Do I need a building permit?

Not every construction project needs a building permit. But, all construction projects must follow building codes and regulations. This is true even for those exempt from a permit.

If you are an owner-builder, it is your responsibility to conduct a self-assessment to confirm the project's compliance with these regulations.

To see if your project needs a permit, check the list below. If you have any uncertainty or questions, please contact a Building Surveyor. You can also consult with a registered builder or contact the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) . Council does not have an onsite Municipal Building Surveyor.

Common types of building work

The list below should be used as a guide only. We recommend you view the BPC's full listing: When is a Building Permit required?

Additions

Works Building permit required?
To a dwelling or any other building Yes

Alterations

Works Building permit required?
Structural alterations to a dwelling or any other building Yes
Removal of or alteration to a load bearing part of a building Yes
Remodelling a bathroom or kitchen, replacing internal walls cladding (like for like) that does not include structural alterations No

Carports and garages

Works Building permit required?
Building a garage/ carport larger than 10m2 in area Yes
Demolishing a freestanding garage/ carport, not made of masonry, not more than 40m2 in floor area, is not a building on the Heritage Register and the work will not adversely affect public safety or those occupying the building No

Decks

Works Building permit required?
Building a deck Yes

Fences

Works Building permit required?
Building a side fence up to 2m high No
Building a brick front fence more than 1.2m high Yes
Building a timber front fence less than 1.5m in height and within 9m of a point of intersection of street alignments No
Building a side or boundary fence more than 2m high Yes
Building a fence that is more than 1m high, and within 9m of a point of intersection of street alignments (corner block) Yes
Building a chain wire tennis court fence No

Hail netting

Works Building permit required?
Hail netting that is permeable and used for agricultural purposes supported on posts not greater than 3m in height with tensioned cables fixed to the ground No

Masts, antennas, satellite dishes

Works Building permit required?
Height more than 3m above the highest point of a building Yes
Not attached to a building and height more than 8m above the ground Yes

Re-stumping

Works Building permit required?
Re-blocking, re-stumping or underpinning an existing building Yes

Retaining walls

Works Building permit required?
Constructed on or near site boundaries (any height) where there is a risk of damage of adjoining property Yes
Building a retaining wall 1m or more in height Yes
Building a retaining wall less than 1m not associated with any building work or with protection of adjoining property No

Roofing

Works Building permit required?
Replacing corrugated iron roofing with concrete or terracotta roofing tiles Yes
Replacing concrete or terracotta roofing tiles with corrugated iron roofing (this can affect the wind up lift on the roof structure) Yes
Replacing corrugated iron roofing with similar corrugated iron sheeting ("Colourbond") and no replacement of structural battens No
Replacing corrugated iron roofing with another pre-finished metal sheeting which requires the installation of structural battens. No

Sheds associated with a single dwelling

Works Building permit required?
Building a freestanding shed, 10m2 or less in area, 3m less in height, setback 1m or more from the boundary and located no further forward than the front wall of the single dwelling No
Building a shed more than 10m2 in area Yes

Shipping containers

Works Building permit required?

Shipping container used for:

  • personal/domestic storage
  • farm or machinery storage
  • commercial purposes
  • habitable purposes
 Yes

Use of the shipping container for storage or as a building

  • There must be a dwelling on your property. A shipping container cannot be kept on vacant land.
  • A shipping container used for storage or as a building such as a studio or rumpus room will be classified as a shed or outbuilding under the Planning Scheme.
  • A planning permit for building and works to site a shipping container on your property may be required and will depend on your property's planning zones and overlays.
  • Shipping containers used for storage or as an outbuilding will require a building permit and must comply with the requirements of the building regulations and all the relevant parts of the National Construction Code.

Use of the shipping container on a building site

  • If it is located on site solely for the duration of building work and it relates to construction purposes (i.e. for storing tools and materials relating to the build) then it meets item 6 of schedule 3 of the Building Regulations 2018 and is exempt.
  • However, if it is used to store items such as household furnishings, etc, that are not related/required to build, then the exemption is not met, and a Building Permit is required. For all other reasons, a Building Permit is also required/triggered, unless it meets item 1 of schedule 3 of the Building Regulations 2018.

Signs

Works Building permit required?
More than 1m in height and within 3m of the street alignment Yes
More than 8m above ground level and 6m2 in display area Yes

Swimming pools, spas

Works Building permit required?
Building a swimming pool or spa greater than 300mm in depth Yes
Swimming pool fencing Yes

Verandah

Works Building permit required?
Building a verandah Yes

Windows

Works Building permit required?
Replacing windows with similar type windows, where no structural alterations are required No
Installing 'bay' or 'corner' type windows, where structural alterations are required Yes

Wood heater

Works Building permit required?
Installing a wood heater (solid fuel burning appliances) No

 

Quick links

Contact us

Phone

03 5036 2333

 

Email

building@swanhill.vic.gov.au

 

Location

45 Splatt Street
Swan Hill
VIC 3585
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