What is Building?

A Building Permit is written consent from a registered Building Surveyor. It:

  • Certifies that your plans have been checked and that they comply with Building Regulations
  • Indicates the main stages of building work that must be inspected to ensure compliance with the approved drawings
  • Provides for a final inspection to determine whether the building is suitable for occupation.

A building permit is required when you construct, extend or modify a structure and you must obtain the building permit before starting any works.

Some minor works are exempt from a building permit, common examples or works that are exempt from are included in VBA Practice note building practice-01.

Before commencing any building works, alterations, additions or demolition work, please ensure you have checked the above web links to understand your obligations and to determine if a building permit is required, if you need any further assistance please contact Building Services.

Our Building team provides a wide range of services and can help you with:

  • Information about pool fencing
  • Maintenance of fire safety equipment
  • General and technical advice
  • Property information
  • Copies of plans
  • Building complaints
  • Council Reports and Consent applications.

We're committed to providing information to help you understand building regulations, and how they may affect you in your own home or workplace.

Owner Builders

We define an Owner Builder as a person who constructs or renovates a domestic building on his or her own land, who is not in the business of building.

Things to think about before becoming an owner-builder

  • In Victoria, an owner-builder can only build or renovate one property every five years and must intend to live in the property once completed.
  • If the value of the proposed domestic building work is more than $16,000 (including labour costs and materials), you must apply for a certificate of consent from the VBA to become an owner-builder.
  • If you sell your home after carrying out building work valued at more than $16,000, you continue to be liable for any defective works for six-and-a-half years from the completion of the work.
  • You must purchase domestic building insurance before entering into a contract to sell your property. This insurance covers future owners for defective works if you die, disappear or become insolvent.
  • You must get relevant planning permits from your local council, and be named as the owner-builder on permits.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure that the work meets building regulations, standards and other laws.
  • You must arrange for building inspections as required by law at particular stages of the building work.

Government Departments that provide further assistance

Forms and Applications

Information Sheets 

For more information, please contact Customer Service:

Last updated: 28 October 2022 - 12:06pm
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