Do I need a building permit?

A building permit is written approval from a registered private building surveyor or Councils building surveyor that allows building work to start.

The need for a building permit is based on the scope of the building work rather than the value of work. This means building permits are not only required for large building works [dwellings, extensions, garages and commercial projects] but also for many small projects [sheds, retaining walls, fences, decks, carports, verandas, swimming pools and spas].

The table below lists common types of building work and whether or not a building permit is required to commence works. This list is not exhaustive so it is important to Contact a Building Officer before building or undertaking any works. It is also important to consult with Council to find out whether a planning permit is required for any of the proposed works. A planning permit is required prior to a building permit being issued and works commencing.

Common Types of Building Work
 Building Permit Required?


ADDITIONS
Additions to a dwelling or any other building Yes


ALTERATIONS
Structural alterations to a dwelling or any other building Yes
Removal of/or alteration to a load bearing part of a building Yes


CARPORTS/GARAGES
Freestanding with floor area not exceeding 10m2, no more than 3m high, not constructed of masonry and located no further forward on the allotment than the associated building No
Attached to another building Yes
Setback less than the associated building Yes


DEMOLITION/REMOVAL
Demolition or removal of part or all of a building. Owner-builders must provide the relevant building surveyor with evidence that the demolisher has the necessary knowledge, experience, equipment and storage facilities to properly conduct the demolition. Yes


FENCES
Construction of a side or boundary fence less than 2m high No
Construction of a brick front fence more than 1.2m high Yes
Construction of a timber front fence less than 1.5m high No
Construction of a side or boundary fence more than 2m high Yes
Construction of a fence that is more than 1m high, within 9m of the point of intersection of street alignment Yes
Construction of a chain wire tennis court fence No


MASTS/ANTENNAS
Height more than 3m above the highest point of a building (if attached to a building) Yes
Height more than 8m above the ground (if not attached to a building) Yes


PERGOLAS
Construction of a pergola (unroofed)associated with a house, not exceeding 20m2 in area, not more than 3m high and located no further forward on the allotment than the dwelling No
Construction of a pergola (unroofed) associated with any other building Yes


RETAINING WALLS
Constructed on or near site boundaries (any height) in order to maintain the stability of the adjoining property Yes
Construction of a retaining wall 1m or more in height Yes


REBLOCKING
Reblocking or restumping of an existing building Yes


ROOFING
Replacing of corrugated iron roofing with concrete or terracotta roofing tiles Yes
Replacement of corrugated iron roofing with 'Colorbond' or other prefinished sheeting No


SIGNS
More than 1m above ground level within 3m of the street alignment Yes
More than 8m above ground level, and more than 6m2 in display area and more than 3m from the street allotment boundary Yes


SHEDS
Erection of a shed less than 10sqm in area, no more than 3m high, not constructed of masonry and located no further forward on the allotment than the associated building No
Erection of a shed more than 10sqm in area Yes
NB: Sheds cannot be erected on vacant residential land
   
SWIMMING POOLS/SPAS
Construction of an in-ground pool/spa greater than 300mm in depth Yes


VERANDAHS
Construction of a verandah attached to any building Yes


WINDOWS
Replacement of windows with similar type windows, where no structural alterations are required No
Installation of 'bay' or 'corner' type windows where structural alterations are required Yes


WOOD HEATER
Installation of a wood heater (solid fuel burning appliance) No
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