Council Demolition Permits in Melbourne: A Suburb-by-Suburb Overview

If you’ve ever tried to organise a demolition in Melbourne, you’ll know the paperwork can feel like a maze. There isn’t one “demolition permit” — there are usually three or four overlapping approvals, and the rules change subtly from one council to the next. A knock-down rebuild that’s straightforward in Tarneit can take six months in Brighton. A partial demolition that needs no planning permit in Pakenham might trigger a heritage assessment in Fitzroy.

As a fully licensed Melbourne demolition company with Class B (non-friable) asbestos removal capability, we’ve handled demolitions across virtually every council in metropolitan Victoria. This guide is the plain-English version of how council demolition permits actually work in 2026 — including a suburb-by-suburb overview of where the complications usually live.

Quick answer: Most demolitions in Melbourne need up to four approvals: a planning permit (only if the property is in a Heritage Overlay or another permit-triggering control), a Section 29A demolition consent from the local council under the Building Act 1993, a building permit for demolition issued by a Registered Building Surveyor, and an asset protection permit to protect council infrastructure. The Section 29A fee is capped at 5.75 fee units ($96.66 for 2025–26 at $16.81 per fee unit). Inner-city councils like Stonnington, Yarra, Port Phillip, Boroondara and the City of Melbourne are the strictest because of dense Heritage Overlays. Outer-growth councils like Wyndham, Casey and Hume are usually quicker but still demand asset protection permits and bonds.

Why Council Demolition Permits Are More Complex Than You Think

Most homeowners assume “the demolition company sorts the paperwork” and “the council just signs off”. Both are partly true — but the framework is layered, and three different agencies can be involved in a single suburban demolition:

Your local council — issues planning permits (where required), Section 29A demolition consent, and asset protection permits.
A Registered Building Surveyor (RBS) — issues the building permit for demolition itself. This can be a private surveyor or a council-employed surveyor.
WorkSafe Victoria and EPA Victoria — regulate the work (safety, asbestos) and the waste (classification, transport, disposal), which we’ve covered in detail in our WorkSafe Victoria Demolition Requirements guide and our EPA Victoria Construction and Demolition Waste Rules guide.

Get any one of these wrong and the project stalls — sometimes for weeks, occasionally for months.

The Four Approvals Most Melbourne Demolitions Need

Before we get to the suburb-by-suburb detail, it helps to know what you’re actually applying for. Here are the four approvals that turn up on most Melbourne demolitions, in the order they’re usually required.

1. Planning Permit (Only Sometimes — But Critical When It Applies)

A planning permit is not required for every demolition. It’s required when the property is affected by a planning control that triggers it — most commonly a Heritage Overlay, but also sometimes a Neighbourhood Character Overlay, a Significant Landscape Overlay, or a covenant on title.

If a planning permit is required, it must be obtained before Section 29A consent can be issued. Skipping this step is the single most common reason demolition projects get sent back to the start.

2. Section 29A Demolition Consent

Under Section 29A of the Building Act 1993 and the Building Regulations 2018, a council’s report and consent is required before the building surveyor can issue a building permit for demolition if either of these tests is met:

The 50% volume test — the proposed demolition (combined with any demolition completed or permitted in the previous three years) would amount to more than half the volume of the building.
The facade test — any part of a facade that faces a street is being demolished or altered.

The maximum statutory fee is 5.75 fee units ($96.66 for the 2025–26 financial year, with the fee unit value of $16.81). Some councils round to $93.90, $96.60 or $96.70 depending on when their fees were last published.

3. Building Permit for Demolition

This is the actual permit to demolish. It’s issued by a Registered Building Surveyor under the Building Act 1993, who checks that all upstream approvals are in place — Section 29A consent, planning permit if needed, asbestos arrangements, public protection, service disconnections, and worker safety documentation.

Demolition building permits are rarely issued to owner-builders in Victoria. Most surveyors will only issue them to a registered demolition contractor with the right experience, equipment and insurance.

4. Asset Protection Permit

This is the one that surprises people. Almost every metropolitan Melbourne council requires an asset protection permit before demolition starts, to safeguard footpaths, kerbs, nature strips, street trees and drainage pits from heavy plant.

