Applying for a Building Permit

A Building Permit is a legal document issued before construction begins to make sure the building work meets minimum standards for builders and occupants.

The permit includes important information about building inspections.

As the property owner, you may choose who you appoint to issue your Building Permit:

  • your local council, or
  • a private building surveyor.

The Yarriambiack Shire Council offers a Building Permit service. When you apply for a Building Permit with us, you’ll get the benefit of local knowledge and a full permit and inspection service.

Stage 1: Before you begin

Before you prepare your application, we recommend you consult:

  • an architect or draftsperson for building design advice
  • a building surveyor for technical advice, where required.

Consulting an expert helps make sure your design meets building legislation and makes it easier to obtain the documentation you need for your Building Permit application.

Stage 2: Prepare the supporting documentation

  1. Complete the Application for a Building Permit. Include the approximate costs of the works.
  2. Provide the following essential items for the application
Item Description
Required Documentation • Owner Builder declaration for domestic building work exceeding $5,000 in value
• Owner Builders – a Certificate of consent from the building Practitioners Board to act as an owner builder if the value of work exceeds $16,000
• Registered Builders Only – A Certificate of Insurance under the Domestic Building Contracts Act for domestic building work exceeding $16,000 in value, constructed by Registered Building Practitioners
• Engineered Buildings Only – A Current Certificate of Compliance – Design, in accordance with Regulation 1507 and associated computations for steel & timber components outside of the design limits of recognized span tables
• Details of the ‘Bushfire Attack Level’ assessment by the designer
• Construction methods for all selected ‘BAL’ showing compliance with AS3959 – 2009
• A statement of the use or intended use of all buildings shown on site plan.
Architectural and structural drawings 1 copy of each of the following:
• site plan (minimum scale 1:500)
• Floor Plan – fully dimensioned and labeled floor plan including, total floor areas, window & door sizes
• Section Plan – indicating roof cladding, pitch, floor, wall, roof construction details. Framework size and type and finished floor levels.
• Elevations – of each side of the building; which clearly indicate the building height in relation to existing and proposed ground levels
• Structural – Fully dimensioned and labeled footing construction plan including reinforcement
• Bracing and tie down – Specific connection details, a bracing layout and tie-down details for framework
• Steps & stairs – details of any steps, handrails, balustrades or the like.
Copy of the Land Title and (where applicable) an approved plan of the Subdivision Apply for these items using theLANDATA website.
When you view title details, take note of any Section 173 agreements and existing covenants. You'll need to include this information when you apply for the Building Permit.
If the title includes Memorandum of Common Provisions (MCP) details, you should supply a copy of the MCP. For more information about MCPs, contact theTitles Office.
  1. Depending on your project circumstances, provide the relevant supporting information.

If you submit the application and there is something missing, we’ll contact you to let you know what you still need to provide.

Stage 3: Lodge the application

Lodge the form and supporting documentation with Council:

  • electronic format – email Council
  • hard copy by post to Council offices.

Because we generally make contact by email, it’s important to provide us with your email address.

Stage 4: Respond to any requests for more information

We aim to assess Building Permit applications within 10 working days. The response often includes a request for more information.

We assess any further information you submit within 10 working days of receiving it, and contact you again if anything is still required.

Stage 5: Building Services assesses the application

Once you’ve submitted all the required items, we assess the application to ensure it meets various regulations, including the Building Act 1993 and Building Regulations 2018.

Stage 6: Receive the Building Permit

If we determine that your application meets the required standards, we’ll send you your Building Permit and endorsed drawings.

The Building Permit includes information about mandatory inspections required throughout building works.

Stage 7: Confirm other permits are granted

Under some circumstances, you may need a Vehicular Crossover Permit, Asset Protection Permit or Road Reserve Permit. You may also need Report and Consent or a Planning Permit.

Make sure you have all the permits you need before you start building.

Stage 8: Start building

Begin the construction work.

Stage 9: Arrange the first building inspection

Contact Building Services to arrange your first building inspection. at least 24 hours before your preferred inspection time. The Building Permit contains instructions on how and when to do this.

Stage 10: Read the Building Inspection Report

The building inspector performs a mandatory inspection to make sure that all work is completed in accordance with the permit.

After the inspection, you’ll receive either an approval or a Direction to Fix. If you receive a Direction to Fix, it’s important to attend to the items listed within the required timeframe.

Mandatory inspections continue until the work is completed and complies to building legislation.

Stage 11: Prepare for the final inspection and occupancy inspection

Before the last inspection, you may need to submit an Application for an Occupancy Permit. This allows you to occupy the building after work is completed and approved

Stage 12: Finalisation

After the work is complete and the Building Surveyor has approved the building work the building department will:

  • issue a Certificate of Final Inspection, or
  • issue a Certificate of Occupancy.

Further information

For more information or help, email building@yarriambiack.vic.gov.au or call 53980100.