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BUILDING PERMIT PROCESS

Building Permits are the written approval to proceed with construction work or a change of use and must be obtained prior to any construction taking place. Almost all building work will require a Building Permit to proceed.

Building Permits can be issued once a Building Surveyor has received plans and documentation that meet the requirements of the following:
Building Code of Australia 2019, The Building Act 1993, Building Regulations 2018.

The Building Permit ensures that the building work complies with the above requirements once constructed.

Please note: The Building Act prescribes penalties for any person/company that completes building work without a valid building permit. In the same way that a driver’s license authorises you to drive a car, a building permit authorizes you to complete building work. In both cases, it is strongly suggested that the relevant permits are obtained prior as heavy penalties apply for any breaches.

What is our process?

Apply for a Quote

Before we can assess and issue your Building Permit, we need to provide you with a Fee Proposal. Head to our Obtain a Quote page to provide us with your details and documentation.

Fee Acceptance and Application Form

We will require you to provide a signed copy of the Fee Acceptance Form and completed Application Form.
A minimum 50% of the Building Permit Fee is also required to be paid prior to assessing the documentation.

Assessment of Documentation

SP Building Surveyors will complete a full assessment of all submitted documentation within 3-7 business days (Please Note: Applications will not be assessed without adequate documentation). Our team will endeavour to assess completed applications as quickly as possible. Depending on your circumstances and level of documentation, building permit applications can be assessed and issued at the same time.

Below is a list of commonly requested documents. Please note that every job may not need all these documents, however as part of our initial assessment we will identify what is required.

Issue of Building Permit

Once the Building Surveyor has received payment of all fees, plans and documentation that meet the requirements of the Building Code of Australia 2019, The Building Act 1993 and Building Regulations 2018 the permit will be issued.
You will then receive a copy of the Building Permit, approved documentation and certificate checklist. We will also be sending a copy to your local council.

Start Construction

Once you have received the Building Permit you are now permitted to commence works.
Building works are to commence and be completed by the dates listed on the Building Permit.

The work is to commence by the required start date as shown on your permit. This is 1 year from the date the permit was issued. Before the commence by date, we are required to carry out an initial inspection.

The work is to be completed by the completion date as shown on your permit, which is 1 year after the commence by date for domestic projects and 2 years for commercial projects.

Please head to our Extension of Time page for information, forms and fees for extensions of time.

Building Permit Amendments

Amendments to works during construction

Throughout the permit process we understand there will be variations both on site and with the approved documentation. It is an offence to carry out works in contravention of the approved building permit.  Is it imperative that we receive updated documentation which accurately reflects what is proposed to be built onsite. Variations will be processed within 1-3 days of lodgement. To enable us to amend your building permit as quickly as possible the following is to be provided:

  1. A fully completed amendment Application Form.  Note: In order to assist us with quickly processing your amendment, a full description of changes is required.  This is to be completed on the application form in as much detail as possible.
  2. Architectural / structural drawings and accompanying Certificate of Compliance Design (where applicable) which detail all  changes.(NB: All changes are to be highlighted or clouded on plans) Note: one full PDF copy of architectural or structural drawings is required to submit an application for amendment.
  3. Updated planning permit and drawings (where applicable)
  4. Updated builders warranty insurance and contract where there are any changes to the contract price or builders details.

Note: Building works are not be undertaken without a building permit / amended building permit in place. Works carried without a permit are in breach of section 106 (a) the Building Act. Due to increased auditing from the VBA please ensure the cost of works accurately reflect the design changes.

Mandatory Inspections

We are required to carry out the mandatory inspections as listed on the Building Permit. Our office is to be notified of all mandatory inspection 24 hours prior to the inspection.

All mandatory inspections will need to be approved prior to proceeding to the next construction stage.

Compliance Certificates

After your Final Inspection you will need to provide us with all relevant Compliance Certificates listed on the Domestic or Commercial checklist you received as part of your Building Permit documentation. These may include the following:

  • Application for Occupancy Permit
  • Termites
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Waterproofing
  • Glazing

Please note: This is a guide only and further information may be requested.

Occupancy Permit / Certificate of Final Inspection

Once all Inspections have been approved, you have submitted all compliance certificates and any additional fees have been paid, we will then issue the Occupancy Permit or Certificate of Final Inspection.
We will also send a copy to your local Council.

Forms

Building Permits are the written approval to proceed with construction work or a change of use and must be obtained prior to any construction taking place. Almost all building work will require a Building Permit to proceed.

Building Permits can be issued once a Building Surveyor has received plans and documentation that meet the requirements of the following:

  • Building Code of Australia
  • The Building Act 1993
  • Building Interim Regulations

The Building Permit ensures that the building work complies with the above requirements once constructed.

Please note: The Building Act prescribes penalties for any person/company that completes building work without a valid building permit. In the same way that a driver’s license authorises you to drive a car, a building permit authorizes you to complete building work. In both cases, it is strongly suggested that the relevant permits are obtained prior as heavy penalties apply for any breaches.

 

What is our process?

  1. Obtain a quote
  2. Complete our Building Permit Application Form accompanied by:
  • Signed fee acceptance
  • Title & Plan of Subdivision (no more than 60 days old). Obtain from Landata
  • Architectural drawings
  • Payment of fees
  1. Below is a list of commonly requested documents. Please note that every job may not need all these documents, however as part of our initial assessment we will identify what is required.
  1. We will complete a full assessment of all the submitted documentation.
  2. Either issue a request for further information (RFI) or issue the Building Permit.
  3. Once all the RFI items have been resolved, the Building Permit will be issued and you may commence building works.
  4. After the Building Permit has been issued, we are required to carry out the mandatory inspections as listed on the Building Permit. Our office is to be notified of all mandatory inspection 24 hours prior to the inspection.
  5. All mandatory inspections will need to be approved prior to proceeding to the next construction stage.
  6. Once all inspections have been completed, our office may require construction certificates such as electrical, plumbing, termite etc.
  7. Once all certificates have been received we will issue the Occupancy Permit or Certificate of Final Inspection.

 

Time frames

SP assess new Building Permit applications between 3-7 business days (Please Note: Applications will not be assessed without adequate documentation). Our team will endeavour to assess completed applications as quickly as possible. Depending on your circumstances and level of documentation, building permit applications can be assessed and issued at the same time.

Building works are to commence and be completed by the dates listed on the Building Permit.

Please head to the following links for information, forms and fees on extensions of time:

 

Forms