Fees and bond structures vary widely. Wyndham charges around $323 for the permit and no bond, while Hume sits closer to $465. Inner-city councils like Boroondara and the City of Melbourne charge a fee plus a separately calculated security bond based on site risk. Some councils refund the bond after a clean final inspection; others apply it against any damage repair.

The Two Tests That Trigger Section 29A

These two tests do most of the heavy lifting in determining whether your demolition needs council consent. Both come straight from the Building Act and are interpreted similarly by every council, but the way they apply on site catches people out regularly.

The 50% Volume Test

Look at the building’s volume — not its floor area, not its footprint. If the demolition (plus anything demolished in the previous three years) takes out more than half of that volume, Section 29A applies. A full knock-down rebuild always meets this test. So does most major-extension work where you’re removing a substantial chunk of the original house.

The Facade Test

Any part of an external wall facing a street triggers Section 29A — including verandahs, balconies, balustrades and architectural features attached to or forming part of that wall. Side and rear walls don’t count unless the building is on a corner block, in which case both street-facing facades are in scope.

⚠️ Common trap: “We’re only knocking out the front porch — surely that doesn’t need consent?” Unfortunately, yes it does. The facade test catches almost every front-of-house alteration, no matter how small the volume involved.

Council Demolition Permits Across Melbourne: A Suburb-by-Suburb Overview

The legal framework is the same statewide, but each council’s planning scheme, heritage controls and asset protection rules are different. Here’s how the picture looks across the metropolitan area in 2026, grouped by region.

Inner Melbourne and Inner-East

This is the most heavily regulated cluster of councils in Victoria, dominated by extensive Heritage Overlay coverage and tight site constraints.

City of Melbourne (CBD, Carlton, Docklands, East Melbourne, Kensington, North Melbourne, Parkville, Southbank, West Melbourne)

Heritage Overlays cover most of Carlton, East Melbourne, Parkville and parts of the CBD.
Section 29A consent is processed through the planning team and refused if a planning permit is required but hasn’t been obtained.
Asset protection levy is based on the value of the works, with separate stage-one permits for demolition and construction. Substantial security bonds apply for tree, footpath and infrastructure protection.
Traffic management plans are typical for any CBD or Southbank demolition — laneway-only access is common.

City of Yarra (Fitzroy, Collingwood, Richmond, Carlton North, Abbotsford, Cremorne, Clifton Hill, Burnley, Princes Hill)

One of the highest concentrations of Heritage Overlays in the country, including Victorian terraces, Federation cottages and warehouse conversions.
Yarra’s heritage database categorises sites as individually significant, contributory or non-contributory — and each category attracts different demolition controls.
Heritage Impact Statements are routinely requested. Plan for 3–6 months of planning lead time on any heritage-affected demolition.
Many sites have shared boundary walls — engineering reports for adjoining properties are standard.

City of Port Phillip (St Kilda, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Middle Park, Port Melbourne, Elwood, Balaclava, Ripponlea)

Heritage Overlays blanket large parts of Albert Park, Middle Park and South Melbourne.
Active interim heritage controls have been introduced for areas like Fishermans Bend and parts of South Melbourne — always check current amendments.
Demolition near Albert Park and bayside frontages can also pick up environmental and significant landscape overlays.

City of Stonnington (South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor, Toorak, Armadale, Malvern, Glen Iris)

Stonnington and Boroondara together account for a significant share of Victoria’s heritage-related planning amendments — expect rigorous heritage assessment.
Toorak, Armadale and Malvern have especially well-protected Victorian and Edwardian streetscapes.
Council frequently requests detailed Heritage Impact Statements and refuses demolition of contributory dwellings without strong justification.

City of Boroondara (Hawthorn, Camberwell, Kew, Balwyn, Glen Iris, Surrey Hills, Canterbury)

Heritage Overlays are widespread, particularly in Hawthorn, Camberwell and Kew.
Boroondara has strict asset protection controls — application fee plus a separately calculated bond based on the site assessment, paid before the permit is issued.
Mature street trees protected by tree-protection conditions are common; tree protection bonds may also apply.

