Some construction projects require a permit - here's how you find out.
Before You Start
Check with a Council planner whether your project needs a planning permit or is exempt. You’ll then need to engage a licensed designer, architect, and/or builder to prepare your plans, and appoint a registered building surveyor. Your surveyor can act as the applicant and liaise with Council on your behalf.
Applying
Your building surveyor will prepare and submit the application to Council. Once received, Council will issue an invoice — processing begins after fees are paid. Council may request additional information during assessment.
If the work is classified as notifiable, your building surveyor manages the process directly. If it requires a building permit, Council will complete the assessment and issue the permit, including any conditions.
Note that if plumbing approval is also required, it must be granted before the building permit can be issued.
During Construction
Your building surveyor will conduct all scheduled inspections, including a final inspection. The builder then provides a Standard of Work Certificate to the surveyor, confirming the work meets required standards.
The surveyor submits all final documentation to Council, who will then issue a Certificate of Completion.
Timeframes
Once fees are paid, assessment timeframes are as follows:
- Notifiable work — no set timeframe; the building surveyor acts as permit authority
- Permit work — 7 days
Important
- A building permit is valid for 12 months from issue. If construction hasn’t started by then, the permit lapses and cannot be extended — a new permit will be required.
- All works must be completed within 24 months. An extension can be applied for before the 24-month period expires.
Unsure what something on this page means? Check out Our Glossary.