Building services

The Building Act 1993 and the Building Regulations 2006 control building activity work in Victoria. Building Permits are generally required for most building activity works which include:-

Dwellings
Alteration, additions or renovations to existing buildings
Restumping of buildings
Demolition of buildings
Relocation of buildings
Carports
Sheds / Garages
Verandahs
Pergolas
Gazebos
Swimming Pools & Spas
Retaining Walls
Factories and Commercial Buildings
Erection of signs, masts, poles and the like

Sufficient time should be allowed for the processing of building permit applications when scheduling proposed starting dates for works projects.

Building Exemptions

Some buildings and building works of a minor nature are exempt from the requirement to get a permit. The regulations exempt a Class 10a building (eg. garden shed) from having a Building Permit if they have a floor area of not more than 10 square metres, however you must ensure that your building is sited legally, is structurally compliant and has a compliant stormwater drainage system. You are encouraged to seek advice from a Building Surveyor before commencing any work. There are no exemptions for building works having a cost of less than $5,000.

Planning Permit may be required before applying for Building Permit

In many cases, before a Building Permit can be issued, a planning permit will be required. A planning permit authorises the development or use of land and includes alteration to existing premises. The Shire Planner can be contacted on 5461 0625 to determine if a planning permit is required or not. If a planning permit is required, you MUST obtain this before the building permit.

How to Apply for a Building Permit

The checklists below can be viewed and downloaded which outlines the required supporting documentation which is required by the Building Department when lodging your Building Application form. The Building Application form is also available below for downloading.

Owner Builders

Owners who intend to carry out building works of a domestic nature having a cost of more than $12,000 (including the value, labour and materials) must obtain a certificate of consent from the Building Practitioners Board before a permit can be issued.

An owner builder application kit can be obtained from the Building Department at the Shire Office or from the Building Commission (Ph: 1300 815 127 Web: www.buildingcommission.com.au).

Domestic Contracts Insurance

The Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 requires builders and contractors to provide insurance coverage for works having a cost of $12,000 or more. You are advised to ensure that you obtain your insurance certificate as it is your guarantee against defective building work.

How to estimate works on the Building Application Form

When you fill out a Building Permit application you are required to make a statement about the “cost” or value of the building works. The cost of buildings and building works must include the true or market cost of labour and materials involved in the construction. This estimate must take into account the cost of completing the building, including your own labour, floor slabs, drainage, electrical, plumbing fit-out etc.

Mandatory Building Inspections

Once a Building Permit has been issued the building work is required to be inspected at certain stages. Inspection takes place at the following stages:-

- Prior to placing a footing

- Prior to pouring of concrete

- Completion of framework

- Final, upon completion of all building work

An appointment needs to be made with the Shire Building Department to schedule an inspection and this can be done by contacting the Building Department on 5461 0619 or 5461 0627. All inspections are conducted in the afternoon between 1:30p.m. – 5:00p.m. Monday to Friday.

Building Department Office and Inspection Hours

Office hours for the Building Department are 8:30a.m. – midday Monday to Friday where generally a Building Surveyor will be available in the office to assist customers at the counter or on the phone with building enquiries.

Midday to 5:00p.m. the office is closed due to building inspections, which are carried out by prior arrangement.