Frequently asked questions about building

Our FAQs about your building project, or to answer questions about your neighbour's building project.

Are you planning a building project or work on your property? Or perhaps you can see neighbouring works and want to check on the permit status?

We have answered frequently asked questions about building below. 

Building projects and permits

Different types of building project will require different permits.

In many cases both a planning permit and a building permit will be required. If you are starting a project, read below for more information

• Find out the difference between planning permit and building permit
• Do I need a planning permit?
• I want to build a new dwelling or townhouses
• I am starting a business and think I may need permits. Start with the better approvals process.
• I want to extend an existing dwelling
• To demolish all or part of a building, you need to apply for consent from council, this can be done online - demolition request
• I want to build something that is outside of the current building regulations. This is known as a report and consent and requires council approval.
• How do I apply for building permit?
• Understanding the role of a registered builder and how to find one

Building other structures

Many building projects are on a smaller scale and depending on the materials being used, and the location, may or may not need a building permit.

• I want to build a pergola
• I want to build a shed, garage or carport
• I want to build a deck
• I want to build a retaining wall

What’s happening in my neighbourhood?

We understand that neighbouring works, whether a demolition or construction project can be disruptive. Understand the laws that need to be considered and who is responsible for building sites.

• If there are building works happening in your area and you want to check on whether they have the correct permits - search for a building application on the building register
• If you are concerned about a neighbouring building project and whether it has the correct permits then you can find out when council can take action - find neighbourhood building works
• If you have a building site next door and are concerned about noise, read about the the laws they need abide by
• Who regulates a building project? Learn more about the relevant building survey or (RBS) and private building survey (PBS)
• Demolition - If a building in your neighbourhood has been demolished, there is no requirement for the demolition company to notify neighbours. They do need to have checked with us that the correct consent and permits are in place, before the demolition works commence, and have placed a sign at the front of the property as notification to local residents.

Fencing and trees

Each property owner is responsible for maintaining their own fences.

If a side or rear boundary fence needs to be replaced, you need to discuss sharing the costs with your neighbour.

Some fences may require a building permit, click on the links below for more information.

• Build a new side fence or replacement fence
• Build a new front fence
• I need to replace a fence but don’t know my neighbour – request ownership details
• I want to trim or remove a tree

Swimming pools and spas

If you are considering adding a pool or spa at your property, it requires a building permit and will need to meet current swimming pool and spa compliance and safety standards

The registration of your pool or spa and lodgement of pool compliance certificate can be done online via our web portal.

Your pool only needs to be registered once, but you will be required to issue council with an updated compliance certificate every 4 years.

See the links below to learn more about pools and spas

• Register an existing or new pool or spa
• Pool and spa barrier safety – book an inspection
• Pool and spa compliance – lodge certificate

Asset protection

Asset protection permits ensure that a building project does not damage any Council assets such as footpaths, kerbs, roads, vehicle crossings, nature strips, trees and drainage. As the owner of the property, it is up to you to communicate with both your builder and private building surveyor to ensure that the required asset protection permit (along with your building permit) is in place before any works commence on-site.

To find out about the step-by-step process, including how to get your asset protection bond back on completion of the building works and final inspection by Council.

• Asset protection
• Asset protection bond refund

Drainage, easements and flooding

Sometimes you may need an approval or further information from council relating to building works, for items like a legal point of discharge or building over an easement

• I want to build over an easement
• Where is my legal point of discharge LPOD)?
• How do I check if my site is flood prone?

Roads, footpaths and nature strips

Building works sometimes require the use or closure of a road or footpath for a period of time or you may need to apply to change a vehicle crossover. You will need to apply for a permit

• I need to close a road or footpath - do I need a traffic management plan?
• Crossovers and vehicle crossings
• Use of footpath or the nature strip
• Occupation of council land or roads for building works

Request documents from us

We hold a variety of different documents that can be ordered, using the button below.

Documents about:

• Residential properties
  All building permit documents including; plans, permits, certificates
• Commercial properties
  All building permit documents including: plans, permits, certificates
• Certificates only relating to a building permit
  Occupancy permits, notices and orders, building permits (this does not include plans)
• Certificate for conveyancing
  Also called a property information certificate 51 (1)
• Certificate for building
  Includes designation of flood, bushfire, termite, alpine areas. Also called a property information certificate 51 (2)

Order any of these documents

For privacy reasons, in some cases we can only release documents to the owner of a property, or with owners’ consent.

Lodge documents with us

A private building surveyor (PBS) is required to lodge certain documents with council. Private building surveyors can lodge documents through our eServices portal.

• Notice of appointment - section 80
• Building permit documents - section 30
• Certificate of final occupancy permit - Section 73
• Notices and orders

Lodge documents (for private building surveyors only)