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.

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

• In person at our Civic Centre office in South Morang during business hours
• Online by emailing your completed application form and payment details to buildplan@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.

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