Commercial/Industrial Buildings

Under the Building Code of Australia, all new commercial and industrial buildings are classified as works associated with Class 2 to 9 buildings. This includes any additions and alterations to these types of buildings.

Class 2 to 9 buildings include:

• Apartment buildings
• Hotels and motels
• Accommodation buildings
• Shops
• Offices
• Factories
• Warehouses
• Packing sheds
• Public buildings (schools, halls, community buildings and similar)

A building permit is needed for these types of buildings and building works in accordance with the Building Regulations 2018.

Some of the things considered when assessing a building permit application for these types of buildings and works include, but not limited to:

• A planning permit for the proposed use and/or development.
• Plans lodged as part of the building permit application are consistent with the planning permit.
• Location and site of the buildings on the allotment.
• Architectural and structural design.
• Energy efficiency (such as Section J – BCA Energy Efficiency Assessment).
• Availability and location of services (e.g. sewer, water, storm water, effluent disposal).
• Essential Safety Measure requirements including:
  • fire services design
  • referral to the Chief Executive Officer of the Country Fire Authority (where applicable)
  • emergency lighting and exit signage
  • paths of travel to exits

Please get advice from one of our Building Department staff before you start any building work.

Application

Checklist

Fees and charges

Building permit fees are to be paid upon lodgement of your building permit application.

• Building fees and charges

Building inspections

Inspections are an important and mandatory part of the permit process.

The following compulsory inspections are required for all new building work:

• Before placing footing (foundation excavations, stump holes, slab steel reinforcement)
• Before pouring an in-situ reinforced concrete member
• Completion of framework (sub-floor frame through to roof structure)
• During the carrying out of building work specified required by Regulation172 (fire & smoke resisting building elements)
• Final inspection on completion of all building work (before occupation and/or use of the building)

Essential Safety Measures maintenance

Owners of commercial and accommodation buildings of Class 2-9 must maintain all Essential Safety Measures that are installed in a building.

Essential Safety Measures include:

• Fire hydrants
• Fire extinguishers
• Fire hose reels
• Emergency lighting and exit signs
• Smoke detection systems
• Fire sprinkler systems
• Paths of travel to exits
• Exit doors

Building of Class 2-9 are:

• Multi-storey buildings
• Dwelling units
• Motels
• Guest house
• Offices
• Shops
• Warehouses
• Factories
• Hospitals
• Public buildings
• Schools

If your building was constructed or altered after 1 July, 1994, all essential safety measures will be listed on your Occupancy Permit. This permit will also detail the level and frequency required for this maintenance.

For buildings constructed before 1 July, 1994, any essential safety measure installed in the building must be maintained to ensure it functions properly.

The Victorian Building Authority’s Essential Safety Measures Maintenance Manual sets out all the requirements and responsibilities of property owners.