Do You Need a Permit to Demolish on the Sunshine Coast?

Short answer: plan on needing one

Sunshine Coast Council lists demolition as building work that needs a permit. That includes part demolition, and it also covers removing or relocating a building. A building certifier issues the permit, so that person is generally your first call. Your demolition contractor may arrange one as part of the job, or may ask you to do it. Make sure the quote says which.

Noosa is separate

If your property is north of the Sunshine Coast Council boundary, it may be in the Noosa council area. Noosa has its own planning scheme, so ask a certifier or the council what applies to your address rather than relying on Sunshine Coast information.

When a home may not be able to come down

Most houses can be demolished once the permit is in place. There are exceptions. The Sunshine Coast planning scheme sets a high bar for character buildings: they should only be demolished if they are not repairable, if repair isn't feasible, or if they don't contribute to the character of the area. In Noosa, the heritage overlay prefers keeping a place first and relocating it second, and treats demolition as a last resort.

Be careful with advice from Brisbane. Its pre 1946 demolition rules are Brisbane's own and do not carry across to the Sunshine Coast.

What else needs sorting before work starts

A permit is one item on the list. You also need asbestos identified, services disconnected and a clear scope with your contractor. If a mapped overlay applies to your land, your certifier will flag it.

A sensible order of events

Check your address for overlays. Get an inspection and a quote. Have asbestos tested if the home was built before 1990. Line up the certifier. Disconnect the services. Then demolish. If you are ready to get started, [send us the details](/contact) and a local contractor will be in touch.