Demolition in Sydney: Permits, Asbestos, and Safety Steps
/Planning a demolition in Sydney can feel overwhelming. Between council applications, a maze of SafeWork rules, and the non-negotiable risk of hazardous materials like asbestos, it’s a job loaded with stress and "what-ifs." It’s tempting to either rush it or put it in the "too hard" basket.
But it doesn't have to be that way.
Whether you're a homeowner planning a knock-down-rebuild, a builder clearing a site, or a business owner planning a fit-out, this plain-English guide will walk you through the essential steps. We’ll cover permits, safety, and how an expert demolition contractor in Sydney like CMS Contracting manages the process from start to finish.
First, What is a Demolition Contractor? (And What to Look For)
A professional demolition contractor is a licensed specialist who manages the entire process of safely and legally dismantling a building or structure. Their job goes far beyond excavation, including permit applications, hazardous material remediation (like asbestos), site safety management, and responsible waste disposal.
In NSW, you can't just hire anyone with a machine. A reputable contractor holds specific demolition and (if needed) friable/non-friable asbestos licences. They must provide proof of insurance and a detailed safety plan. This isn't just paperwork—it’s your protection against liability, project delays, and budget blowouts.
Your Pre-Demolition Checklist: The 5 Key Steps Before Work Begins
Before any machinery arrives on-site, a thorough pre-demolition process is mandatory in NSW. This stage is all about safety and compliance. A professional contractor handles this entire sequence for you.
Step 1: Secure Your Demolition Permits (DA vs. CDC)
First, you need legal approval. In most parts of Sydney, this means one of two things: a Development Application (DA) from your local council, or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) from a private certifier.
Development Application (DA): This is the more traditional and complex process, assessed by your local council. It's generally required for larger projects or properties in sensitive areas (e.g., heritage conservation).
Complying Development Certificate (CDC): This is a faster, streamlined approval path for straightforward projects that meet specific, pre-defined standards in the State Environmental Planning Policy.
Your contractor can advise on which path is required for your project and help manage the application.
Step 2: Identify & Manage Asbestos (A Non-Negotiable)
This is the most critical safety step. If your building was constructed before 1990 (and even up to 2003), it is assumed to contain asbestos until proven otherwise.
Before you can get a demolition permit, you must engage a qualified person (like an occupational hygienist) to inspect the site and create an 'asbestos register'. This document maps out the location, type, and condition of all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Only a licensed asbestos removal specialist can legally handle and dispose of these materials.
Step 3: Notify SafeWork NSW
Once you have your permits and asbestos register, we (the contractor) must notify SafeWork NSW.
For most demolition work, this notification is required at least 5 business days before work starts. For licensed asbestos removal, separate notifications (with a 5-day lead time) are also required. A professional demolition contractor manages all these notifications as part of their service, ensuring you are fully compliant.
Step 4: Arrange Service Disconnections
You cannot safely or legally demolish a building that is still connected to the grid. All services must be disconnected and "abolished" by qualified technicians. This includes:
Electricity
Gas
Water
Sewer
Telecommunications (NBN/phone lines)
This needs to be coordinated before the demolition date, as it can take several weeks.
Step 5: Plan for Waste Disposal & Environmental Controls
What happens to the rubble? A modern contractor doesn't just 'dump' it. A Waste Management Plan (WMP) is often required by council, detailing how materials will be sorted, recycled, and disposed of.
This also includes setting up environmental controls on-site before work starts. This can involve silt fencing (to stop sediment runoff), dust suppression (hoses and misters), and noise monitoring to minimise impact on your neighbours and the local environment.
CMS Contracting handles all waste tracking and disposal dockets, so you have a clear compliance record. Get in touch if you have questions about your site's specific requirements.We try our best to recycle and salvage as much as we can to avoid building products going into landfill.
How is Asbestos Removal Handled in NSW?
In NSW, licensed asbestos removal is a strict, multi-stage process to ensure no fibres are released.
