House Demolition on the Central Coast

What house demolition on the Central Coast actually involves

A complying development certificate must be decided within 10 days, but the route has limits. No certificate can be issued for land with a heritage item, and in a heritage conservation area the Demolition Code reaches only certain outbuildings, alterations and pools, not a house. It also comes with conditions: a waste management plan before work starts, demolition only from 7am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and at least 2 days' written notice to neighbours within 20 metres.

Height, notice and who does the work

SafeWork NSW must get written notice at least 5 days before a load-bearing structure, or part of one, at least 6 metres high is demolished, and that work must be carried out by, or for, a person who has a demolition licence. The height is measured from the lowest level of the ground next to the base up to the highest point, so the same house can reach 6 metres on a sloping block and not on a flat one. SafeWork NSW sends no approval; work can start five calendar days after the notice, and not before.

For a house there is no asbestos register to check. Instead, the business doing the demolition must have the building inspected by a competent person, assume asbestos wherever that person is uncertain or can't get to, and tell the owner and occupier if asbestos is found or assumed. Removing more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos needs a Class B asbestos removal licence, and any friable asbestos a Class A asbestos removal licence. Ask to see the inspection result, who did the removal, and the clearance certificate issued before the area is used again.

House Demolition on the Central Coast — common questions

Do I need approval to demolish a house on the Central Coast?

Yes. A house isn't exempt development, so demolishing one needs a development application to Council or a complying development certificate. A certificate can't be used on land with a heritage item.

Does the asbestos duty apply to me as the owner?

The WHS Regulation writes its asbestos duties for businesses: the business doing the demolition must identify the asbestos and remove it first, and a business or undertaking that commissions removal must use a licensed asbestos removalist. If you own or let the house as part of a business, that second duty can apply to you.

How much does house demolition cost?

No public body publishes a price for demolishing a house here, and this site sets none; the costs page sets out what the NSW Government says drives it, and Council's fees.