Asbestos Removal Before Renovation or Demolition in Sydney

What asbestos removal before renovation or demolition in Sydney actually involves

City of Sydney. Before any asbestos is removed from a site, the developer must notify all neighbours on premises adjoining or opposite in writing, giving the date and time of removal, the licensed removalist's name and site contact details. Where the work is exempt or complying development, the principal certifying authority must be given a copy of the contract with the licensed asbestos contractor who will remove the material, naming a landfill that can lawfully accept it. Where asbestos is present at a development site, the City applies specific standard conditions.

Northern Beaches: check before you plan

If asbestos is present and you are planning to renovate, demolish or do home maintenance, Northern Beaches Council says to check with its Planning and Assessment department whether consent is required.

Every council, and the state rules underneath

Councils generally check the asbestos risk in development applications for renovation and demolition, and can require specific asbestos work as a condition of approval. On top of that, some removal work needs planning consent of its own: your own council can confirm what applies to your address.

Inner West says to contact its Duty Planning Service before any works in a heritage conservation area, and Canterbury-Bankstown says changes to a heritage-listed property normally need development consent. The Haberfield and Ashbury pages set out what each council says.

Asbestos Removal Before Renovation or Demolition in Sydney — common questions

Do I need council approval to remove asbestos before renovating?

It depends on the council. Northern Beaches wants a consent check first; the City of Sydney wants a licensed contractor's contract given to the certifier for exempt or complying work.

What does the City of Sydney require before removal?

Written notice to every neighbour on an adjoining or opposite property, with the date and time of removal, the licensed removalist's name and a site contact.

Should I test before I renovate?

Yes: the NSW Government advises getting a sample tested before renovating, repairing or demolishing a building that may contain asbestos, because it is cheaper and easier when it is not a surprise.