Inner-North

Merri-bek City Council (Brunswick, Coburg, Pascoe Vale, Glenroy, Fawkner, Brunswick East, Brunswick West)

Formed from the former City of Moreland; heritage protections are strong in the inner sections (Brunswick, Coburg) and lighter further north.
Offers a combined 29A/building-permit application service — useful when council acts as the building surveyor.
Active in heritage assessment and amendment work — interim Heritage Overlays appear from time to time.

City of Darebin (Northcote, Preston, Reservoir, Thornbury, Fairfield, Alphington)

Northcote, Thornbury and parts of Fairfield have substantial Heritage Overlay coverage.
Reservoir and outer Preston are more typically straightforward residential demolitions, though pre-1945 houses can still attract heritage interest.
Asset protection and tree protection conditions are routinely strict.

City of Moonee Valley (Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Ascot Vale, Strathmore, Niddrie, Aberfeldie, Airport West)

Section 29A applications are submitted electronically through Moonee Valley’s online portal.
Heritage Overlays apply to significant parts of Essendon, Moonee Ponds and Ascot Vale.
Trap to watch: approved demolition consents in Moonee Valley typically require all household bins to be returned before demolition can proceed.

Inner-West

Maribyrnong City Council (Footscray, Yarraville, Seddon, Kingsville, West Footscray, Maidstone, Maribyrnong)

Heritage Overlays in Yarraville, Seddon and parts of Footscray are tighter than many people expect.
Industrial-to-residential conversions in Footscray and Maribyrnong frequently raise EPA contamination concerns — soil testing is often required before approval.
Older industrial sites should be assumed to contain asbestos cement until tested.

Hobsons Bay City Council (Williamstown, Newport, Altona, Spotswood, Laverton, Seabrook, Seaholme)

Williamstown is one of Melbourne’s most heritage-dense suburbs outside the inner-east, with widespread Victorian and Federation overlays.
Foreshore and significant landscape overlays apply along the Williamstown and Altona coast.
Old refinery, rail and industrial land in Newport and Spotswood often requires environmental site assessment before demolition.

South-East Bayside

City of Bayside (Brighton, Sandringham, Hampton, Beaumaris, Black Rock, Brighton East, Cheltenham, Highett)

Heritage Overlays focus on individually significant Edwardian and inter-war homes — Brighton in particular has had high-profile cases of late-stage heritage interventions.
Section 29A statutory fee currently advertised at $93.90.
Bayside specifically notes that demolition permits are rarely issued to owner-demolishers — registered contractors are the norm.
Asset protection bonds for demolition can be substantial given the high property values and mature street trees.

City of Glen Eira (Caulfield, Bentleigh, Carnegie, Elsternwick, McKinnon, Murrumbeena, Ormond, Glen Huntly)

Online Section 29A application process; council’s urban planning team determines whether a planning permit is also required as part of intake.
Heritage Overlays focus on inter-war housing precincts in Caulfield, Elsternwick and Ormond.
Council has historically been responsive to heritage RFIs (requests for information) — submit a complete package the first time to avoid delays.

Kingston City Council (Mentone, Cheltenham, Mordialloc, Parkdale, Aspendale, Chelsea, Edithvale, Bonbeach, Carrum)

Mixed character — heritage interests in Mentone and parts of Mordialloc; more straightforward in newer beachside estates.
Coastal foreshore overlays, flood overlays and salt-affected ground conditions can all add complexity to the building permit stage.

Middle and Outer East

Whitehorse City Council (Box Hill, Blackburn, Burwood, Mont Albert, Surrey Hills, Vermont, Forest Hill, Mitcham, Nunawading)

29A required where demolition exceeds 50% volume or any facade is altered; if the building faces two streets, either facade triggers consent.
Significant heritage protections in Mont Albert, parts of Surrey Hills and pockets of Blackburn.
Box Hill has been a major redevelopment zone — older commercial demolitions often involve asbestos cement cladding from the 1960s and 1970s.

