Building permit for a change of use.
When a building is put to a new use, regulation 229 of the Building Regulations 2018 requires it to meet the requirements for that use before the change. A new use often means a new building class under the National Construction Code.
Common examples
- A house becoming an office or consulting rooms.
- A warehouse or factory becoming a gym or a place of worship.
- A shop becoming a café or restaurant.
- Offices converted into apartments.
What can change
The new use can bring different requirements for:
- Fire separation and fire safety systems.
- The number and width of exits.
- Access for people with disability, including accessible toilets.
- Toilets and other facilities for the expected number of people.
- Floor loads, where the new use is heavier.
Upgrade work needs a building permit, and the new use usually needs an occupancy permit.
Exemptions for the new use
The municipal building surveyor can exempt a building from some requirements for its new use, and so can a private building surveyor appointed to issue the occupancy permit. The decision must take into account the structural adequacy of the building, its amenity, the safety and health of the people using it, and avoiding the spread of fire to or from any adjoining building.
Planning permit
A new use often needs a planning permit from the council as well. It has to be in place before we can issue the building permit.
Request a quote
Request a quote online, or email what you have to info@cortekgroup.com.au, and we will quote a fixed fee for your building permit. For the permit itself we will need:
- The certificate of title and plan of subdivision, with any covenants or section 173 agreements
- Existing and proposed floor plans
- A description of the current and proposed use, with the expected number of people
- Any existing occupancy permit and essential safety measures records
- The planning permit and endorsed plans, if the project needs one