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Demolition Certification in Sydney

Need a demolition certificate in Sydney? Sydney Wide Certifiers issues CDCs for demolition under the Codes SEPP. Safe, compliant demolition approvals.

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Demolition of buildings and structures in NSW requires formal approval unless the work qualifies as exempt development. The Demolition Code within the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 allows many demolition projects to be approved as Complying Development, providing a fast-track pathway without the need for a Development Application. Sydney Wide Certifiers issues demolition CDCs and provides the certification oversight to ensure your demolition project is lawful, safe and properly documented.

What's Included

CDC assessment and issue under the Demolition Code of the Codes SEPP, verifying that the building or structure proposed for demolition is eligible and that all development standards in the Code are met.

Review of the demolition work plan, including methodology, sequencing, site management, dust and noise control measures, hazardous materials management, public safety measures and waste disposal procedures.

Assessment of hazardous materials reports — for buildings constructed before 1987, a hazardous materials survey (including asbestos identification) is required before demolition approval can be granted.

Verification of required notifications, including notification to adjoining owners, the relevant council and utility providers (electricity, gas, water, telecommunications) before demolition commences.

Checking compliance with SafeWork NSW requirements for demolition work, including the requirement for a licensed demolisher (for demolition of loadbearing elements or buildings over 3 storeys) and safe work method statements.

Coordination with any subsequent development approval — where demolition is the precursor to new construction, we can manage the demolition CDC alongside the new build certification.

How It Works

01

Submit the demolition application including site plans, photos of the existing building, the proposed demolition methodology, hazardous materials survey and waste management plan.

02

We assess the application against the Demolition Code provisions and check all required documentation is in order.

03

The demolition CDC is issued with conditions covering notifications, hazardous materials handling, site management, hours of work and waste disposal.

04

The licensed demolisher carries out the work in accordance with the CDC conditions. If we are appointed as Principal Certifier, we inspect the site at key stages.

05

At completion, we confirm the site is cleared and conditions are satisfied, closing the demolition certification and transitioning to the new build phase if applicable.

Why Choose Sydney Wide Certifiers

Fast CDC turnaround for straightforward demolitions — most residential demolition CDCs are issued within 5–7 business days of a complete application.

We ensure the hazardous materials survey requirements are met, protecting you from the significant penalties and health risks associated with improper asbestos removal.

Coordinated service when demolition is followed by new construction — we manage the demolition and new build certification as a single project, avoiding duplication and delay.

Clear guidance on the documentation and notification requirements, which are often unfamiliar to property owners undertaking demolition for the first time.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does demolition always require a CDC or DA?
Not always. Some minor demolition work qualifies as exempt development under the Codes SEPP, meaning no formal approval is needed. Exempt demolition generally covers the removal of non-structural internal walls, fences, garden sheds under a certain size, and other ancillary structures. However, demolition of any loadbearing structure, the whole or a substantial part of a building, or any structure containing hazardous materials (particularly asbestos) requires either a CDC under the Demolition Code or a Development Application. Buildings that are heritage-listed cannot be demolished as complying development and require a DA with heritage assessment.
Is an asbestos survey required before demolition?
Yes, for any building constructed before 1987 (when asbestos was commonly used in construction), a hazardous materials survey that includes asbestos identification must be carried out by a competent person before demolition approval is granted. This is a requirement of both the Codes SEPP demolition provisions and SafeWork NSW workplace health and safety legislation. If asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are identified, they must be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist before general demolition proceeds, and the removal must comply with the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 and the relevant SafeWork NSW codes of practice.
Do I need a licensed demolisher?
Under SafeWork NSW requirements, a licensed demolisher is required for the demolition of any loadbearing element of a building, or for the demolition of a building that is three or more storeys in height. For single and two-storey residential demolitions that involve loadbearing elements, a demolition licence is still required. A licensed demolisher must prepare a safe work method statement (SWMS) for the demolition work and carry appropriate insurance. For very minor demolition (such as removing a non-structural garden shed), a licensed demolisher may not be required, but safe work practices must still be followed.

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