City of Manningham (Doncaster, Templestowe, Bulleen, Park Orchards, Warrandyte, Donvale)

Generally lighter heritage controls, but Significant Landscape Overlays and Vegetation Protection Overlays are common — especially in Warrandyte and Park Orchards.
Tree-related conditions can be more onerous than the demolition itself.

City of Monash (Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Clayton, Oakleigh, Notting Hill, Mulgrave, Wheelers Hill, Huntingdale)

Predominantly post-war housing — fewer Heritage Overlays, but mid-century homes are heavy with asbestos cement in eaves, fences and bathroom linings.
High volume of knock-down rebuilds — asset protection inspections are routine.

Maroondah, Knox, Yarra Ranges (Ringwood, Croydon, Wantirna, Ferntree Gully, Boronia, Bayswater, Lilydale, Healesville, Mt Evelyn, Belgrave, Olinda)

Heritage controls are lighter overall, but bushfire-prone area (BMO) and vegetation overlays complicate Yarra Ranges demolitions.
Fire-damaged properties from Black Saturday and subsequent fire seasons come with friable asbestos risk; a Class A removalist may be required, not just Class B.
Steep sites and long driveways add traffic management considerations.

North

Banyule, Whittlesea, Nillumbik (Heidelberg, Bundoora, Greensborough, Ivanhoe, Mill Park, Epping, South Morang, Eltham, Diamond Creek, Hurstbridge)

Mixed character: Heidelberg and Ivanhoe have older established heritage stock; outer Whittlesea is dominated by greenfield growth.
Nillumbik has strong environmental and bushfire overlays — vegetation protection conditions can apply even to demolition with no rebuild.
Eltham has a distinctive character protection regime around mudbrick and sympathetic design.

Hume City Council (Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Sunbury, Tullamarine, Greenvale, Roxburgh Park, Meadow Heights)

Predominantly post-war and growth-corridor housing — generally faster Section 29A turnaround than the inner-east.
Asset protection permit in Hume sits around the $465 mark; bonds may also apply.
Older suburbs like Broadmeadows and Tullamarine still have substantial 1960s housing stock with asbestos cement.

Outer South-East

City of Greater Dandenong (Dandenong, Springvale, Noble Park, Keysborough)

Industrial heritage and former industrial sites make EPA contamination assessments more common than average — especially around Dandenong South and Noble Park.
Commercial and warehouse demolitions are a high-volume category here.

Casey, Cardinia, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula (Berwick, Cranbourne, Narre Warren, Pakenham, Beaconsfield, Frankston, Carrum Downs, Langwarrin, Mornington, Rosebud, Mt Eliza, Sorrento, Portsea)

Casey and Cardinia are among Australia’s fastest-growing growth-corridor councils — most demolitions are straightforward post-war or 1980s–1990s knock-down rebuilds.
Casey requires an asset protection permit and a security bond before demolition or building works; the bond is refunded within 28 days of a clean final inspection.
Mornington Peninsula has a much heavier heritage and environmental footprint — Sorrento, Portsea, Mornington and Mt Eliza have dense Heritage Overlay and Significant Landscape Overlay coverage. Holiday-house demolitions can be deceptively complex.
Frankston sits between the two — low-rise post-war housing dominates, but coastal foreshore and pre-1940 homes attract heritage attention.

Outer West

Wyndham, Brimbank, Melton (Werribee, Point Cook, Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, Truganina, Sunshine, St Albans, Albanvale, Deer Park, Keilor, Melton, Caroline Springs, Burnside, Taylors Hill)

Largely growth-corridor councils — generally the simplest demolition permit pathway in metropolitan Melbourne.
Wyndham charges around $323 for an asset protection permit (2025–26) and uses a pre-commencement reporting system rather than a bond — but damage must be repaired within 28 days of notification.
Older suburbs in Brimbank (Sunshine, St Albans) have substantial 1950s–1970s asbestos cement housing stock.
Melton’s rapid expansion means most demolitions are simple, but former agricultural sites can carry contamination from old fuel tanks, sheds and asbestos farm structures.

