Apply for a building permit

Your step-by-step guide to building permits

Before applying for a building permit, read through these steps to make sure you have everything in order. This will help make the process as smooth as possible.

Our step-by-step guide will help you successfully navigate your building project.

Find details on applying for a building permit, building permit extensions, building permit variations, inspections and occupancy permits.

Before you start the application process, call us on 03 9217 2170 to check if your planned building works may have any additional needs. 

Check if you need a building permit

Some types of building works don’t require a building permit.

See if your works need a building permit

Gather your documentation

Depending on your project, you'll need copies of the following.

Certificate of Title

Please provide a current Certificate of Title no older than three months.

Plan of Subdivision

Include a full copy of the Plan of Subdivision, which forms part of your Title.

Covenants, 173 Agreements and Memoranda of Common Provisions

Please provide full copies of all Covenants, 173 Agreements, Memoranda of Common Provisions (MCPs or Dealing Numbers) and building envelopes listed on the Title and within restrictions of the Plan of Subdivision. 

Architectural plans

Include a copy of architectural plans of the proposed work, prepared by a registered draftsperson or architect, to ensure your plans are accurate, clear and complete.

Drawings should include a site plan, floor sections, elevations and structural details, all drawn to scale.

Soil Investigation Report

Your Soil Investigation Report classifies the soil type (that is, A, S, M, H, E or P) for new dwellings or commercial work to design an acceptable footing system.

For additions or alterations, a soil investigation report may not be required depending on the building surveyor.

Certificate of Compliance

Include a copy of engineering computations and a Certificate of Compliance. The structural details and computations must be prepared by a registered structural engineer.

Energy Rating

A copy of a 6-star Energy Rating is compulsory as of 1 May 2011.

Domestic building insurance

Please provide evidence of domestic building insurance (warranty) for cost-of-work greater than $16,000 covering work carried out by a registered builder.

    Certificate of Consent

    You will need a Certificate of Consent from the Building Commission for cost-of-work greater than $16,000 covering work carried out by an owner builder.

    Bushfire Attack Level

    Please provide documentation for your project's Bushfire Attack Level (BAL). Learn more about building standards for bushfire-prone areas.

     

    Building Checklist - Commercial Change of Use - Fit Out Works(DOCX, 160KB)

    Building Checklist - Demolitions(DOCX, 160KB)

    (PDF, 100KB)Building Checklist - Domestic Change of Use (E.g. Home Occupation)(DOCX, 169KB)

    Building Checklist - Internal Alternations (Dwellings)(DOCX, 162KB)

    Building Checklist - Multiple Dwelling Units(DOCX, 162KB)

    Building Checklist - Outbuildings (Verandah, Decking, Garage, Shed, Carport, Fence, Screen)(DOCX, 167KB)

    Building Checklist - Retaining Wall(DOCX, 169KB)

    Building Checklist - Single Dwelling - Extension to Dwelling(DOCX, 165KB)

    Building Checklist - Swimming Pools, Spas and Safety Barriers(DOCX, 168KB)

    Additional information may be required depending on the project scope.

    Contact us on 03 9217 2170 before applying to check what your project needs.

    Building permit application 

    Once the plans and structural details are complete and you have all the required documents, you are ready to apply for a building permit.

    To apply

    1. Complete and sign the Building Permit Application form.
    2. Call us on 03 9217 2170 to find out your application fee (it varies depending on the scope and value of building work).
    3. Lodge your application and pay your application fee.

     

    Lodge your application

     

    Download the Building Permit Application form

    Building Permit Application form - accessible(DOC, 490KB)

    Building Permit Application form(PDF, 116KB)

    Building certifier assessment

    Our professional building surveying staff will assess your application. They will ensure the proposal complies with the Building Act 1993, Building Regulations 2018, National Construction Code 2022 and relevant Australian Standards.

    Asset Protection Permit

    For new residential dwellings or housing developments, you must also obtain an Asset Protection Permit before construction starts.

    Building permit issued

    For residential projects, once the building permit is issued, construction must commence within 12 months from the date of issuance and be completed within 24 months from the date of issuance. For commercial projects, the completion timeframe is extended to 36 months. Should you require additional time, you may apply for an extension from the building surveyor before the permit's expiration.

    Please note that the construction of swimming pools, spas, and safety barriers must be completed within six months from the commencement of works.

    Inspections

    When your building permit is issued, it will state the mandatory stage inspections. Once you have reached each of these stages, you must book an inspection with the City of Whittlesea.

    To book, call us on 03 9217 2170, at least 24 hours before your preferred inspection time. This ensures we can deliver a fair and efficient service to both builders and owners.

    Once all building works have been completed and the final inspection is approved, you will receive the relevant completion documentation (Occupancy Permit/Certificate of Final Inspection).

    Building permit variations and cancellations

    You can vary or cancel your building permit if you need to.

    Find out more

    Building permit extensions

    If you can’t complete your building work before your building permit expires, you must apply to us for an extension of time while the permit is still active.

    If you lodge an application for an extension of time after the permit has lapsed, you'll need to reapply for a building permit. This means you'll have to resubmit all documentation and pay application fees again.

    Start and finish dates are clearly noted on each building permit.

    We'll only consider an application for an extension of time if you:

    • lodge a permit application form
    • pay the relevant fees
    • give a reason for why the work could not be completed on time.

    Request an extension of time

    Occupancy permit for new buildings

    It's illegal to move into your new building without first obtaining an Occupancy Permit.

    Apply for an occupancy permit

    To apply for an occupancy permit, you must provide the following documentation to demonstrate that the work completed on your property meets the relevant building legislation: 

    • Application for Occupancy Permit - Form 5 and documents listed on this form
    • Refer to your building permit in the conditions section to see if there is anything further to submit

    Your occupancy permit will not be issued until we have received copies of all the required documents.

    Download an Application for Occupancy Permit form:

    Occupancy Permit form - accessible(DOC, 511KB)

    Occupancy Permit form(PDF, 182KB)

    Once you move into your new property, you must clearly display your house number.

    Order rubbish and recycling bins

    We'll only issue residential or commercial bins for new dwellings or commercial buildings that hold an Occupancy Permit.

    Order your new bins