Building regulations

Owners must ensure their property follows building regulations and that renovations have Building Permits.

Balconies, balustrades or barriers

All homeowners and commercial property owners with balconies should ensure it is inspected and maintained regularly, and follows any Building Permit requirements. If you have any doubts about your balcony, organise an inspection by an expert (e.g. building surveyors, building inspectors, structural engineers, architects or builders).

Balustrades or handrails must be present along the side of any stairway or ramp and along the side of any walkable area where the surface level beneath is more than one metre away and is not bounded by a wall.

See our Residential developments page for further details.

Swimming pool and spa fences

If you own a swimming pool and/or spa you must install safety barriers and other approved measures to prevent young children from accessing the area unsupervised. You must also obtain a Building Permit prior to installing a pool, spa and the required safety barriers.

For further information check out our Swimming Pool and Spa Fences fact sheet(PDF, 299KB).

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms are compulsory in all residential buildings including houses, units, flats, boarding houses, hostels and accommodation for the aged. All smoke alarms must be connected to the mains power with a battery backup. If the building was constructed prior to 1 August 1997, battery-operated smoke alarms are acceptable. If you do not comply with building regulations you face penalties and fines.

Smoke alarms must be checked and maintained on a regular basis, and must comply with Australian Standard AS3786.

For further information, check out our Smoke Alarm Requirements Information Sheet(PDF, 19KB).

Locations for smoke alarms

Smoke alarm positions are intended to wake any sleeping occupants in time to evacuate a building safely.

Smoke alarms must be installed on or near the ceiling of every storey of a building, and in the most likely evacuation path. They must be centrally located and audible to all areas not immediately connected to the main storey. Alarms should be placed between each area containing bedrooms and the remainder of the building, such as hallways or within 1.5m of the entrance to each bedroom.

Proper placement will ensure an alarm is activated before smoke makes the common exit path impassable.

More information

Customer Service
Phone: 03 8470 8888
Email: mailbox@darebin.vic.gov.au