Steps needed for Permits

 

1. ORGANISE YOUR PLANS TO BE DRAWN UP FOR YOUR BUILDING PROJECT.

 

Get your building plans prepared by a registered architect or draftsperson. They will work with you to create plans for your project and advise what other documents you will need.

 

2. APPLY FOR A PLANNING PERMIT (IF REQUIRED)

 

If your project requires a planning permit, then you must have the planning permit before a building permit can be issued. A planning permit is a legal document that allows a certain use and/or development of land. There are a large range of triggers in relation to Planning Permit Requirements. Please refer to your local council website for more information on whether a Planning Permit is required on your land.

 

3. BUILDING PERMIT

 

A building permit is a written approval from a registered building surveyor that shows your plans comply with building regulations. Building Surveyors evaluate and assess plans, conduct inspections and issue Building Permits. Building Surveyors are responsible for ensuring buildings are safe, energy-efficient, accessible and meet all legal requirements.

You can choose a building surveyor from Council or a private registered building surveyor. A building surveyor from the council is the cheaper option. However, it will take much longer (Estimated 3-6 months). Please note that not all councils offer this service. 

A private building surveyor has a faster turnaround time (Estimated 5-10 working days.)

A Private Registered Building Surveyor can advise whether you need a building permit or you can check with your local council if a building permit is required for your project.

A Building Surveyor will assess your application (for a fee) and either: Request changes to ensure the plans and specifications comply with building regulations OR Grant the building permit, allowing building work to start.

Here is a Handly link to the Victoria Building Authority page on Building permits.

 

4. APPLY FOR A BUILDING PERMIT OR OTHER PERMITS

 

Your architect /draftsperson can apply for a building permit on your behalf (for a fee), but it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct permits. You cannot start work without a building permit.

 

5. DETERMINE IF YOU NEED TO PROTECT AN ADJOINING PROPERTY

 

Prior to getting your building permit, your building surveyor will let you know if you need to protect an adjoining property from potential damage from your building work. If building work is close to or adjacent to adjoining property boundaries, then you may be required to carry out protection work in respect of that adjoining property. The Victoria Building Authority has more information.

 

6. COMMENCE BUILDING WORKS

 

Once the building permit is issued, building work can begin.

The building surveyor inspects the building project at different stages of work.

 

7. FINAL INSPECTIONS STAGE

 

Once the building project is complete, the building surveyor will issue an occupancy permit or a certificate of final inspection.

 

8. ENJOY YOUR NEW SPACE​