Getting a building permit

A step-by-step guide

Step 1.Before you begin

We recommend you consult with an architect or drafter for building design and technical advice.

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.

Step 2.Appoint a Building Surveyor

In Victoria, the owner can choose to appoint a Municipal Building Surveyor or a private registered building surveyor. This is done by submitting an application to either Council's Building Department or a private registered building surveyor.

You can search for private registered building surveyors using the Building and Plumbing Commission's (BPC) Look up a practitioner tool or by visiting the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors website.

Step 3.Check if other permits are required

A planning permit may be required before a building permit is issued. For example, this might happen when constructing a second residential dwelling on a single lot.

You can apply for both at the same time, however, it is important to know that approval for a building permit may take days whilst other permits can take longer.

Depending on the circumstances, you may need the Report and Consent of the relevant authority, a legal point of discharge, a bushfire attack level, an asset protection permit or road reserve permit.

You will need make sure you have all the permits you need before you start building.

Step 4.Prepare, submit and pay fees for the building permit application

You will need to submit a copy the following:

  • A completed building permit application form;
  • Copy of the land title and title plan;
  • Site plan (minimum scale 1:500);
  • Floor plan which are fully dimensioned and labelled floor plan including, total floor areas, window and door sizes;
  • Section plan which indicates the 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 plans which are fully dimensioned and labelled footing construction plan including reinforcement;
  • Bracing and tie down showing specific connection details, a bracing layout and tie-down details for framework;
  • Details of any stairs, steps, handrails, balustrades or the like;
  • A Certificate of Insurance under the Domestic Building Contracts Act for domestic building work exceeding $16,000 in value, constructed by Registered Building Practitioners (Registered Builders only);
  • A Current Certificate of Compliance – Design, in accordance with Regulation 126 and associated computations for steel & timber components outside of the design limits of recognized span tables (engineered buildings only);
  • A Certificate of Consent from the Building and Plumbing Commission to act as an owner-builder if the value of work exceeds $16,000 (owner-builders only). 

You can lodge the required documents through Council's online portal Greenlight:

Lodge and track your application online

Alternatively, you can email the application to building@yarriambiack.vic.gov.au.

Step 5.Your application is assessed

Once you have submitted all the required documents, we assess your application to ensure it is compliant with the Building Act 1993, Building Regulations 2018 and National Construction Code.

Step 6.Respond to any requests for further information

We may request further information that is missing or unclear in the application documents.

Step 7.Receive a building permit

If the Municipal Building Surveyor determines that your application meets the required standards, we will send you your building permit and endorsed drawings.

The building permit includes information about mandatory inspections required throughout building works.

Step 8.Arrange your building inspections

Contact Council's Building Department to arrange the mandatory inspections with Council's Building Inspector.

The Building Inspector performs a mandatory inspection to make sure that all work is completed in accordance with the building 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 time frame.

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

Step 9.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

Step 10.Building Surveyor issues an occupancy permit or a certificate of final inspection

Once your building project is complete, your building surveyor will issue an occupancy permit or a certificate of final inspection as specified on your building permit.