Building permits by project.
Choose your project to see whether it needs a building permit in Victoria, what we check and what to send us. We issue building permits in every council area in the state.
Home projects
Pergola
Exempt when unroofed and inside the size and position limits.
Verandah
Needs a permit at any size when attached to the house.
Deck
Needs a permit at any size.
Shed
Exempt at 10 m² or less, inside the height and position limits.
Garage
Needs a permit unless freestanding and 10 m² or less.
Carport
Needs a permit unless freestanding and 10 m² or less.
Swimming pool or spa
Needs a permit for the pool and its barrier, unless both are relocatable or it holds 300 mm or less.
Fence
Exempt within the height limits, except pool barriers.
Retaining wall
Needs a permit at 1 m or higher, or when part of other building work.
Renovation
Often exempt, unless the structure or floor area changes.
House extension
Always needs a permit. Siting and energy rules apply.
Granny flat
Always needs a permit. Up to 60 m² may not need a planning permit.
New house
Always needs a permit, from first homes to knockdown rebuilds.
Demolition
Needs a permit, and often the council's consent under section 29A.
Commercial and insurance work
Shop or office fit-out
Usually needs a permit, and often an occupancy permit.
Warehouse or factory
Needs a building permit and an occupancy permit.
Change of use
The building must meet the rules for its new use.
Park shelter
Needs a permit unless 10 m² or smaller within the limits.
Insurance repairs
Structural repairs and rebuilds need a permit.
Common questions
Some minor work is exempt under Schedule 3 of the Building Regulations 2018. Our exemptions guide goes through each type of work.
Either can issue your building permit, and you choose which to appoint. A private building surveyor can act anywhere in Victoria.
A planning permit comes from the council and deals with how land is used and developed. A building permit deals with how the building is designed and built. Some projects need both, and the planning permit has to be in place before we can issue the building permit.
It depends on the project. We quote our fee before you commit, and the total can also include the state building permit levy and the council's lodgement fee.
Request a quote with your drawings and we will quote a fixed fee for your building permit.