Building Permits, Applications and Building Regulations

A building permit is written approval from a registered building surveyor, either Council or private, certifying that your plans comply with the Building Regulations and meet minimum construction standards. 

Unless an exemption exists, you must have a building permit before commencing building works. Depending on your project, you may also need to apply for a planning permit or an asset protection permit.  

Permit process

Step 1.Understand your project

When commencing any building project, you should understand the permit requirements around your build. Most projects require a permit. Our Do I Need a Building Permit? page provides general information about permit requirements for a range of projects. Or you can check the Building Regulations 2018 for the current requirements in Victoria.

Step 2.Selecting a building surveyor

Decide whether to engage a private building surveyor or use Council as your building surveyor. Both private building surveyors and Council have the authority to issue building permits. A list of private building surveyors can be found on the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors website.

Step 3.Supplying the necessary information

When applying for a building permit, you must provide enough information for your surveyor to assess the application.  Depending on your application, this can include

  • Evidence of your builder's registration with the Building Practitioners Board 
  • Proof of your builder's appropriate insurance 
  • Three sets of professionally drawn plans
  • A current copy (no older than 60 days) of the certificate of title for the land
  • A copy of the planning permit, if required

Step 4.Permit assessment

Once all required information has been submitted, your building surveyor will review your application. Your surveyor may approve or reject your permit. If approved, construction can commence in accordance with any permit conditions. If rejected, you may have the opportunity to modify your proposal to comply with Building Regulations.

Step 5.Inspections

After your building permit has been issued, your building will undergo inspections by your surveyor at various stages. For a new home, these stages typically include:

  • Before the pouring of a slab or placement of footings
  • Upon completion of framing
  • Upon completion of all building work
  • Any other time deemed necessary by your surveyor

Your surveyor may provide written instructions to your builder following these inspections, which your builder is obliged to follow. For more information about the inspection stage, please refer to the VBA’s Building Practice Note.

Step 6.Occupancy certificates

You can request your building surveyor to issue a certificate of occupancy or a certificate of final inspection at the completion of your project.

Your building surveyor may first need to verify certificates from the tradespeople involved in your project. Certificates of occupancy grant you the legal right to occupy your building and should be kept for future reference.

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