Do I need separate approval to demolish the existing house and other structures on the site?
It depends on what is being demolished. Demolition of the existing Class 1a dwelling will generally require Building Approval (BA) before demolition starts. A separate DA may not be required if the single-dwelling demolition meets ACT Planning’s exemption criteria, including that it does not share a party wall, satisfies the general exemption criteria, and the required information is given to adjoining neighbours.
For Class 10 buildings or structures on the site—such as certain garages, sheds, carports or other minor structures—the demolition may be exempt from both DA and BA if the particular structure and demolition satisfy the applicable exemption criteria. For BA, ACT Planning states that demolition is exempt where the building would be BA-exempt if it were built today and all other applicable general rules are met.
Reference: ACT Planning – Check if you need a DA → Demolition – https://www.planning.act.gov.au/applications-and-assessments/development-applications/check-if-you-need-a-da & Check if you need a BA → Demolition – https://www.planning.act.gov.au/applications-and-assessments/building-approvals/check-if-you-need-a-ba
Short Answer
It depends on the structure. Demolition of the existing Class 1a dwelling generally requires BA, although it may be DA-exempt if the relevant criteria are met. Class 10 or other minor structures may be exempt from DA and/or BA, depending on the structure and applicable exemption criteria.
Detailed Explanation
Demolition approval requirements depend on the classification and exemption status of each building or structure.
Demolition of an existing Class 1a dwelling will ordinarily require BA unless an applicable building-work exemption applies. For DA purposes, demolition of a single dwelling may be exempt where the specific single-dwelling demolition criteria and general exemption criteria are satisfied.
For Class 10 and minor structures, demolition may be exempt where the applicable statutory exemption criteria are satisfied. ACT Planning identifies Schedule 1 of the Building (General) Regulation 2008 as relevant to determining whether demolition requires BA.
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
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