Building permits
Most building and construction projects require a building permit before work begins.
A building permit ensures your project meets legal and safety requirements under the Building Act 1993 and Building Regulations 2018.
What is a building permit?
A building permit is an official approval from a building surveyor confirming that your plans meet construction and safety standards.
Building permits are required for most:
- Alterations
- Demolitions
- Removals
Starting construction without a permit is a serious offence and can result in a fine of up to $98,795.
When you need a building permit
A permit is required for most construction and demolition work. In rare cases, you may not need one. Before starting any work:
- check our building permit checklist
- view our building fees
- contact Council Building Services
Your property’s zoning and overlays may also require a planning permit. To confirm, submit a Building and Planning Information Request or contact Council.
We can tell you if you need a building permit.
How to apply for a building permit
Before you apply
Make sure you have the following:
- A completed building permit application form
- Payment of the online application fee
- A complete set of plans
- A current Certificate of Title (less than 3 months old), including title plan and any encumbrances.
- An approved planning permit (if required)
Check our permit checklists for additional requirements.
Submit your application
You can submit your building permit application:
Online: Register and apply through our online services.
- By post and in-person: Knox City Council Civic Centre
511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South, 3152
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm
Payment: Cheque or money order (payable to Knox City Council)
Contact the Building Team on 9298 8125 if you are unsure which fee is applicable.
What happens next?
- We aim to issue building permits within 15 business days after receiving all required documents and fees.
- If more information is needed, we will send a Request for Further Information (RFI).
- If an RFI is issued, we will review your response within 15 business days.
After you receive your building permit
- Permits are valid for different periods depending on the type of work.
- Inspections will be carried out during and after construction.
- To book an inspection, contact your building surveyor.
- Site inspections are attended within 24 hours of booking.
- At the end of the project, you will receive either a Certificate of Final Inspection or an Occupancy Permit.
Amend your building permit application
If you need to make changes to your building permit application, you can apply for an amendment. This could include modifications to the design, materials, or construction methods.
To amend your building permit:
- Speak to your building surveyor. They will review your request and guide you through the amendment process.
- Your surveyor will assess whether the changes comply with building regulations.
- Depending on the changes, additional documentation or fees may be required.
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 by up to 12 months.
Apply for a building permit extension of time
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 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.
