Demolition Licence NSW: Know the Rules Before You Start
If you are planning the demolition of a building or renovations in NSW, there are some vital facts you must be aware of before you start.
This article is your guide to safe, legal, efficient demolition services. Find out the latest rules for 2026 and the answer to the question “Is a Demolition Licence NSW really required?”
When Does Renovation Become Illegal Demolition?
Picture this: a homeowner in Sydney’s Inner West buys a fixer-upper. They want to open up the kitchen, so they decide to knock down what looks like a non-structural wall. No permits, no contractor, just a hired labourer with a White Card and a sledgehammer. What could go wrong?
Quite a lot, actually.
The demolition licence requirements NSW identify demolition as “high-risk construction work”. That classification means specific licences are required, proper sequences must be followed, and specific people must be in charge.
A White Card (General Construction Induction Card) allows a person to work on a construction site. It does not authorise them to carry out demolition work. These are two very different things.
What counts as “demolition” under NSW law?
Definition: Demolition work, as defined under the WHS Regulation 2017, includes the dismantling, razing, destroying, or pulling down of a structure or part of a structure.
This definition includes:
- Full knockdowns of residential and commercial buildings
- Partial removal of structures, including walls, floors, and roofing
- Removal of structures attached to or supporting other structures
- Dismantling of industrial plant or equipment in certain circumstances
A homeowner who hires an unlicensed contractor is exposed to legal risk.
What Are the Two Demolition Licences in NSW?
NSW has two classes of demolition contractor licence, both issued and managed by SafeWork NSW.
What is a DE2 Restricted Demolition Licence?
A DE2 licence authorises the holder to carry out demolition work on structures between 6 and 15 metres in height.
This is the licence most commonly held by residential demolition contractors. It covers:
- Single and double-storey homes, plus garages, sheds, and outbuildings above 6 metres
- Small commercial buildings within the height threshold
- Low-rise structures where no special hazards are present
To qualify for a DE2 licence, applicants must hold the required competency units under the CPC Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package.
As of 2025/2026, this includes the newly mandated unit CPCCDE3030, covering the planning and management of demolition work.
What is a DE1 Unrestricted Demolition Licence?
Definition: A DE1 licence authorises the holder to carry out demolition work on any structure, including those over 15 metres in height and sites involving complex structural or hazardous conditions.
This is the highest class of demolition licence available in NSW. It covers:
- Multi-storey commercial and residential buildings
- Industrial facilities and warehouses
- Sites with structural complexity, chemical contamination, or hazardous materials
Supervisors on DE1 sites are now required to hold 10 competency units, a requirement updated in 2025/2026 that reflects SafeWork NSW’s increased focus on pre-demolition planning and site management.
Do You Need a Separate Licence for Asbestos or Chemical Sites?
Yes, and this is where many people get caught out.
A standard demolition licence does not cover all the work that may be required on a site before demolition begins. Two additional endorsements are commonly required, yet rarely discussed.
Is asbestos removal required before demolition starts?
Yes. Under the WHS Regulation 2017, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) must be identified and removed before demolition work begins, not during.
Many older buildings across NSW may have ACMs. If there is the slightest doubt, a licensed asbestos assessor must inspect the site and produce a clearance certificate before demolition proceeds
- Only class A licence holders can remove friable (loose, crumbling) asbestos
- Class B licence holders can remove non-friable (bonded) asbestos, such as fibro sheeting
Tip: Before signing any demolition contract, ask the contractor to confirm in writing how asbestos will be identified, who will remove it, and what licences their removalist holds.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Demolition in NSW?
The penalties are significant and apply to both contractors and the people who hire them.
How much does a demolition licence cost in NSW?
A DE1 or DE2 demolition contractor licence costs $2,729 for a five-year period, approximately $546 per year.
What are the fines for unlicensed demolition in NSW?
As laid out in the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW), penalties are structured across three categories:
Don’t ignore these figures. In a documented NSW case, a Gosford-based company was fined $90,000 for safety breaches related to demolition work. That is more than 30 years’ worth of licence fees.
- Homeowners: Hiring an unlicensed demolition contractor can void your home and contents insurance policy. If something goes wrong on site, a structural collapse, an injury, asbestos exposure, you may have no cover and face personal liability.
- Workers: Carrying out demolition work without the required licence is a criminal offence under the WHS Act 2011.
What Changed in NSW Demolition Licensing in 2025/2026?
Many articles still reference the old licensing requirements. If you are applying for or renewing a demolition licence in NSW now, the information below reflects the current rules.
What is the new mandatory training unit CPCCDE3030?
As of 2025/2026, all new applicants for a demolition contractor licence in NSW must complete the unit ‘CPCCDE3030: Plan and manage demolition work’.
This unit was introduced to increase the standard of demolition planning across the industry. It covers:
- A review of site conditions and structural risks before work begins
- Developing a legally compliant demolition work plan
- Management of workers and specialist removalists
- Reporting and documentation obligations
This only affects new applicants. Existing licence holders are not required to complete CPCCDE3030 unless they upgrade their licence class.
What are the new supervisor competency requirements?
Demolition supervisors on NSW sites are now required to hold 10 competency units as part of their qualification. This is an increase from previously and applies to anyone exercising a supervisory role on a demolition site.
The 10-unit requirement is more about planning, risk management, and legal accountability.
Do You Need a Demolition Licence? A Quick Reference Checklist
Use this checklist to work out whether a demolition licence holder is required for your project.
- Structure under 6 metres in height: No demolition licence required (check council permit requirements separately)
- Structure between 6 and 15 metres: DE2 Restricted Demolition Licence required
- Structure over 15 metres, or complex site conditions: DE1 Unrestricted Demolition Licence required
- Hiring a contractor: Verify their licence on the SafeWork NSW public register before signing any contract
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a homeowner carry out their own demolition work in NSW?
A homeowner can carry out minor demolition work on structures under 6 metres without a demolition licence, as long as there is no asbestos present and the work complies with local council requirements.
Does a White Card cover demolition work in NSW?
No. A White Card (General Construction Induction) allows a person to work on a construction site but does not authorise demolition work. A separate demolition contractor licence is required.
How long does a NSW demolition licence last?
A demolition contractor licence issued by SafeWork NSW is valid for five years. The current fee is $2,729.
What happens if asbestos is found during demolition?
Work must stop until a licensed asbestos handler has inspected the site, and a licensed asbestos removalist has removed the material.
Continuing to work around known asbestos without removal is a breach of the WHS Regulation 2017.
Work With a Licensed NSW Demolition Contractor
If you are planning a demolition project in New South Wales, whether it’s a residential knockdown, a commercial strip-out, or a complex industrial site, the team at Rapid Demolition holds the licences and qualifications and has the local knowledge to get the job done properly.
We operate across NSW, always in compliance with SafeWork NSW requirements, including asbestos management, chemical site handling, and the updated 2025/2026 training standards.
Find out more about our demolition services or contact the team directly for a straightforward site assessment and quote.
