Planning and Building Permits

Most building works require a building permit and many also require a planning permit. The VBA has the following information about when building permits are required and what a planning permit and building permit is for. At Outdoor Steel Solutions we assess your project for all permit requirements to ensure all the correct permits and approvals are obtained before we begin construction of your structure. This in-turn gives you peace of mind that your structure meets all current building regulations, and your structure will be able to be covered by your insurance on completion and issue of the Certificate of Final Inspection or Occupancy Permit as appropriate.

If you are undertaking any building work on your property, you will need to find out whether your project requires a planning permit, a building permit, or both.

These permits are required by law and are designed to protect you. The Building Act 1993 (the Act) and Building Regulations 2018 (the Regulations) state that all building work requires a building permit, unless an exemption exists under the Regulations.

It is a good idea to seek advice from your local council if you are considering building work on your property to confirm whether a building permit or planning permit is required. You can also consult a building surveyor for advice.

Planning permits

Planning permits give permission to develop or use land in a particular way. You may require a planning permit for a new home, extension, renovation or an additional dwelling on the land.
The local council is responsible for issuing a planning permit. If you need a planning permit, it must be issued from your local council before you can obtain a building permit.

You may need to engage a town planner to determine if you require a planning permit for your building project.

Planning permit applications submitted to council may need to include the proposed design, planning report, shadow diagrams and other relevant documentation. Contact your local council for more information.

Building permits

Building permits are documents certifying that a proposed building complies with the relevant building regulations. A building permit is a written approval by a private or municipal building surveyor. It allows the building work to be undertaken according to the approved plans, specifications and other relevant documentation.

Having a building permit provides you with protection by ensuring:

• the building practitioners working on your project are registered and carry the required insurance
• adequate documentation is prepared so the construction can be carried out correctly and according to building legislation
• key stages of the work are independently inspected
• your building is suitable for occupation.

A building permit will specify that either an occupancy permit or a certificate of final inspection is required on completion of the building work. For more information, see At the end of your building project.

Not all building projects require a building permit. Possible exemptions may include:

• some minor alterations or demolitions
• some garden sheds with a floor area less than 10m²
• repair work for maintenance purposes.

For more information, see our Practice note: When is a building permit required? (PDF, 336.31 KB)