About permits
The permit you need depends on what construction work you are doing. You may need:
- a building permit
- a planning permit
- a building and a planning permit.
You may not need a permit at all.
Planning permits
A planning permit ensures your proposed work complies with government planning guidelines.
It assesses the impact work may have on:
- the site
- neighbouring land
- the environment.
This includes:
- hours of operation
- loss of privacy
- safety or traffic issues
- any impact on the surrounding environment (for example, waterways and landscapes).
Local councils issue all planning permits.
Contact Planning Services to learn more about planning permits.
Building permits
A building permit makes sure any building work or alteration complies with the:
- Building Regulations 2018
- Building Act 1993
- Building Code of Australia.
Building permits can be issued by a:
- municipal building surveyor through Council, or
- registered private building surveyor.
Important things to know
You need to be aware that:
- you may not need a building or planning permit.
- if your construction or renovation project needs a building permit, you cannot start the project without it.
- your building permit must be consistent with your planning permit. This includes any requested conditions and endorsed plans.
- building permits guarantee that independent parties sign-off all key stages of the project.
- planning permits operate under the Planning & Environment Act 1987.
- building permits operate under the Building Act 1993.
Contact Building Services to learn more about building permits.
Need help?
Contact Building Services or Planning Services and we will get back to you.
Or call our Building Services team on 9298 8000.