Heritage Overlays: The Single Biggest Reason Demolitions Get Refused

If we had to nominate the one issue that derails Melbourne demolitions more than any other, it’s the Heritage Overlay. The councils that issue the most heritage-related amendments — Stonnington, Boroondara, Yarra, Melbourne and Port Phillip — are also where the most refusals happen.

What you need to understand:

A Heritage Overlay is a planning control under the local planning scheme, applied by the council and registered against the title.
Two near-identical houses on the same street can have very different controls — only one might carry the overlay.
Internal works are usually unaffected, but external demolition, façade alterations and roofline changes are routinely caught.
Approval depends on the statement of significance for the place, the schedule to the overlay, and council’s local heritage policy.
A Heritage Impact Statement prepared by a qualified heritage consultant is often required, and almost always advisable for contributory or individually significant places.

Don’t rely on a property’s age alone. Some 1960s buildings are heritage-protected; some 1890s cottages aren’t. Always check VicPlan (the Victorian Government planning maps) for the specific address before you commit to a demolition strategy.

How Asbestos and EPA Compliance Connect to Your Council Permit

Council permits don’t exist in isolation. They sit on top of a stack of WorkSafe and EPA obligations that have to be satisfied before, during and after demolition. The link points most people miss:

A Section 29A consent doesn’t cover asbestos. That sits with WorkSafe Victoria under the OHS Regulations 2017 — see our WorkSafe Victoria Demolition Requirements guide for the full picture.
The building permit for demolition issued by your surveyor will require evidence that asbestos has been identified, that a licensed removalist will handle it (Class B for non-friable, Class A for friable), and that disposal will go through EPA’s Waste Tracker system.
The asbestos waste itself is reportable priority waste under EPA Victoria’s Environment Protection Regulations 2021 — see our EPA Victoria Construction and Demolition Waste Rules guide for the 2026 detail.
Where a property is fire-damaged, council permit requirements stay the same — but the asbestos and contamination obligations escalate sharply.

If your demolition contractor isn’t fluent in all three regimes — council, WorkSafe and EPA — you’ll find out the hard way somewhere between Section 29A and the asbestos clearance certificate.

Realistic Demolition Permit Timeline in Melbourne

A common question: how long does this paperwork actually take? Realistic 2026 timeframes for a single-dwelling demolition in metropolitan Melbourne:

Title search and contract review: 1–2 days
Asset protection permit: 1–4 weeks (varies by council; bonds add lodgement time)
Section 29A consent (no Heritage Overlay): 2–6 weeks, depending on council backlog
Section 29A consent (Heritage Overlay applies): Add the planning permit timeline in front — typically 3–6 months for inner-east councils
Service disconnections (gas, power, water, telecoms): 2–6 weeks, can be concurrent
Building permit for demolition (issued by RBS): 5–10 business days once all upstream approvals are in
On-site demolition: 2–5 days for a typical single-storey home, longer for two-storey, multi-unit, heritage or fire-damaged sites

A realistic end-to-end horizon is 6–10 weeks for a non-heritage suburban demolition, and 4–6 months or more if a Heritage Overlay or Neighbourhood Character Overlay is involved.

Plain-English Council Permit Checklist (Save This)

Before you commit to a demolition contractor or sign any permit application in Victoria, work through this list:

[ ] VicPlan property report obtained (overlays, zones, native vegetation)
[ ] Heritage Overlay status confirmed in the Schedule to the overlay
[ ] Restrictive covenants and Section 173 agreements checked on title
[ ] Planning permit lodged (if required)
[ ] Heritage Impact Statement prepared (if required)
[ ] Section 29A demolition consent application prepared
[ ] Demolition plan / site plan / aerial showing what will be demolished
[ ] Current Certificate of Title (issued in last 3 months) attached
[ ] Asset protection permit application lodged with council
[ ] Asset protection bond paid (where applicable)
[ ] Hazardous materials survey completed
[ ] Licensed asbestos removalist engaged (Class B for non-friable, Class A for friable)
[ ] WorkSafe asbestos removal notification lodged
[ ] EPA Waste Tracker arrangements confirmed
[ ] Service disconnections (gas, power, water, telecoms) confirmed in writing
[ ] Public protection (hoarding, signage, dust controls) planned
[ ] Traffic management plan in place (if required)
[ ] Building permit for demolition issued by Registered Building Surveyor
[ ] Public liability insurance current and certificate sighted
[ ] Neighbouring properties notified

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a council permit to demolish a house in Melbourne?

