A Building Permit must be granted prior to the commencement of any building works unless the work is exempt under Part 18 & Schedule 8 of the Building Regulations 2006.
To clarify whether or not a Building Permit is required for your proposed building work, please visit Council's Building Services Unit located at 131 Myers St Geelong during business hours for assessment & advice. You will need to bring a detailed floor plan, site plan, and copy of Title with you.
The following Table can be used as a guide for when a Building Permit is required.
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Common Types of Building Work
|
Building Permit required*
|
Refer Notes
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| Additions |
|
|
| Additions to a dwelling or any other building |
Yes |
4 |
| Alterations |
|
|
| 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 & Sheds |
|
|
Erection of a freestanding carport, garage or shed that:
- has a floor area not exceeding 10 m2; and
- is no more than 3m in height and at least 1m from the boundary; and
- is appurtenant to a building of another class: and
- is located no further forward than the front wall of the appurtenant building; and
- is not constructed of masonry |
No |
Nil |
| Erection of a carport, garage or shed attached to another building |
Yes |
3 |
| Erection of a carport, garage or shed that has a floor area more than 10 m2 |
Yes |
2 & 3 |
| Demolition |
|
|
| Demolition of a building /structure (some exemptions apply) |
Yes |
3 |
| Fences |
|
|
| Construction of a: |
|
|
| - side or boundary fence not exceeding 2m in height |
No |
Nil |
| - brick front fence exceeding 1.2m in height |
Yes |
3 |
| - timber front fence not exceeding 1.5m in height |
No |
Nil |
| - side or boundary fence exceeding 2m in height |
Yes |
3 |
| - fence exceeding 1.0m in height, within 9m of the point of intersection of street alignments |
Yes |
3 |
| Construction of a chain wire tennis court fence |
No |
Nil |
| Masts / Antennas |
|
|
| Height more than: |
|
|
| 3m above the highest point of a building |
Yes |
3 |
| 8m above the ground |
Yes |
3 |
| Pergolas (unroofed) |
|
|
| Construction of a pergola appurtenant to a dwelling, not exceeding 20 m2 or 3.6 m in height and located no further forward on the allotment than 2.5m forward of the front wall of the appurtenant dwelling. |
No |
1 |
| Construction of a pergola , not exceeding 20 m2 or 3.6 m in height and located no further forward on the allotment than the front wall of the appurtenant building. |
No |
1 |
| Reblocking |
|
|
| Reblocking or restumping of an existing building |
Yes |
3 |
| Retaining Walls |
|
|
| Construction of a retaining wall 1 m or more in height |
Yes |
3 |
| Construction on or near site boundaries (any height) |
Yes |
3 |
| Roofing |
|
|
| Replacement of corrugated iron roofing with concrete or terracotta roofing tiles. |
Yes |
3 |
| Replacement of corrugated iron roofing with 'Colorbond' or other pre-finished sheeting. |
No |
5 |
| Signs |
|
|
| More than 1 m in height and within 3 m of the street alignment. |
Yes |
3 |
| More than 8 m above ground level and 6 m2 in display area |
Yes |
3 |
| Swimming Pools / Spas |
|
|
| Construction of a swimming pool/spa containing a depth of water greater than 300 mm. |
Yes |
3 |
| Erection/alteration of swimming pool/spa safety barriers (where pool/spa contains greater than 300mm of water). |
Yes |
3 |
| Verandahs |
|
|
| Construction of a verandah attached to any building |
Yes |
3 |
| Windows |
|
|
| Replacement of windows with similar type windows which do not affect ventilation requirements, and where no structural alterations are required |
No |
4 |
| Installation of 'bay' or 'corner' type windows, where structural alterations are required. |
Yes |
3 |
| Wood heater |
|
|
| Installation of a wood heater (solid fuel burning appliance). |
No |
1 & 5 |
Notes
- Must comply with Building Code of Australia (BCA) which includes structural safety, fire rating, health and amenity requirements, as applicable.
- Cannot be built on vacant allotment without Council Report and Consent (Regulation 422).
- Must comply with all provisions of the Act and Regulations, including Part 4 - Siting, Building Regulations 2006 (includes siting requirements, wall height restrictions, setbacks, etc., as applicable) and the BCA. The process of issuing a Building Permit determines this. Council or other relevant Reporting Authority consent may be required as part of a Building Permit.
- Glass must be suitable for the particular use.
- Compliance certificate required under plumbing legislation.
* Service Authorities may have their own requirements. Check the Certificate of Title or the approved Plan of Subdivision for the location of any easements.
* A Planning Permit or approval may be required, regardless of whether a building permit is required.
Examples and Case Studies
For further information please contact the City of Greater Geelong, Building Services Unit.
| Contact Details |
|
Address: 131 Myers Street Geelong Vic 3220
Postal: PO Box 104 Geelong Vic 3220
Phone: General Enquiries - (03) 5227 0450
Phone: Building Inspections - (03) 5227 0454
Fax: (03) 5227 0486
contactus@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
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