Building Permits 

A Building Permit must be granted prior to starting any building works unless the work is exempt under Part 18 and Schedule 8 of the Building Regulations 2006.


We issue Building Permits for the construction, demolition, alteration, extension or change of use for all types of buildings.

This includes both domestic and commercial projects, ranging from the smallest garden shed or verandah to the largest office building, factory or hospital building.

Our services are available to all residents and property owners, builders, developers and designers.


Why we do this

Under the Building Regulations 2006 we must ensure that all construction and demolition works are carried out to specific standards. These standards cover health, safety, amenity and energy efficiency matters.

What you can expect

Our staff in Building and Customer Service are available for advice and assistance at all stages from initial design to application processing and approval, inspections and completion of your building project.

Call us on 5272 5272 to see how we can help.

Common questions

Question
Asset Protection Permit - Do I need one?

An Asset Protection Permit is required to be obtained prior to any construction works commencing on a property following the issuing of the Building Permit. 

Council's Works Inspectors will then carry out an inspection on Council's infrastructure, i.e. footpath, kerb and channel, etc.

The following categories require this permit:

  • Demolition works
  • Building relocations/house removal
  • Works requiring heavy plant and equipment for transport and/or construction purposes
  • Major renovations and additions to existing dwellings and buildings
  • Any works where building costs exceed the nominated minimum amount of $20,000
  • All new building/construction works including: 
    • Commercial and major developments
    • Concrete and fibreglass swimming pools
    • Shops and offices
    • Dwellings
    • Unit developments

Question
Fencing - what are the height regulations?

There are different regulations depending on the location and type of fence.

Fences on street/property boundary

  • Building Permit required for masonry fence over 1.2 metres, other fences over 1.5 metres
  • Barbed wire must be at least 150mm back from street alignment (boundary)
  • Corner fences - maximum height of 1 metre (within 9 metres of point of intersection of street alignments)
  • A Street Occupation Permit is required where works are undertaken beyond the property boundary (eg from footpath or nature strip)
  • Council Consent & Report is required for barriers beyond the street alignment for protection of the public during construction
  • Front fences (within 3 metres of street boundary) maximum height 1.5 metres generally, or 2 metres if facing a "Declared Road" (Declared Road - freeway or arterial road under the Road Management Act 2004)

Side/Rear Street boundaries

  • maximum height 2 metres
  • higher fences must comply with height/length/setback limitations

Swimming Pool & Spa Fences

  • Building Permit always required
  • Minimum height of 1.2 metres
  • Specific construction requirements - refer Building Code of Australia Volume 2, Australian Standard 1926.1-1993
  • Cannot include property boundary fence
  • Brochure available from Customer Service Centres

Boundary fences

  • Controlled by Fences Act 1968 (We do not administer this Act)
  • Construction by agreement between property owners or Court Order from Magistrates Court
  • Generally maximum height 2 metres
  • Building Permit required for masonry fence/wall
  • Building Permit required for higher fences, which must comply with height/length/setback limitations

Other Notes

  • Gates, screens, roller doors are included in these fence provisions
  • Excavations must be fenced or guarded during construction
  • Some Statutory Planning controls apply

Question
Pool fencing - what are the requirements?
All pools and spas, regardless of when installed or constructed, require safety barriers. Portable or inflatable pools/spas are not exempted from these requirements. A handout is available for details of pool barriers from any of our Customer Service Centres or our Building Department.

A building permit is required to construct or alter any pool safety barrier.



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