Demolition Permits On The Sunshine Coast: What You Need To Know

Permits are more than red tape. They set the ground rules that keep people safe and ensure the site is left in a compliant state for whatever comes next.

• Legal compliance: A building development approval for demolition confirms the work meets Queensland building legislation and local planning rules.
• Insurance cover: Insurers expect proof the job was approved and done to code. Unapproved work risks claims being denied.
• Neighbour protection: Conditions often manage hours, dust control and traffic. That reduces complaints and stop-work headaches.
• Future build ready: Approvals make sure anything left in the ground is dealt with properly so the new build can start without surprises.

In Queensland, demolition is typically approved by a private building certifier who assesses the plans against the Building Code of Australia and local requirements. The certifier issues a building development approval and notifies council. Depending on the property, you may also need planning checks for overlays such as heritage places or coastal protection. Where a planning approval is required, the certifier or your town planner will advise on the path forward.

Every site is different, but most Sunshine Coast demolitions need a consistent bundle of documents. Expect to provide:

• Site plan and scope: Showing the structure to be removed, access points and any trees or sheds that will remain.
• Title search and sewer/water plans: To confirm boundaries and connections.
• Service abolishment confirmations: Written proof that power, water, sewer, gas and NBN have been made safe or capped as required by the relevant authority.
• Risk and site management details: Traffic control where needed, erosion and sediment control measures, dust suppression and noise management.
• Waste plan: Outlining how materials will be sorted and lawfully disposed of or recycled.
• Engineer input where required: For example, retaining walls or shared structures that might be affected.

Your demolition contractor or certifier will clarify anything specific to your address so nothing is missed.

Utility clearances are a frequent cause of delay, so start them early.

• Electricity: Arrange a full abolishment if the meter and supply are being removed, or a temporary builder’s supply if required for the next stage.
• Water and sewer: Book capping and a water meter removal or relocation if needed. Confirm sewer tie-ins so nothing is left live under the slab.
• Gas and telecommunications: Obtain written evidence of safe termination from your providers.



Keep the confirmation letters. Your certifier will usually need them before issuing final sign-off.

Approval timelines vary with property constraints and how quickly documents arrive, but as a rule of thumb for demolitions on the Sunshine Coast:

• Building approval via a private certifier: Often 5–10 business days once the pack is complete.
• Utility abolishments: Commonly 2–6 weeks, depending on provider schedules and site access.
• Traffic management or road permits if needed: Allow 1–2 weeks for bookings and approvals.
• Overall lead time to “machine on ground”: Many projects sit in the 3–6 week window from decision to start, provided paperwork and utilities are pushed early.

Treat these as planning guides. Public holidays and wet weather can add time.

Most houses on the Sunshine Coast can be removed under building approval alone, yet some sites trigger extra checks. Typical flags include:

• Local heritage places or character values: Extra assessment may apply if the property is listed or the structure contributes to a protected streetscape.
• Environmental or coastal overlays: Coastal protection, flood or vegetation controls can shape how the site is managed during works.
• Crossover or kerb impacts: If heavy vehicles need a temporary crossover or road closure, expect a traffic plan and council permit.

Your certifier or town planner will identify these early so the application covers every box from the outset.

Good site management satisfies permit conditions and keeps neighbours on side.

• Hours of work: Stick to approved working hours to avoid complaints.
• Dust control: Water carts or misters limit airborne dust, especially on windy days.
• Erosion and sediment control: Silt socks and bunding prevent run-off entering drains.
• Traffic and safety: Clear signage, spotters for truck movements and tidy stockpiles keep the street safe and accessible.

These measures are practical and often mandatory under approval conditions.

Avoidable mistakes cost time and money. The most frequent issues are:

1. Starting utilities too late: Power and water abolishments can blow out a schedule if booked after approval. Initiate them at the same time as the certifier process.
2. Gaps in the documentation: Missing site plans, unclear scopes or outdated service drawings stall certification. Provide clean, current files.
3. Ignoring overlays: Heritage or environmental flags found mid-stream can force a redesign. Ask the certifier to screen the site early.
4. Traffic overlooked: Narrow streets, schools or bus routes may require a traffic plan. Sort it before machines arrive.
5. Poor weather planning: Wet weeks are common. Build contingency days into your program and stabilise exposed ground fast.
6. No waste strategy: Landfill rules are strict. Lining up bins, recycling partners and tip dockets keeps the job compliant and on budget.

A contractor that handles permits daily will help you sidestep these speed bumps.

1. Site review and quote: Agree the scope, access and indicative program.
2. Early utilities: Lodge abolishments and capping requests with providers.
3. Certification pack: Submit plans, title, service information and management measures to the private certifier.
4. Planning checks: If overlays apply, complete any required council steps.
5. Approval issued: Lock in demolition dates and any traffic control.
6. Neighbour courtesy: Optional, yet helpful for smooth works.
7. Demolition and site tidy: Works carried out in line with permit conditions.
8. Final documentation: Certifier receives evidence of utilities, waste disposal and compliance to close the file.

A clean approval trail speeds the transition to building works. Your builder, lender and insurer will ask for proof that demolition was lawful, utilities were made safe and the site meets conditions. Getting this right now avoids rework when the slab crew or surveyor arrives.

Permits are the framework that keep demolition safe, lawful and predictable. Start utilities early, give the certifier a complete pack and plan for traffic, dust and weather. With those pieces in place, demolitions on the Sunshine Coast becomes a controlled first step toward your new home or development rather than a stressful hurdle.

We at Allcoast Group manage approvals, coordination and demolition delivery across the Coast so your project starts on solid ground. If you are preparing a rebuild, subdivision or site redevelopment, visit allcoastgroup.net and tell us your address, timeline and scope. We will map the permit path, line up services and schedule demolition so you can move to the next stage with confidence.