Building permits
A building permit is a legal document. It shows a building surveyor has approved all documents for proposed construction work.
Building permits assess and ensure standards for the construction and maintenance of buildings.
The Building Act 1993 and Building Regulations 2018 require that most building works need a building permit. This includes most:
- alterations
- demolitions
- removals.
Beginning building without a building permit is a serious offence. It can result in severe penalties, such as a $92,460 fine.
When you need a building permit
Generally, you need a permit for most construction and demolition works.
In rare cases, you may not need a building permit. Before you begin:
- look at this checklist to work out if a building permit is required
- view our building fees
- contact Council Building Services, or
- contact a private building surveyor.
They can tell you if you need a building permit.
Sometimes the zoning and overlays on your property mean you also need a planning permit. You can confirm this with a Building and Planning Information Request or by contacting Council.
Where do I get a building permit?
You can get a building permit from either:
- Council, or
- a private building surveyor who is registered with the Victorian Building Authority.
Types of construction and building work
Building permits may be required for:
- dwellings and additions
- unit developments
- installing or altering windows or changes to load-bearing walls
- reblocking or restumping an existing building
- garages, carports and sheds
- verandahs, pergolas, decks, aerials, etc.
- demolition or removal of buildings
- swimming pools and spas
- fences
- retaining walls
- commercial/industrial buildings
- shop, offices and work area fit-outs
- signs
- re-roofing.
To help you prepare your application, see our checklists for specific types of works below.
Apply for a building permit through Council
You must have all building plans and documentation ready before applying.
If your works needs a planning permit, you need to get this first as a building permit will not be issued until the planning permit is approved.
Before applying for a permit, be sure to understand current building fees.
Contact Building Services for any assistance. We're here to help.
Minimum requirements
As a minimum requirement for assessment, you must submit:
- building permit application form
- online building permit application fee
- one complete set of plans.
Refer to the relevant checklists below for any additional information that may be required.
Submit an application
Building permit applications can be:
- lodged online
- sent by post or paid in person at:
Knox City Council Civic Centre
511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South, 3152
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8.30 am to 5 pm.
Receiving your permit
Council issues a permit within 10 working days of all required documents and fees being received.
We also attend a site within 24 hours of booking an inspection.
Further building documents:
- Building Permit Change of Builder Variation Application Form
- Building Permit Extension of Time
- Certificate of Compliance - Design.
The length of a building permit
Building permits last different amounts of time depending on the work being done.
Help is available
There are a variety of checklists available to help you in the process.
- Building Fees
- Building Permit Application Form
- Building Permit Change of Builder Variation Application Form
- Building Permit Extension of Time
- Certificate of Compliance - Design
- Checklist - Commercial / Industrial Buildings
- Checklist - Demolition or Removal
- Checklist - Dependant Persons Unit
- Checklist - Dwellings and Additions
- Checklist - Fences
- Checklist - Fitouts
- Checklist - Garage Carport Shed Deck Verandah
- Checklist - Heaters
- Checklist - New Windows
- Checklist - Pools and Spas
- Checklist - Reblocking or Restumping
- Checklist - Removal of Canvas Hoses from Hydrant Cabinets
- Checklist - Reroofing
- Checklist - Retaining Walls
- Checklist - Signage
- Checklist - Units
- Checklist - Watertanks
Public Register of Building Permits
The Public Register of Building Permits is a list of all building works in and around Knox. It also covers any building permits issued by private building surveyors within Knox.
Due to privacy reasons, we cannot give out further information over the phone or via email.
View the Public Building Register
Refund requests
You may request a full or partial refund of a planning or building-related fee.
Please note: Council grants refunds at its own discretion.
Need help?
Contact Building Services and we will get back to you.
Or call our Building Services team on 9298 8125.