Apply for a Building Permit

Interior of house under construction with interior walls unfinished and roof beams showing.

You can obtain a Building Permit by engaging the services of a private Building Surveyor of your choice. 

You can find a building surveyor through the Victorian Building Authority website.

Do I need a Building Permit?

You should contact the Shire's Building Department if you are planning any building projects to check whether the works will require a permit.

Common Projects Requiring a Building Permit

This list is does not cover all projects that require a building permit.
Buildings  

  • New homes, bungalows, outbuildings or studios

  • Re-locatable buildings

  • Commercial buildings

  • Additions to an existing dwelling or other building

  • Structural alterations to an existing dwelling or other building, including adding or removing structural or load bearing parts of a building.  Also covers installation of 'bay' or 'corner' type windows where structural alterations are required.

  • Re-blocking or re-stumping

  • Alterations to a commercial building including layout changes

  • Alterations to, or introduction of, an Essential Safety Measure including fire
    hose reels, fire hydrants, exit doors, fire extinguishers, exit signs, emergency lights, sprinklers.

  • Verandahs attached to any building new or existing.

  • Construction of a Pergola (unroofed structure) associated with any other building

  • New pergolas with a floor area greater than 20m²

  • Impermeable shade sails

  • Permeable shade sails with a floor area greater than 20m²
 Conversions  
  •  Converting a garage or shed into a habitable room
Swimming pools and spas    

  • New swimming pools or spas capable of a water depth greater than 30cm

  • Pool or spa safety barrier
 Fences  

  • On corner blocks;

    • front and side timber fences greater than 1.5m in height, within 3m of the front or side street boundary.

    • front and side masonry/brick fences greater than 1.2m in height, within 3m of the front or side street boundary.

    • any fence greater than 1m in height within 9m of the street corner point, measured in both directions along the boundary line of the block.

  • Any side fence, between properties that is greater than 2m in height.

  • Front and side timber fences greater than 1.5m in height, within 3m of the front boundary.

  • Front and side masonry/brick fences greater than 1.2m in height, within 3m of the front boundary.

Decks and landings

 

  •  All decks and landings

Sheds, garages and carports

 

  • All garages, sheds and carports more than 10m2 in area, more than 3m high or constructed of masonry.

Retaining walls

 

  • A retaining wall within 1m of a boundary or another building

  • A retaining wall greater than 1m in height

Masts and Antennas

 

  • Greater than 3m above the building to which it’s attached

  • Greater than 8m above the ground (if not attached to a building).

Demolition

 

  • Demolition/removal of any building with masonry features

  • Demolition of a building with a floor area greater than 40m²

 Roofing

 

  • Replacing corrugated iron roofing with concrete or terracotta roofing tiles.

Owner Builders

An owner-builder is someone who takes responsibility for domestic building work carried out on their own land.  They are responsible for obtaining building permits, supervising or undertaking the building work, and ensuring the work meets building regulations and standards.

In Victoria, an owner-builder can only build or renovate one house every five years and must intend to live in the house once completed.

If the value of the domestic building work to be undertaken is more than $16,000 you must have a certificate of consent from the VBA to be an owner-builder.

Find out more information about becoming an Owner Builder on the VBA website. 

Do I also need a Planning Permit?

Building permits and Planning permits are different and require separate approvals.  Some projects will require both Planning and Building whilst others may only require a Building Permit.  You should find out if a Planning permit is required prior to applying for your Building Permit.  A Planning Permit must be issued before a Building Permit can be obtained.  Find out whether you need a Planning Permit here.

Do I need a Septic Tank permit?

If you live in an area that is not connected to mains sewerage then you must obtain a Septic Tank permit if you are planning to build anything that will have any toilet, kitchen or bathroom fixtures.  A Septic Tank permit can be issued after a Planning Permit but before a Building Permit issued.  Find out more information about obtaining a Septic tank permit here.




Resources

Application Forms

Section 29A - Report and Consent on Proposed Demolition(PDF, 381KB)

Agent Authorisation Form - s240(PDF, 83KB)

Online Building Portal

Information and FAQs

When can I start building?

Your Registered Builder can commence work once the permit is issued and it is their responsibility to build in accordance with the Building Permit and approved plans. Any variation to the approved plans must be submitted to the Building Surveyor for approval.  

Will I need mandatory Inspections?

Inspections must be carried out by Council's Building Surveyor (or your Private Building Surveyor) at different stages of construction.

You should not continue any further works until each relevant inspection has been approved by the Building Surveyor.

What sort of inspections will I need?

Common inspections required are:

  • Foundation and Footing
  • Reinforcement
  • Frame Inspection
  • Final Inspection and Occupancy Permits

The exact type of inspections required for your specific project will depend on what is to be constructed and will be listed on your building permit. 

What will I need for the Final Inspection?

Before an Occupancy Permit can be issued you may be required to submit various trade certifications for work such as Plumbing, Electrical, Glazing, Insulation, and Emergency Lighting.  If a Septic tank permit was also required then your Certificate of Approval to Use must be issued prior to an Occupancy Permit being issued. 

Building Within a Declared Termite Area

Swimming pool and spa registration

Consultants and Surveyors

Council is unable to recommend any Consultants or Surveyors but the below links to relevant professional organisations could assist you find a Practitioner to assist you with your proposal. 

Building Surveyors

Find a Practitioner (Victoria Building Authorities)

Planning Consultants

Consultant Directory of the Planning Institute of Australia

Land Surveyors (Subdivisions)

Finding a Licensed Surveyor (Surveyors Registration Board of Victoria)

Other Services

Your proposal may require additional specialist information to support your Planning or Building application. The below terms put through a Web-Based or Yellow Pages search may assist you find qualified practitioners to assist you with these specialist areas.

Practitioner

Also Try Searching

Geotechnical Surveyor

Soil Testing

Land Capability Assessment

Environmental Consultant

Native Vegetation Assessment

Land Management Plans

Bushfire Management Consultants

Bushfire Assessment Report

 

Drafting Services

Draftsperson

Design Consultants

If you have any further questions or queries regarding Practitioners, please contact Council on (03) 5349 1100.

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