Do I need a building permit?
Please note that planning permits and building permits are different. Depending on the type of development you may require one or both of these permits. Find out more about the difference between planning permits and building permits.
Whenever you construct, extend or modify a structure you will need a building permit.
Most building work in Victoria requires a building permit, and you must obtain the permit before starting any works.
Building permits are documents certifying that a proposed building complies with the relevant building regulations.
Common types of building work
The table below is an extract from the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) and should be used as a guide only.
We recommend you view the VBA's full listing: When is a Building Permit required?
| Type 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 10m2 in area
Demolition of freestanding garage/carport not constructed of masonry, not more than 40m2 in 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
Please contact our Building Services team on 03 9433 3243 or building.admin@nillumbik.vic.gov.au to discuss 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, 20m2 in 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 10m2 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 10m2 in 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 6m2 in 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
|
Are there exemptions?
Some minor building work does not need a building permit or occupancy permit. We suggest getting the advice of a building practitioner if you are seeking a building permit exemption. To be exempt, the property owner must be able to demonstrate full compliance with the building regulations.
You can find out more by visiting Victorian Building Authority - Planning and Building Permits.
Who issues building permits?
Building permits can be issued by a private building surveyor or Nillumbik Building Surveyors.
What's next?
If you have determined that your building work requires a permit, find out more about the steps involved in applying for a building permit.