When do you need a Building Permit?

When undertaking building work on your property find out whether your project requires a planning permit, a building permit, or both.  Your local Council is a good place to start.

These permits are required by law and are designed to protect you. The Building Act 1993 (the Act) and Building Regulations 2018 (the Regulations) state that all building work requires a building permit, unless an exemption exists under the Regulations.

Having a building permit provides you with protection by ensuring:

• the building practitioners working on your project are registered and carry the required insurance

• adequate documentation is prepared so the construction can be carried out correctly and according to building legislation

• key stages of the work are independently inspected

 Applying for the permit

• provide the Building Surveyor with a soil report, drawings, engineering specifications, a Certificate of Title for the property, along with an application form and any other requested information.

• pay the building permit levy, the Building Surveyor will advise the levy amount based on the estimated cost of work. 

The Building Surveyor will ask for further information if any third party authority or neighbour has to provide consent ie to build over an easement, protection works for adjoining property, Planning Permit.

When do you need a Planning Permit

Planning permits give permission to develop or use land in a particular way ie the siting of a carport.

The local council is responsible for issuing a planning permit. If you need a planning permit, it must be issued from your local council before you can obtain a building permit.

Planning permit applications submitted to council may need to include the proposed design, planning report, shadow diagrams and other relevant documentation.