How to apply for a building permit

Listen

Most building or construction works need a building permit. It's easy to apply for a permit before you begin building.

Never start building without checking if you have the right permits.

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 $98,795 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:

view our do I need a building permit checklist
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 aim to issue building permits within 15 business days after we receive the required documents and fees.

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.
copy of Certificate of Title.

Refer to the relevant checklists below for any additional information that may be required.

Get a copy of Title

A Certificate of Title is an official record of land ownership which can include information about mortgages, covenants (restrictions), caveats and easements.
Certificates of Title are issued by Land Victoria after each registration that affects the interests the land (for example, a Certificate of Title would be issued following the registration of land transfer or mortgage). Council don't hold copies of titles, and cannot provide you with a property title.
You can get a copy of a property title online, and it takes approximately five minutes to complete. You will need the following to apply:

Either a street address, volume folio number, lot on plan, council property number or crown allotment
Valid email address
Credit card for payment (fees are approx $21.00 depending on the options selected)
Apply for a Certificate of Title.

All Building permit applications must be submitted with a current Certificate of Title, Plan of Subdivision and a copy of any covenants, Section 173 Agreements, or any other encumbrances which are registered on the title. Your title search must not be more than three months old.

Refer to the relevant checklists below for any additional information that may be required.

Apply for a building permit

Submit an application

Contact the Building Team on 03 9298 8000 if you are unsure which fee is applicable.

Building permit applications can be:

lodged online
sent by post or paid in person at:

We only accept cheque or money orders for applications received by mail. Please make cheques and money orders payable to Knox City Council.

Knox City Council Civic Centre
511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South, 3152

Opening hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm.

Receiving your permit

We aim to issue building permits within 15 business days after we receive the required documents and fees.

We also attend a site within 24 hours of booking an inspection.

Further building documents:

The length of a building permit

Building permits last different amounts of time depending on the work being done.

Expand all

Domestic works

A building permit is valid for 2 years.

You must carry out an inspection within 12 months of the approval date or it will lapse.

Swimming pools and spas

A building permit is valid for 18 months.

You must carry out an inspection within 12 months of the approval date or it will lapse. You must complete the work 6 months after starting.

Commercial works

A building permit is valid for 3 years.

You must carry out an inspection within 12 months of the approval date or it will lapse.

Extension of time

You can apply for an extension of time in special circumstances.

Before the permit lapses, apply in writing to the Building Surveyor who issued it.

This may extend the length of the building permit up to 12 months.

Apply for a building permit extension of time

Help is available

There are a variety of checklists available to help you in the process.

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.

Request a refund

Need help?

Contact Building Services and we will get back to you.

Or call our Building Services team on 9298 8125.