Understanding Report and Consent
Approval is needed when a building does not meet specific regulations, such as:
- Setbacks from street boundaries (Reg. 74)
- Site coverage exceeding limits (Reg. 76)
- Overlooking and overshadowing concerns (Regs. 84-85)
- Building over easements (Reg. 130)
- Construction on flood-prone land (Reg. 153)
- Demolition (Section 29A of the Building Act 1993)
- Building on heritage or special-use land
Who should apply
- Property owners or builders can apply directly.
- An agent of the owner, e.g: designers, project managers, builders.
Before you apply
- Check if a variation is needed – A building surveyor assesses your design.
Determine the type of Report and Consent application you need (If you have appointed a building surveyor, they will do it for you)
- if you don't have a building surveyor, you can apply online.
- Gather your supporting information, including:
- Plans and documents
- A justification for approval. This includes the reason you're applying for consent and why we should grant the application. Refer to the Minister's Guidelines MG12.
Types of Report and Consent applications
Variation to Part 5 of the Building Regulations
If your project does not meet the rules in Part 5 of the Building Regulations 2018, you need to apply for a variation. The Municipal Building Surveyor will review your request.
Common Part 5 variations include:
- Minimum and maximum street setbacks
- Building height
- Site coverage and permeability
- Side and rear setbacks
- Walls on boundaries
- Overlooking and overshadowing
- Private open space
- Front fence height
Processing time: Approximately 10 business daysApply for a Variation to Part 5 online
Download the Variation to Part 5 of the Building Regulations Application Form [PDF].
Demolition works (Section 29A Report and Consent)
You need Report and Consent under Section 29A of the Building Act 1993 before demolishing a building if it:
- Changes more than 50% of the building’s volume within 3 years, OR
- Demolition of the facade (external walls, verandahs, balconies, roofs, chimneys visible from the street).
If the building is heritage-listed, you also need approval from Heritage Victoria.Processing time: Approximately 5 business days
Apply for a Section 29A Report and Consent online
Download the Section 29A Report and Consent Application Form [PDF].
Building over easement
If you plan to build over an easement (a shared area for services like drainage or power), you must get approval from all relevant authorities (e.g., sewerage, stormwater, gas, electricity providers).
Common structures over Council Easements
- Not allowed: Dwellings, habitable outbuildings, brick garages, pools.
- May be allowed (with conditions): Metal sheds, carports, verandahs, portable spas, lightweight fences.
Processing time: Approximately 10 business daysApply for a Building Over an Easement Report and Consent online
Download the Building over an Easement Report and Consent Application Form [PDF].
Hoarding (Public protection)
Hoarding is temporary fencing to protect the public during construction. Before any work starts, safety precautions must be approved by a building surveyor.
Processing time: Approximately 10 business days
Apply for Hoarding Report and Consent online
Download the Hoarding Consent Application Form or the Hoarding Variation to Existing Consent Application Form
Flood-prone or overland drainage areas
If you are building within a flood-prone area, you may need Report and Consent. Council may set minimum floor levels and other structural conditions to prevent flooding risks.
Processing time: 10 business days
Apply for Flood and Overland Drainage Report and Consent online
Download the Flood and Overland Drainage Application Form [PDF].
Adjoining owners information request
If you need information about an adjoining property for building works, you can submit an official request.
Download the Adjoining Owners Information Request Form [PDF]
Projections beyond street alignment
If your design does not meet Part 6 of the Regulations for height or distance of a projection, you may need to apply for Report and Consent to build beyond the street alignment.
Projections beyond the street alignment include:
- Architectural features
- Window or balcony
- Verandah
- Sunblinds and awnings
- Service pipes, rainwater heads and service installations
- Window shutters
- Signs
- Service cabinet doors
- Any other part of a building
Processing time: Approximately 10 business days
Apply to build beyond street alignment online
Download the Build beyond street alignment Application Form [PDF].
How to apply
You can apply online, by post, or in person.
Online
Apply online using the appropriate link under Types of Report and Consent applications. You must register for our online service and pay by credit card.
By Post or In Person
Submit your completed application by mail or visit us at:
Knox City Council Civic Centre
511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South, VIC 3152
Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm
What happens next
- Council reviews and decides:
- May seek feedback from neighbours
- Considers impacts on neighbourhood character, safety, and amenity
- You may be contacted and allowed the opportunity to amend the design to a mutually agreed variation.
- Outcome:
- If approved, you get consent (with or without conditions).
- If refused, you can appeal to the Building Appeals Board (BAB).
Need help?
Contact Building Services and we will get back to you.
Or call our Building Services team on 9298 8125.
