When Do You Need a Planning Permit for Demolition
If your building project includes demolishing an existing structure, you’ll need to lodge a Planning Permit for Demolition with your local council or relevant approval authority — particularly if your property is heritage-listed, in a conservation area, or subject to planning overlays.
This approval ensures that demolition works are compliant with local planning controls and won’t proceed without assessment of heritage, environmental, or neighbourhood impacts.
Why This Step Matters
You may not be allowed to start any demolition — even partial — until this permit is granted. Lodging this early can help prevent costly delays later in the process.
Typical triggers for requiring a demolition permit:
- The structure is older than a certain threshold (e.g. pre-1940)
- It is located within a Heritage Overlay, Environmental Overlay, or Design & Development Overlay
- It’s in a Planning Zone that controls built form
What You Need to Do
1. Confirm if demolition requires approval: Check your local council’s planning scheme, or use the VicPlan map or equivalent tool in your state.
2. Gather supporting documents. This usually includes:
- A recent site plan and photos of the structure to be demolished
- A demolition scope or statement of intent
- Any heritage assessments or consultant reports (if applicable)
3. Lodge your application: Submit your permit request via your council’s planning permit portal, or contact them directly for a PDF form or submission process.
4. Wait for formal notice of decision or approval conditions
NEED HELP?
Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro
If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.
If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.