Yes — almost always. You need a building permit for demolition from a Registered Building Surveyor, and in most cases you also need Section 29A consent from your local council (where more than 50% of the building is being demolished, or where any facade is being altered). If the property is in a Heritage Overlay or another permit-triggering planning control, you’ll also need a planning permit before Section 29A can be issued. An asset protection permit is required by almost every metropolitan Melbourne council before demolition begins.

How much does a council demolition permit cost in Melbourne?

The statutory Section 29A fee is capped at 5.75 fee units under the Building Regulations 2018 — about $96.66 for the 2025–26 financial year at $16.81 per fee unit. Some councils round this to $93.90, $96.60 or $96.70. The building permit for demolition itself is set by the building surveyor and typically ranges from $1,500–$4,000 for a residential demolition. Asset protection permit fees range from around $320 in Wyndham to $465 in Hume, with inner-east councils like Boroondara and the City of Melbourne charging a fee plus a separately calculated security bond. Planning permit fees for heritage-affected demolitions are additional and depend on the cost of the proposed works.

Which Melbourne councils are the strictest about demolition?

The five councils with the largest concentrations of Heritage Overlays — City of Stonnington, City of Boroondara, City of Yarra, City of Melbourne and City of Port Phillip — are consistently the most rigorous. Bayside is also strict on individually significant Edwardian and inter-war homes in Brighton and surrounds. Mornington Peninsula is heavier than most outer councils because of its dense overlay coverage in Sorrento, Portsea, Mornington and Mt Eliza.

How long does it take to get a demolition permit in Melbourne?

For a non-heritage suburban demolition, expect around 6–10 weeks end-to-end — covering Section 29A consent, asset protection permit, service disconnections, asbestos arrangements and the building permit itself. If a Heritage Overlay applies and a planning permit is needed first, add 3–6 months to the front of that timeline. Outer-growth councils like Wyndham, Casey, Hume and Melton are usually at the faster end; inner-east councils like Stonnington, Boroondara and Yarra are at the slower end.

What is the difference between Section 29A consent and a building permit for demolition?

Section 29A consent is the council’s report and consent under the Building Act 1993, required before a building permit for demolition can be issued, where the demolition meets the 50% volume test or the facade test. The building permit for demolition is the actual permit to demolish, issued by a Registered Building Surveyor (private or council-employed) once all upstream approvals are in place. They’re sequential: Section 29A consent first, then the building permit.

Do I need a planning permit to demolish a house in Melbourne?

Only if the property is affected by a planning control that triggers it — most commonly a Heritage Overlay, but also Neighbourhood Character Overlay, Significant Landscape Overlay, or a covenant on title. Properties outside these controls typically need only Section 29A consent and a building permit for demolition. Always check VicPlan for the specific address.

Can I demolish a house in a Heritage Overlay in Melbourne?

Sometimes, but it’s rarely automatic. Demolition of an individually significant building under a Heritage Overlay is usually refused unless there are exceptional circumstances. Demolition of a contributory building can be approved with strong justification. Demolition of a non-contributory building inside a heritage precinct is more frequently approved. A Heritage Impact Statement prepared by a qualified heritage consultant is almost always required.

Who lodges the council demolition permit applications — me or my contractor?

A Section 29A application can only be lodged by the property owner or an authorised agent. In practice, your demolition contractor or building surveyor will almost always lodge it as your authorised agent, with your written authority. The planning permit is also normally lodged by an agent — typically a town planner or your demolition contractor’s planning consultant. Asset protection permits are usually lodged by the demolition contractor in their own name.

What happens if I demolish without the right council permits?

