New Safety Threshold for Building Demolition

Urban renewal includes not only the new building design but also safe removal of the old structure. The amendment dated 12 August 2026 tightened technical responsibility and surrounding-area safety during demolition.

This article was prepared on 26 October 2026. The amendment was published in Official Gazette No. 33338 on 12 August 2026; it is not a decision made today. A one-year transition period from publication applies to the special high-rise provisions.

Technical supervisor threshold: 18.50 metres

A civil engineer assumes technical responsibility for demolition. The mandatory building-height threshold was reduced from 21.50 to 18.50 metres. The authority may still require a supervisor below 18.50 metres because of attached construction, structural irregularity, nearby sensitive buildings or other risks.

Which buildings count as high-rise?

The new section treats structures exceeding 21.50 metres in building height or 30.50 metres in structure height as high-rise. More detailed demolition plans, staged work and specialist-personnel rules apply. Explosive demolition also requires scenario and environmental modelling, weather review, measurement and video recording.

Permit validity is not extended automatically

A demolition permit may be extended for up to three months where risk or force majeure exists and the authority approves. This is not an automatic extension. Owners or contractors should check the expiry date and obtain the authority’s written decision before delay occurs.

Asbestos and selective demolition rules remain

Existing rules require asbestos and similar hazardous materials to be identified and removed and selective demolition completed before main demolition. Sampling and analysis for the asbestos inventory are performed by an authorised laboratory. The new safety provisions supplement rather than replace these duties.

What should owners add to the contract?

The contract should clearly cover contractor authorisation, demolition plan, technical supervisor, asbestos inventory and disposal records, neighbouring-building surveys, dust and noise controls, permit monitoring and extension responsibility. Cost, insurance and damage liability should not be left unclear; obtain the current document list from the municipality.