Do I need a building permit?

Most building work in Victoria requires a building permit, and you must obtain the permit before starting any works.

Go straight to Building Permit application.

Common types of building work 

This table is an extract from the Victorian Building Authority Practice Note and should be used as a guide only. We recommend you contact Maroondah City Council Building Services for further details and see the Victorian Building Authority's full listing: When is a Building Permit required?

Exemption from the requirement to obtain a building permit does not remove the need to comply with the Building Code of Australia, referenced Australian Standards, construction best practice methods or any other State or Local Laws that may apply.

A planning permit or approval may be required, regardless of whether a building permit is required. Find out more from Council's Statutory Planning Unit on 1300 88 22 33  or 9298 4598. 

Common types of works

Building permit required?

Additions

Additions to a dwelling or any other building

 

Yes

Alterations

Structural alterations to a dwelling or any other building

Removal of or alteration to a load bearing part of a building

 

Yes

Yes

Carports/garages

Construction of a garage/carport larger than 10m2in area

Demolition of freestanding garage/carport not constructed of masonry, not more than 40m2in floor area, is not a building on the Heritage Register and the work will not adversely affect the safety of the public or occupiers of the building

 

Yes

No

Decks

Attached to a building irrespective of size or forming part of a swimming pool surround.

 

Yes

Fences

See details about fencing requirements

 

Masts/antennas

Height more than

  • 3m above the highest point of a building
  • Not attached to a building and height more than 8m above the ground

 

 

Yes

Yes

Pergolas (unroofed)

Not more than 3.6m high, 20m2in area and located at the rear of the building to which it is appurtenant

Construction of a pergola located further forward than 2.5m forward of the front wall of the single dwelling

 

No

 

Yes

Reblocking

Reblocking or restumping of an existing building

 

Yes

Retaining walls

Constructed on or near site boundaries (any height)

Construction of a retaining wall 1m or more in height

 

Yes

Yes

Roofing

Replacement of corrugated iron roofing with concrete or terracotta roofing tiles

Replacement of corrugated iron roofing with ‘Colorbond’ or other pre-finished sheeting

 

Yes

No

Shed associated with a single dwelling

Erection of a freestanding shed 10m2alignment or less in area, 3m or less in height, or, if situated within 1m of a boundary, is no more than 2.4m in height and located no further forward than the front wall of the single dwelling

Erection of a shed more than 10m2in area

 

No

 

Yes

Signs

More than 1m in height and within 3m of the street alignment

More than 8m above ground level, and more than 6m2in display area

 

Yes

Yes

Swimming pools/spas

Construction of an in-ground or above-ground swimming pool/spa greater than 300mm in depth

 

Yes

Verandahs (roofed and drainage)

Construction of a verandah attached to any building

 

Yes

Windows

Replacement of windows with the same windows, where no alteration to the opening is required

Installation of “bay” or “corner” type windows where structural alterations are required

 

No

 

Yes

Wood heater

Installation of a wood heater (solid fuel burning appliance)

 

No

Further information

Contact Council’s Building or Planning Services on 1300 88 22 33  or 9298 4598. 

The Victorian Building Authority also has useful information on required paperwork before, during and after building.