A Study on the Rationalization of the Notification System for Small-Scale Building Demolition Works

Background and objective: Demolition work in Korea has historically been managed under fragmented regulations, resulting in overlapping administrative procedures and inadequate safety controls. While the Building Management Act was enacted and revised to enhance demolition safety following major collapse accidents, practical limitations persist, especially for small-scale demolition projects. Excessive administrative burdens and limited effectiveness of expert reviews continue to be reported. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of Korea's demolition permit and notification system and to propose improvement measures that balance safety and administrative efficiency.Methods: A mixed research approach was adopted, including institutional analysis, international comparisons, surveys, and expert interviews. Demolition approval systems in the United States, Japan, and the European Union were reviewed. In addition, surveys and interviews were conducted with 204 stakeholders, including architects, professional engineers, demolition contractors, and public officials. The analysis focused on demolition plan preparation costs, administrative procedures, reviewer qualifications, and the appropriateness of current floor area-based criteria.Results: The findings show that the current system imposes disproportionate administrative and financial burdens on small-scale, low-risk demolition projects. Over 60% of respondents indicated that the notification system requires relaxation, and more than half considered the cost of preparing demolition plans excessively. The study also revealed that floor area-based criteria alone are insufficient to reflect demolition risk adequately, and that reviews conducted by a single professional group lack sufficient technical depth.Conclusion: This study proposes a risk-based improvement framework that incorporates structural type, building use, and surrounding conditions alongside revised floor area thresholds. Key recommendations include relaxing review requirements for small-scale demolition works, raising permit thresholds, standardizing demolition plan templates, and adopting a multidisciplinary review system. These measures are anticipated to reduce administrative inefficiencies while strengthening demolition safety management.