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When a building permit is required

Building Permits are required for almost all new buildings, alterations, demolition and change of use. A permit must be obtained before the works commence.
 

Apply for a building permit through the City Owner builders When you need a permit

You need a building permit for most commercial, industrial and residential developments. This enforces regulations that are designed to protect owners' buildings and those who occupy them.

Building permits ensure that work is compliant with the Building Act 1993, Building Regulations 2018, National Construction Code and other standards.

This can include the following, regardless of cost of works:

  • new buildings
  • small second dwellings
  • alterations and additions to current buildings
  • modifications to property drainage
  • pergolas (unroofed), verandahs & shade sails
  • decks and balconies
  • change of use of a building (such as warehouse to dwelling, or garages to rumpus rooms)
  • minor structures (carports, roller doors)
  • outbuildings (garages and sheds for storage)
  • fences and retaining walls
  • demolition of an existing building
  • structural works
  • swimming pool or spa.

Where a building permit is required, this must be granted prior to the commencement of any building works.

The Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) provides a resource called 'When is a building permit required' which provides guidance on when you do and don't need a building permit.

Appointing a building surveyor

Once you have determined that a building permit is required, the next step is to appoint a Building Surveyor.

You can choose either a Municipal Building Surveyor (Council) or a Private Building Surveyor to assess and issue your permit. Building permits in Victoria have been issued by both municipal and private building surveyors since the industry was privatised in 1993.

If you are considering using Council's Building Services team, our staff have the technical expertise, industry knowledge, and experience to assist with your project. Find out more at Using Council to apply for a Building Permit.

If you would prefer to engage a private building surveyor, you can search for a registered practitioner using the Building and Plumbing Commission's (BPC) Find a Practitioner tool.

Deregistered building surveyors

When a private building surveyor is deregistered, or their registration is cancelled, please contact the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) on 1300 815 127 for further information and advice.

Building permit fees

Your building permit fee will be determined by the building surveyor you choose.

If you appoint Council as your Building Surveyor, the permit fee is not a fixed amount. Fees are assessed based on the scope of the proposed works. To obtain a quote, please email your application and supporting documentation to [email protected].
 
If you appoint a private building surveyor, they will outline their fees to you. Fees and services may vary between providers, so we encourage you to discuss any costs, inclusions, or questions directly with your chosen surveyor.
 
A State Government Levy will also apply where the cost of the building works exceeds $10,000 - regardless of which surveyor you choose.
 

Apply for a Building Permit through the City

Common Questions

A building permit is required to construct a pool or spa when the depth exceeds 300 millimetres.

A building permit is required for the construction or alteration of all pool safety barriers.

Once approved a building permit has a period of time in which building works must commence and be completed.

As part of the process the building surveyor who issues the permit must follow the project through to the end, carry out inspections, issue an occupancy permit and/or a certificate of final inspection on completion of the works.

You cannot appoint or change to another building surveyor once an appointment is made.

Any changes to the dates on the permits must be discussed with your building surveyor.

Domestic

  • Building works must:
    • commence within one year of the building permit issue date
    • be completed within two years of the building permit issue date
  • Relocated dwellings must be:
    • commenced within six months of the building permit date
    • completed within 12 months of the building permit date.

Commercial/Industrial

Building works must be:

  • commenced within one year of the building permit date
  • completed within three years of the building permit date.

Swimming pools

  • Works must be completed (including safety barriers) within six months of the commencement of the building work.

The following web-based resources can assist you with the commencement of your building projects:

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