Can demolition begin before Building Approval is issued?
Generally, no. If the demolition requires Building Approval (BA), the BA must be issued before the demolition work can start. ACT Planning states that most building projects involving demolition require BA.
After the BA is issued, the builder must also obtain a commencement notice from the building certifier. Building work can start once that notice has been issued.
However, some demolition work can be exempt from BA. ACT Planning states that demolition is BA-exempt where the building would be exempt from BA if it were built today and the work satisfies the other applicable general exemption rules.
Reference: ACT: Building Approvals – https://www.planning.act.gov.au/applications-and-assessments/building-approvals
Short Answer
Generally, no. If demolition requires BA, you must obtain the Building Approval and commencement notice before starting. Some demolition may be exempt from BA if it satisfies the applicable exemptions under Schedule 1 of the Building (General) Regulation 2008.
Detailed Explanation
No, where the demolition constitutes building work requiring Building Approval. The required BA must first be obtained, followed by the applicable commencement notice, before the building work commences. ACT Planning confirms that most demolition requires BA and that building work may commence once the commencement notice has been issued.
An exception applies where the demolition qualifies as exempt building work under Schedule 1 of the Building (General) Regulation 2008. ACT Planning states that demolition may be BA-exempt where the building would itself be exempt from BA if constructed today and the applicable general exemption requirements are satisfied.
Separate requirements may also apply before demolition—for example, DA requirements or conditions, asbestos requirements, and approvals relating to public land or protected assets
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
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