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When do I need a building permit?
Building surveyor

Many people ask whether they need a permit when undertaking work.  The Building Commission governs what work needs which permits.  Here is an outline of what permits are needed.  This information has been reproduced from the Building Commission website and was accurate when entered onto the website.  For more detailed information please visit the Building Commission website.

 

Common types of building work  

Building permit required?  

Must still comply with (see notes)    

ADDITIONS  

 

 

Additions to a dwelling or any other building  

Yes  

4

ALTERATIONS  

 

4

Structural alterations to a dwelling or any other building  

Yes  

4

Removal of or alteration to a load bearing part of a building   

Yes  

4

CARPORTS/GARAGES 

  

 

Freestanding, floor area greater than 10m2, or more than 3m high, or constructed of masonry, or located further forward on the allotment than the associated building  

Yes

4

Attached to another building  

Yes  

4

Setback less than the associated building   

Yes  

 

DEMOLITION/REMOVAL  

 

4

Demolition or removal of part or all of a building   

Yes  

 

FENCES  

 

 

Construction of a side or boundary fence less than 2m high 

No

2

Construction of a brick front fence more than 1.2m high 

Yes  

4

Construction of a timber front fence greater than 1.5m high 

Yes  

4

Construction of a side or boundary fence more than 2m high  

Yes  

4

Construction of a fence that is more than 1m high, within 9m of the point of intersection of street alignment  

Yes  

4

Construction of a fence that forms part of a swimming pool safety barrier  

Yes  

4

Construction of a chain wire tennis court fence  

No

Nil

MASTS/ANTENNAS  

 

 

Height more than  

 

 

- 3m above the highest point of a building (if attached to a building)  

Yes  

4

- 8m above the ground (if not attached to a building)  

Yes  

4

PERGOLAS  

 

 

Construction of a pergola (unroofed) associated with a house, not exceeding 20m2 in area, not more than 3m high and located no further forward on the allotment than the dwelling  

No

1

Construction of a pergola (unroofed) associated with any other building  

Yes  

4

RETAINING WALLS  

 

 

Constructed on or near site boundaries (any height) in order to maintain the stability of the adjoining property  

Yes  

4

Construction of a retaining wall 1m or more in height  

Yes  

4

REBLOCKING  

 

 

Reblocking or restumping of an existing building  

Yes  

4

ROOFING  

 

 

Replacing of corrugated iron roofing with concrete or terracotta roofing tiles  

Yes  

4

Replacement of corrugated iron roofing with Colorbond or other pre-finished sheeting  

No

Nil

SIGNS  

 

 

More than 1m above ground level within 3m of the street alignment   

Yes  

4&5

More than 8m above ground level, and more than 6m² in display area and more than 3m from the street allotment boundary  

Yes  

4&5

SHEDS  

 

 

Erection of a shed less than 10m² in area, no more than 3m high, not constructed of masonry and located no further forward on the allotment than the associated building  

No  

Nil

Erection of a shed more than 10m² in area   

Yes  

4

SWIMMING POOLS/SPAS  

 

 

Construction of a swimming pool/spa (in ground, above ground, inflatable or temporary) greater than 300mm in depth  

Yes  

4

VERANDAHS  

 

 

Construction of a verandah attached to any building  

Yes  

4

WINDOWS  

 

 

Replacement of windows with similar type windows, where no structural alterations are required  

No

6

Installation of bay or corner type windows where structural alterations are required  

Yes  

4

WOOD HEATER  

 

 

Installation of a wood heater (solid fuel burning appliance)  

No

7

 

Note 1
Building Code of Australia 1996 (includes structural safety, fire rating, health and amenity requirements, as applicable).

Note 2
Part 4 – Siting Building (Interim) Regulations 2005) (includes siting requirements, wall height restrictions, setbacks etc as applicable).

Note 3
Can not be built on a vacant allotment with out Council Consent & Report (Regulation 422).

Note 4
Must comply with all provisions of the Act and Regulations, including those above. This is determined by the process of issuing a building permit.

Note 5
Required Reporting Authority or other relevant consent obtained as part od a building permit.

Note 6
Glass must be suitable for the particular use.

Note 7
Compliance certificate required under plumbing legislation.

 

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