When do I require a building permit?

Type of work

Is a building permit required?

Yes/No

Additions

Additions to a dwelling or any other building

Attaching minor items to an existing building, such as sun hoods projecting no more than 1 metre from the building, sun blinds, roof ventilators, basketball hoops or similar attachments (refer to Schedule 1, Section 8 (3) and Schedule 2. Section 2 of Building Regulations 2006).

No
Alterations

Structural alterations to a dwelling or any other building

Alterations to a load bearing part of a building – there are some exceptions however customers should consult with a private certifier.

Yes
Aviary The building or structure is used exclusively as an aviary – regardless of area (tropical cyclone area – Wind Region C. Building Regulation 2006, Schedule 1, section 13) Yes
Carports/garages (Class 10a) Freestanding or attached to another building (of any size) Yes
Demolition

All demolition work – anything that requires a building permit to build, requires a building/demolition permit to remove.

Did you know? Plumbing approvals are also required when carrying out demolition work.

Yes
Decks

Unroofed deck less than 1 metre above the deck’s natural ground surface (refer to Schedule 1, Section 13 (1) (c) of Building Regulations 2006)

Roofed deck less than 1 metre above the deck’s natural ground surface

Roofed deck more than 1 metre above the deck’s natural ground surface

Unroofed deck more than 1 metre above the deck’s natural ground surface

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Earthworks Note: depending on the volume as per the Planning Scheme. Greater than 20 cubic meters in residential zone and greater than 500 cubic meters in a rural zone will trigger an Operational Works permit unless it is part of a building application. Yes
Pool fences

Pool fence

Alterations and repairs in some minor instances don’t require a building approval, however due to complex nature of pool fencing requirements, it is recommended that customer consult a private certifier and/or a pool fence compliance officer

Yes
Plumbing works

Plumbing works are governed by additional legislation and regulations.

The type of work being undertaken will determine if plumbing approvals and / or plumbing inspections will be required.

For further information on plumbing approvals and inspections, please visit H2O lab

Yes