Garage & Shed Demolition on the Central Coast

What garage and shed demolition on the Central Coast actually involves

That 20 square metre figure is the standard for building a garden shed, cabana, cubby house, fernery, gazebo or greenhouse, not a size limit for demolishing any structure. Exempt demolition is also unavailable on a heritage item or in a heritage conservation area, and exempt development can't involve removing more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos, or any friable asbestos, unless a licensed asbestos removalist does it. The State policy's own note says residential buildings constructed before 1990 may contain asbestos.

What an old shed can hold

The NSW Government lists outside structures like fences and sheds among the places to check for asbestos, and says it can also be buried in garden soil. You can't tell asbestos by looking, and Central Coast Council warns that bonded asbestos damaged by fire, hail or water blasting may become friable. SafeWork NSW counts the 10 square metre line for non-friable asbestos as the total amount removed, not per sheet or per wall.

Paint is the other thing to ask about. The NSW EPA says lead-based paint is found on houses built before 1970, and under the WHS Regulation, cutting lead-painted steel with a flame or arc, or machine sanding paint with more than 1% lead, is a lead process with its own controls. Council's Buttonderry and Woy Woy facilities take building and demolition waste, and bricks, tiles, pavers and concrete, for a fee, but asbestos only when booked at least 24 hours ahead and double-wrapped in plastic at least 200 microns thick.

Garage & Shed Demolition on the Central Coast — common questions

Is a carport treated like a shed?

Not necessarily. Carports have their own exempt development standards, separate from the one for garden sheds, so check the standards for the structure you actually have before assuming it can come down without approval.

What happens to asbestos from an old shed?

It can only go to a landfill that can lawfully accept it. The NSW Government says it is illegal to dump it, put it in a kerbside bin or an uncovered or unapproved skip, or reuse it.

Does demolishing a shed need neighbour notice?

Under a complying development certificate for demolishing a building, the certificate holder must give neighbours within 20 metres written notice at least 2 days before work starts.