Demolition Permits in Geelong: 29A Consent, Building Surveyors and Heritage
Who approves what
- Registered building surveyor. Issues the building permit for demolition under the Building Act 1993.
- Council report and consent (section 29A). Needed where demolition, counted over three years, would remove more than 50 per cent of the building's volume, or any part of the street facade. The City of Greater Geelong has a dedicated demolition report and consent (29A) form on its website.
- Planning permit. Commonly needed where a Heritage Overlay applies. Council will not give 29A consent while a required planning permit is outstanding.
- Protection of the public. Where work affects the footpath or public land, council may require protection-of-the-public consent and hoarding.
- Services. Power, gas, water, sewer and telecommunications are abolished or disconnected through the relevant authorities and licensed trades.
- Asbestos. Identified and, so far as reasonably practicable, removed before a domestic building is demolished. Licensed asbestos removal applies above 10 m² of non-friable material and to any friable material, and WorkSafe Victoria must be notified before licensed removal begins.
- Demolisher registration. The Victorian Building Authority registers demolishers by class. Check the contractor's registration on the VBA site.
Heritage in Greater Geelong
Some older inner suburbs, including parts of Geelong West and Newtown, are covered by heritage controls. Check the planning scheme map for your address before signing a building contract, because a demolition planning permit adds time.
Outside the City of Greater Geelong
Properties in Surf Coast Shire, Golden Plains Shire and the Borough of Queenscliffe follow the same state law, but consent and planning questions go to that council.
Sources
- https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/
- https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/vic/consol_act/ba199391/s29a.html
- https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/
- https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/asbestos-removal-notification
- https://www.asbestos.vic.gov.au/
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