Building Permit

Note to Building Surveyors:
Prior to issuing a building permit, confirmation should be obtained in writing from Council's Planning Unit that a planning permit is or is not required. A fee of $50.00 applies for this planning service. Please download a Planning Information Request form from the link below:

Building Application Requirements

Council's building surveyors/inspectors oversee new building works (including alterations, pools, sheds and fences) to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations 2006.

Building permits must be obtained before the work commences on any project. To obtain a permit, plans should be submitted showing the relevant details of the proposed building.

Call the building office on 9298 4327 if you have any questions about a permit and how long processing will take. This can save you time and assist in planning your project.

The following checklist gives details of the requirements for most permits.

1. Drawings (3 Copies)
   Architectural drawings, drawn to scale (metric), and showing new work or alterations in colour according to materials used, eg. brick (red), timber (yellow). The type of flooring and the use of each room should be clearly marked.
2. Three copies of the site plan, drawn to scale. This should show all boundaries and dimensions of, distance to the nearest street corner, easements, existing buildings, proposed building works, proposed and existing drainage, drainage to legal point of drainage discharge, site levels including corners of all buildings, buildings on adjacent allotments, overlooking and overshadowing diagrams.
3. Project Specifications (3 Copies)
   Describing materials to be used in construction that are not indicated on the drawings.
4. Structural Computations And Reports (2 Copies)
   Verifying size and material of structural members shown on the architectural or structural drawings.
   Note: It is not acceptable to submit computations without specifying sizes of materials and locations of structural members on the drawings.
5. Three sets of structural plans for all steel or reinforced concrete work and roof trusses.
6. Soil Report (2 Copies)
   For new dwellings and large extensions a soil investigation report recommending foundation material, depths and footing system. Details must be shown on the architectural or structural drawings.
7. Certificate Of Title (One Copy)
   A copy of title or certified plan of subdivision verifying allotment location, boundaries, dimensions and easements.
8. Home Owners Warranty Insurance
   Evidence that builders domestic warranty insurance for the project is in force to be submitted.
9. Owner Builders (Effective From 14th June 2005)
   A Certificate of consent, issued by the Building Practitioner's Board is to be submitted where the value of the building work exceeds $12,000.00.
10. Protection Of Adjoining Property
    In the case of site excavation close to boundaries, details of works providing temporary and permanent support to adjoining allotments and buildings on the adjoining allotments and if applicable consent in writing on the prescribed form from the adjoining owner. (If in doubt enquire with Council Building Department).
11. Application Forms And Fees
    At the time of application a building permit application form is to be completed, signed and dated. The payment of all relevant fees are required upon lodgement of the application.
    
    A Building permit entitles the holder to perform only the building work detailed. Any variation must be approved by Council. Council endeavours to ensure all applications are assessed within five to ten working days.
    
    Note: It is important to check the conditions of the permit prior to commencement of the works.
    Note: Any Building Permit shall lapse after twelve months if work has not commenced, or after 24 months if the building work has not been completed.
    
    Council's Building Surveyors/Inspectors also inspect the works, and on completion, issue either an Occupancy Permit or a Certificate of Final Inspection.
    
    IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT TO OCCUPY A BUILDING PRIOR TO THE ISSUE OF AN OCCUPANCY PERMIT IS AN OFFENCE, SO YOU SHOULD ENSURE THAT AN OCCUPANCY PERMIT HAS BEEN ISSUED BEFORE OCCUPYING THE BUILDING.
12. Swimming Pools
    If the proposed swimming pool or spa you are considering can contain water 300mm or more in depth, then a building permit is required for the installation of the swimming pool or spa and the safety barriers that must comply with Australian Standard 1926.1.
13. Asset Protection (Council Local Law No. 6)
    
    a) A $200.00 Asset Protection Permit (includes inspection fee) is required for all domestic building works of $20,000.00 or more and for all swimming pools, demolitions and removals. A $200.00 Asset Protection Permit is required for all Commercial /Industrial building work where cost of work is $30,000.00 or more.
    
    b) Security Bond is also required to be lodged with Council:

1) Residential Class 10 (Pools, Garages etc)
2) Residential Class 1 (Dwelling Add/Alters)
3) Commercial/Industrial Class 2-9

Note: - The Security Bond may vary subject to site conditions.
- The Security Deposit is refundable on completion of building works subject to no additional damage to Council assets.

More information

For further information, please contact Maroondah City Council Building Services
on 9298 4327.