Building, altering or demolishing a property can be a major undertaking which will not only affect your land but also the surrounding community for many years to come. It is the impact of your project on your local community that explains the need for you to comply with local regulations and obtain the needed permits before, during and after completion of your work.
What type of permit do you need?
Some people can become confused between planning permits and building permits, but these are actually two separate items. While almost all major building work will require a building permit, not all work will require a planning permit. If you need a planning permit, it must be granted before a building permit can be acquired. Planning permits give permission for specific development or use of land, while building permits relate to the actual construction of the building. To determine which permits your project may need, it is a good idea to talk to your local Town Planning Office, as they will be able to advise you on what requirements you must fulfill.
What is the purpose of Building Permits?
Building permits are required before starting any building project in Australia. The permit is intended for the legal protection of the builder and the physical protection of anyone who will be using the building. It is possible to apply for building permits yourself, or you can work with a trusted professional who will be able to guide you through the process. Architects or contractors who are familiar with the legal processes often have the exact experience needed to apply for building permits and navigate the planning process on your behalf.
Applying for building permits
Before the application process can begin, you will need to arrange for a building surveyor to survey the site and prepare the drawings to accompany the application. Once you have all of the needed documentation, you can fill in the forms, pay the required fees and submit the application.
Approving your building permit
Once the form has been submitted, it will be checked by the building surveyor who will see if you have complied with all the legal requirements. If everything looks fine, then the application will be approved — perhaps with certain conditions attached — and you may begin the building phase of your project. In the event that your application is not approved, then you can consider adjusting your application to comply with the regulations or appealing the refusal decision. If you think that your project is complex or liable to refusal, it is always a good idea to take professional advice on what may or may not be acceptable to the building surveyor.
Use these tips when looking to get a building permit for your next project.
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