Council permits and approvals

Before starting any new construction, it’s important to check if a building permit is required. Building permits ensure that your project complies with local regulations and standards.

We can handle all council permits and approval applications on your behalf.

When is a building permit required?

  • Building Construction and Relocation

    The construction, erection, assembly or placement of a building or an incidental structure

  • Renovations and Improvements

    The renovation, alteration, extension, improvement or repair of a building or an incidental structure

  • Relocation of Structures

    The assembly, reassembly or securing of a relocated building or a relocated incidental structure

  • Site Works and Ground Level Changes

    The changing of ground levels and site works associated with one of the above points.

The following types of building work do not require a building permit:

  • Small Retaining Walls

    Retaining walls that are smaller than 0.5m in height

  • Small Water Storage Tanks

    Water storage tanks with a capacity of 5,000L or less.

  • Small Non-Habitable Structures

    Class 10a buildings (sheds or other non-habitable outbuildings) that are less than 10m2 and 2.4m in height

  • Minor Non-Structural Repairs

    Renovation, alteration, improvement, repair or maintenance of a building or incidental structure that does not affect the structural soundness of the building

What is a Development Approval and When is One Required?

A Development Application is an application seeking approval for a concept of a specified use or development to occur on a particular piece of land.

Not all building work will require a development application. Whether development on your land requires Development Approval is dependent on many different factors. This could be the location of the development on the property, the zoning of the property, the type of activity or use, the contravention of a Local Planning Policy or other
reasons.

Planning Officers at your shire may be able to provide an initial assessment and let you know as to whether an application is required for a proposed development.

A development approval is separate to a building approval. Building work cannot be commenced until a building permit has been issued.

When is a Registered Builder Required?

A registered builder will have met the criteria and hold the relevant qualifications in order to obtain this registration. This registration is in the form of a number issued by and renewed with The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

What is ‘Builder Work’? ‘Builder Work’ is building work:

  • For which a building permit is required;
  • Is of a value of $20,000 or more and
  • is carried out in the prescribed area of the state.

Alternatively, building works requiring a registered building contractor can be managed by you as an approved Owner Builder (see fact sheet below in our references).

It’s important to not assume that your builder holds a current Registered Builders License. If you aren’t sure if your contractor holds a registered builders license, don’t hesitate to ask them.