Penalties under the Building Act 1993 are substantial — fines for individuals and companies can run into tens of thousands of dollars, and WorkSafe and EPA penalties stack on top for any safety or waste breaches. Council can issue stop-work orders, refer the matter for prosecution, and require you to rebuild or restore the building in some heritage cases. Insurance won’t cover unpermitted demolition, and future sale of the property becomes much harder once council records show illegal works.

My property is in a growth-corridor council like Wyndham or Casey. Is the process simpler?

Generally yes. Outer-growth councils like Wyndham, Casey, Cardinia, Melton and Hume have lighter heritage footprints and faster Section 29A turnaround. But you still need an asset protection permit, a building permit for demolition, and full WorkSafe/EPA compliance for asbestos and waste. Older suburbs within these councils (e.g. Werribee village, central Cranbourne, central Sunbury, central Melton) can still pick up Heritage Overlays — always check.

Does my demolition contractor need to be licensed?

Demolition contractors in Victoria need to be registered building practitioners under the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) framework, and the demolition class of registration limits the types and heights of structures they can demolish. For asbestos work, the contractor (or a partner) needs a Class B asbestos removal licence for non-friable work, or a Class A licence for friable work. We hold a Class B licence and partner with Class A specialists where required.

Where can I check if my Melbourne property has a Heritage Overlay or other controls?

Go to the Victorian Government’s VicPlan portal (vicplan.vic.gov.au) and search the property address. The free property report shows zoning, all overlays (heritage, environmental, landscape), heritage citations, and any relevant amendments. If you’re still unsure, the council’s planning team can provide written advice — and we can include a property check as part of any quote.

Get a Council-Compliant Demolition Quote in Melbourne

We’re a fully licensed Melbourne demolition company with Class B (non-friable) asbestos removal capability — meaning your council paperwork, your asbestos removal and your EPA waste compliance are handled under one insured roof, across every metropolitan Melbourne council and regional Victoria.

Whether it’s a knock-down rebuild in Brighton, a heritage strip-out in Fitzroy, a townhouse demolition in Footscray, a fire-damaged property in the Yarra Ranges, a growth-corridor demolition in Tarneit or Cranbourne, or a partial structural demolition for a renovation in Hawthorn or Toorak, we’ll handle the planning permit, the Section 29A consent, the asset protection permit, the asbestos and the heavy lifting — properly, the first time.

Call us today for a free site inspection and fixed-price quote — and get a project that meets every council demolition permit requirement in Melbourne, without the headache.

Disclaimer: This guide summarises council demolition permit requirements across metropolitan Melbourne as of May 2026 in plain English. It is not legal or planning advice. Council fees, overlays and policies change frequently — always check the relevant council’s current planning scheme, the Building Act 1993, the Building Regulations 2018, and VicPlan, or consult a qualified town planner or building surveyor, before relying on this information for a specific project. Fee unit values reset on 1 July each year.

Sources & Further Reading

Building Act 1993 (Vic), particularly Section 29A and Section 29B
Building Regulations 2018 (Vic), particularly Regulation 36
Victorian Building Authority — Demolition of Buildings Practice Note (BUILDING-DE-01, May 2024)
Department of Justice and Community Safety Victoria — Penalties and Values (2025–26 fee unit value)
City of Melbourne — Section 29A consent for proposed demolition
City of Yarra — Demolition, buildings and works in a Heritage Overlay
City of Port Phillip — Demolition
City of Stonnington — Heritage planning materials
City of Boroondara — Demolition Report and Consent (Section 29A)
City of Bayside — Demolition and Apply for a demolition permit
City of Glen Eira — Demolition consent request (Section 29A)
Moonee Valley City Council — Demolition consent (Form 29A)
Merri-bek City Council — Report and consent on proposed demolition
Whitehorse City Council — Demolition Works
Wyndham City Council — Asset Protection and Building Permit Application Process
Hume City Council — Asset Protection and Permit Requirements
City of Casey — Asset Protection
Maroondah City Council — Section 29A application form
Yarra Ranges Council — Apply for demolition consent (Section 29A)
WorkSafe Victoria — Compliance Code: Demolition (Edition 2, 2019)
EPA Victoria — Civil Construction, Building and Demolition Guide (publication 1834)
Vicplan — vicplan.vic.gov.au