Notifying SafeWork NSW at least 5 days before work.
Establishing a signposted and barriered exclusion zone.
Using specialised 'wetting' techniques and protective equipment (PPE).
Securely double-bagging and sealing all waste in labelled, 200um-thick plastic.
Using independent hygienists for air monitoring and a final clearance inspection.
It's vital to understand that there are two types of asbestos licences. A 'non-friable' (or Class B) licence is for materials like fibro sheeting, where fibres are bonded. A 'friable' (Class A) licence is for high-risk, easily crumbled materials like pipe lagging.
CMS Contracting holds the comprehensive licences and training to manage both types, ensuring your site is left completely safe and compliant, with a clearance certificate to prove it. We hold a Class B licence only, however if Friable (Class A) is required we can source the appropriate contractor to handle this.
Beyond the Bulldozer: Understanding Different Demolition Types
Not all demolition involves a wrecking ball. As leading Sydney demolition contractors, we handle a wide range of projects. The method depends entirely on your goal.
Full Demolition (Knock-Down-Rebuild)
This is the most common type: the complete removal of a structure (and often its foundations) to clear a block for a new build. It involves the full permit and asbestos process, careful machine work, and removal of foundations to leave a clean, level site ready for your builder.
Partial Demolition (Structural Renovations)
This is a more surgical approach. Partial demolition is common for large-scale renovations or extensions. It involves removing specific sections of a building—like a back wall, a roof, or a concrete slab—while carefully bracing and protecting the remaining structure. This requires a high level of skill to maintain the building's integrity.
Internal Strip-Outs (Commercial & Residential Fit-outs)
An internal strip-out involves gutting the inside of a building, leaving the external structure intact. This is common for office 'make-goods' at the end of a lease, retail fit-outs, or gutting a house for a full interior renovation. It includes removing non-structural walls, ceilings, flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, and all services, taking the space back to a 'base build' state.
Our teams specialise in detailed commercial strip-outs for businesses needing a fast, quiet, and efficient turnaround with minimal disruption.
Remedial demolition
Heritage demolition
Make safes
Strata works
Frequently Asked Questions About Sydney Demolition
How much does demolition cost in Sydney?
Demolition cost varies significantly based on site access, building size, construction materials (e.g., brick vs. timber), and, most importantly, the presence of asbestos. A simple timber house on a flat block may cost $15,000–$25,000, while a complex site with extensive asbestos remediation could be much higher. Always get a detailed, itemised quote.
Do I need to notify my neighbours about demolition in NSW?
Yes. Your council development consent (DA) will almost always include a condition that you must notify neighbours in writing within a specific timeframe (e.g., 7 days) before work starts. This is a crucial step for maintaining good community relations. Your contractor should manage this.
What happens to the demolition waste?
Reputable contractors are committed to recycling. Waste is transported to a licensed facility where it is sorted. Concrete, brick, and metals are recycled for reuse. Timber and green waste may be mulched. Only non-recyclable materials and hazardous waste (like asbestos) are sent to landfill, with all movements tracked on dockets.
How long does the demolition permit process take?
This is often the longest part of the project. A CDC can sometimes be approved in a few weeks. A full DA with a local council in Sydney can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months, or longer if there are complications or objections. It is vital to factor this approval time into your project timeline.
Choose a Demolition Contractor in Sydney You Can Trust
Navigating Sydney's demolition regulations doesn't have to be a headache. When you partner with a contractor who understands the process inside and out, it becomes a simple, streamlined step in your project. A professional team manages the risks, handles the paperwork, and ensures your site is left safe, clean, and ready for what's next.
At CMS Contracting, we are the no-fuss experts in Sydney demolition, from complex asbestos removal to large-scale site clearing and detailed internal strip-outs. We get the job done right, on time, and with full compliance. We provide a seamless experience for homeowners, builders, etc… and other construction professionals.
If you’re ready to start your project, contact us today for a detailed, no-obligation quote. Let our team of professional demolition contractors handle the hard work for you.


