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Apply for a demolition permit

Apply for a demolition permit

The City may instruct a landowner to demolish a building or demolition may be required as part of a building plan application. In nearly all instances, you will need a permit from your local development management district office to carry out demolition work.

How to apply

Step 1: Once demolition work on a particular site has been identified, the registered owner must download and complete the Demolition Permit Application Form. If necessary, they must also nominate an authorised person to act on their behalf.

Step 2: Please ensure that you have all the relevant supporting documents, as well as the prescribed application fee.

Step 3: Once approval to demolish has been granted, the landowner or authorised person must complete a Notice of Intention to commence demolition of a building (as prescribed by the National Building Regulation A22). This notice must reach the District Building Inspector at least 10 days prior to the intended date of commencement stated on the Notice.

Asbestos demolition

Usually, a person is only exposed to asbestos when asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged in some way. Asbestos particles and fibres (also known as asbestos dust) are released into the air during the demolition and the dust is inhaled into the lungs.

Fast fact

In 2008, South Africa banned the importation and exportation of asbestos, as well as the use and manufacturing of the mineral. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung cancer and other diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. View our Asbestos Pamphlet.

If asbestos material is identified in a building, structure or area, demolition work may not commence without permission from the National Department of Labour, in terms of the Asbestos Regulations, 2001.

Before demolition work

If you think you may have discovered asbestos materials, contact an approved asbestos inspection authority (AIA) to confirm. As part of the process, all asbestos and asbestos-containing materials that may release airborne asbestos fibres during demolition need to be identified.

A registered asbestos contractor (RAC) must be contacted to complete the demolition work and remove the asbestos material.

Please note

RACs must be certified by the Department of Labour. Contact the provincial office on 021 441 8000 or email them at wc.customercare@labour.gov.za for a list of approved AIAs and RACs.

At least 30 days before demolition work can begin, a written plan of work must be submitted to an AIA for approval.

Once the work plan has been approved and signed by the AIA, it must be sent by mail, or delivered by hand to the Provincial Director: Western Cape, Department of Labour at least 14 days before demolition work can begin.

During and after demolition work

It is important to ensure that during and after the demolition work, necessary safety precautions are implemented and the asbestos material is handled and disposed of correctly.

  • All asbestos and asbestos-containing material must be handled and disposed of in accordance with the regulations.
  • Anyone who is likely to be exposed to asbestos must be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) free of charge. The PPE must be effective to reduce the level of exposure to below the Occupational Exposure Levels (OEL) for asbestos.
  • Once work is completed, the building, structure or area must be checked to ensure that all asbestos waste has been removed.

As a hazardous waste material, asbestos needs to be disposed of in accordance with the regulations, and the National Environmental Management Waste Act, No 59 of 2008.

  • All asbestos waste must be placed in containers that prevent exposure during handling, and disposed of at a designated hazardous waste facility.
  • All vehicles, re-usable containers etc. exposed to asbestos waste must be cleaned after use;
  • Those involved in the collection, transport and disposal must wear suitable PPE.

The RAC should submit a Safe Disposal Certificate to confirm that all asbestos waste was removed from the site and disposed of correctly.

Heritage sites and buildings

If you intend to demolish a building or structure that is located in:

  • a conservation or heritage area,
  • is older than 60 years, or
  • is regarded as a heritage resource, you may need to comply with a special set of rules, including a heritage impact assessment.

Our Environment and Heritage Branch will consider this when assessing your application.

Integrated Waste Management Plan

If you are going to be doing any demolition work, you have to apply for an Integrated Waste Management Plan for Building Waste Generators.

Contact us

You can visit the Development Management Department page for more assistance or information.

Please refer to the department contact list for your relevant planning office contact details.

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