Navigating the Building and Planning Permit Process in Victoria
- aroconnor3
- Apr 15
- 4 min read
Embarking on a building project in Victoria involves navigating a series of regulatory steps to ensure your project complies with state & local laws and standards. Understanding the process of obtaining both a building permit and a planning permit is crucial for a smooth and successful project. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through your building journey.
Understanding the Difference: Building Permit vs. Planning Permit
Before diving into the application process, it’s important to distinguish between a building permit and a planning permit:
Building Permit: This permit ensures that your construction complies with the Building Code of Australia and other relevant standards. It covers structural integrity, fire safety, and other technical aspects of the building.
Planning Permit: This permit is concerned with the use and development of land. It ensures that your project aligns with local planning schemes and policies, considering factors like land use, environmental impact, and neighbourhood character.
The Planning Permit Process
The planning permit process involves several key steps:
Determine if You Need a Planning Permit: Not all projects require a planning permit. Check with your local council to see if your project needs one.
Pre-Application Meeting: It’s advisable to have a pre-application meeting with your local council’s planning department. This helps clarify requirements and identify potential issues early on.
Prepare and Submit Your Application: Your application should include detailed plans and any required supporting documents. Make sure to address all relevant planning scheme requirements.
Public Notification: Depending on the nature of your project, you may need to notify your neighbours and the public. This step allows for community feedback.
Assessment and Decision: The council will assess your application against the planning scheme and any objections received. They may approve, approve with conditions, or refuse your application.
Documents Required
To apply for a planning permit in Victoria, you'll generally need to provide the following documents:
Completed Application Form: This form can be obtained from your local council's website or planning office.
Recent Certificate of Title: This document proves ownership of the land and includes details about any restrictions or covenants.
Site Plan and Development Plans: These plans must be drawn to scale and fully dimensioned. They should show the site layout, floor layout, elevations, building height above natural ground level, and floor/roof levels that relate to the site contours.
Supporting Reports and Documentation: Depending on the nature of your project, you may need to provide additional reports such as a heritage impact statement, environmental assessment, or traffic report.
It's always a good idea to check with your local council for any specific requirements or additional documents that may be needed for your particular application.
Town planners can assist with the planning permit applications and a building designer can assist with site and development plans.
The Building Permit Process
Once you have your planning permit (if required), you can proceed with the building permit process:
Prepare Your Application: Your application should include detailed construction plans, specifications, and any other required documents.
Submit to a Building Surveyor: You can submit your application to either a municipal or private building surveyor. They will assess your plans for compliance with the Building Code of Australia.
Assessment and Approval: The building surveyor will review your application and may request additional information or modifications. Once satisfied, they will issue the building permit.
Inspections: Throughout the construction process, various inspections will be required to ensure compliance with the approved plans and building standards.
Documents Required
To apply for a building permit in Victoria, you'll need to provide several key documents. The following are the most common requested. Make sure to check with your local council or building surveyor for any additional requirements specific to your project.
Completed Application Form:
This form can be obtained from your building surveyor or local council.
Certificate of Title:
This document proves ownership of the land and includes details about any restrictions or covenants.
Architectural Plans/Working Drawings:
Detailed plans of the proposed construction, including site plans, floor plans, elevations, and sections.
Engineering Plans:
Structural plans, including slab/footing plans, bracing computations, and an engineer's compliance certificate.
Soil Report:
A report detailing the soil conditions of the site.
Energy Rating Report:
A report demonstrating compliance with energy efficiency standards, such as a 6-star energy rating.
Builder's Contract & Warranty Insurance Certificate:
Required for domestic work valued at $16,000 or more.
Owner-Builder Certificate:
If you are an owner-builder, you need to provide this certificate along with a cost breakdown of the project.
Planning Permit and Endorsed Drawings:
If a planning permit is required, include the permit and any endorsed drawings.
Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Report:
If your property is in a designated bushfire-prone area, a BAL report is required.
Helpful Links
Planning Schemes
Property look up
Building information from the VBA
Owner Builder Information
A building designer can assist not only with the preparation of Architectural Plans and Working Drawings but also with liaising with authorities and other consultants and coordinating supporting documents. By leveraging our expertise, a building designer can streamline the permit process, helping you dodge any hiccups and ensuring your project ticks all the right boxes.
