolition in Sydney, one of the most crucial approvals you need to obtain is a development application (DA). This is essentially a formal request made to your local council to allow the demolition of your property. In this application, you will need to provide details of the planned demolition, including the reasons for the demolition, the proposed demolition method, and the expected duration of the work. The council will then review your application and determine whether it complies with their regulations and guidelines. They will assess the potential impact of the demolition on the surrounding environment and infrastructure and may require you to provide additional documentation or make changes to your proposed plans.
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free approval process, it’s recommended that you hire a professional demolition company that has experience with the development application process. They can guide you through the requirements, provide the necessary documentation, and liaise with the council on your behalf.
Construction Certificate:
Before demolition work can begin on your property in Sydney, you must obtain a construction certificate. This document verifies that your demolition plans comply with all relevant building codes and standards. Obtaining a construction certificate involves submitting detailed plans and specifications for the demolition work to the local council or a private certifier. These plans will be assessed to ensure that they comply with safety regulations, such as the placement of fencing and signage to warn people of the impending demolition. The certificate will also verify that the proposed demolition meets all requirements under the Building Code of Australia, including fire safety measures, ventilation, and waste disposal plans. The certificate can take several weeks to obtain, so it’s important to factor in this lead time when planning your demolition project.
Planning Certificate:
Before you can proceed with a demolition project, it is important to obtain a planning certificate. This certificate provides detailed information about the planning controls that apply to your property, such as zoning, heritage listings, and other development regulations that may impact your project. The planning certificate can be obtained from your local council or through an accredited certifier.
Tree Removal Permit:
In accordance with the Tree Preservation Order, any tree with a diameter greater than 5 cm, whether native or non-native, is considered significant and requires a permit for removal. This permit must be obtained from the local council prior to the commencement of any demolition work. The permit process typically involves a site visit from a council representative, who will assess the impact of the proposed tree removal on the local environment and the community. Depending on the size and species of the tree, replacement trees may be required to be planted elsewhere on the property or in the local area.
Service Disconnection:
Before demolishing a house, you must obtain approval to disconnect services such as water, gas, and electricity. Service disconnection is necessary to ensure the safety of workers during the demolition process and prevent any potential accidents or hazards. It’s important to note that disconnection requests need to be made to each individual service provider, and the process may take up to a few weeks. When submitting a service disconnection request, it’s important to provide the correct address, date of demolition, and any relevant information to ensure a smooth disconnection process.
Waste Management Plans:
Before demolition, homeowners must have a comprehensive waste management plan outlining how the waste generated during demolition will be disposed of safely. A waste management plan should include details on the types of materials that will be generated during demolition and how each type of waste will be disposed of. For example, if there are hazardous materials present in the home, such as lead-based paint, the waste management plan should include information on how these materials will be safely disposed of in accordance with regulations.
Get in touch with demolition companies in Sydney for more information.