| The Wellington Shire Council does not issue Building Permits. Building Permits are issued by private Building Surveyors. |
Building permits are issued to ensure buildings are structurally sound and do not adversely affect the safety of the public or occupiers. Building permits require a series of checks to be made to a building to ensure that the construction meets guidelines as stipulated by local, state and federal government regulations. The Building Act 1993 and the Regulations state that building work must not be commenced prior to the issue of a building permit.
The Act prescribes a minimum penalty of $14,000 and up to $70,000 for any works carried out without a permit.
Building Permit FAQ's
Why do I need a Building Permit?
The issue of a building permit ensures that the proposed structure will comply with the regulations before the works commence. Following the issue of a building permit, inspections are undertaken at key stages of the works. This guarantees certainty of compliance for the owner, builder and building insurers before and during construction.
In the event of an insurance claim, a building permit provides you with evidence that the construction has been checked by a registered building practitioner to ensure it has been done correctly. Also, in the case of a future sale of the property, additional costs will not be incurred to provide documentation if you are required to present evidence of compliance.
Is a Planning Permit also required?
In certain situations, depending on the zoning and overlays of the land, a planning permit may also be required under the Planning and Environment Act.
For clarification on whether there are planning regulations affecting your property, contact the Planning Unit on 1300 366 244.
What else should I consider when applying for a Building Permit?
- All building and/or work must comply with the relevant codes and standards
- A planning permit or septic approval may be required
- In addition to complying with the regulations, Council’s consent may also be required under the regulations
- Correct siting requirements are to be met
- Other provisions of the regulations may have to be met
- All buildings require an occupancy permit or final certificate prior to occupation or use
What kind of works require a Building Permit?
As part of the Building Regulations 2006, building permit requirements are now based on the scope of building work rather than the previous $5,000 limit, implying the need for garages, carports and pergolas to have a permit. The following table lists common types of building work and whether they are subject to a building permit. Please consult your municipal or private building surveyor regarding the technical provisions that apply.
| Common Types of Building Work |
Permit Required? |
| Additions |
| Additions to a dwelling or any other building |
Yes |
| Alterations |
| Structural alterations to a dwelling or any other building |
Yes |
| Removal of or alteration to a load bearing part of a building |
Yes |
| Carports/Garages |
| Construction of a garage/carport larger than 10m2 in area |
Yes |
| Demolition of freestanding garage/carport, not constructed of masonry, not more than 40m2 in floor area, is not a building on the Heritage Register and the work will not adversely affect the safety of the public or occupiers of the building |
No |
| Decks |
| Construction of a deck |
Yes |
| Fences |
| Construction of a side or boundary fence up to 2m in height |
No |
| Construction of a brick front fence more than 1.2m high |
Yes |
| Construction of a timber front fence less than 1.5m in height and not within 9m or a point of intersection of street alignments |
No |
| Construction of a side or boundary fence more than 2m high |
Yes |
| Construction of a fence that is more than 1m high, within 9m of the point of intersection of street alignments |
Yes |
| Construction of a chain wire tennis court fence |
No |
| Masts/Antennas |
| Height more than 3m above the highest point of a building |
Yes |
| Not attached to a building and height more than 8m above the ground |
Yes |
| Pergolas (Unroofed) |
| Not more than 3.6m high, maximum 20m2 in area, and located at the rear of the building to which it is appurtenant |
No |
| Construction of a pergola located further forward than 2.5m forward of the front wall of the single dwelling |
Yes |
| Reblocking |
| Reblocking or restumping of an existing building |
Yes |
| Retaining Walls |
| Constructed on or near site boundaries (any height) in order to maintain the stability of the adjoining property |
Yes |
| Construction of a retaining wall 1m or more in height |
Yes |
| Roofing |
| Replacement of corrugated iron roofing with concrete or terracotta roofing tiles |
Yes |
| Replacement of corrugated iron roofing with 'Colorbond' or other pre-finished sheeting |
No |
| Shed Associated with a Single Dwelling |
| Erection of a freestanding shed, 10m2 or less in area, is no more than 3m in height or if situated within 1m of a boundary, is no more than 2.4m in height, not constructed of masonry and located no further forward than the front wall of the single dwelling |
No |
| Erection of a shed more than 10m2 in area |
Yes |
| Signs |
| More than 1m in height and within 3m of the street alignment |
Yes |
| More than 8m above ground level and 6m2 in display area |
Yes |
| Swimming Pools/Spas |
| Construction of a swimming pool/spa greater than 300mm in depth |
Yes |
| Swimming pool fencing |
Yes |
| Verandahs (Roof Only) |
| Construction of a verandah |
Yes |
| Windows |
| Replacement of windows with the same size windows, where no alteration to the opening is required and is not located on the front facade or can be seen from the street |
No |
| Installation of 'bay' or 'corner' type windows, where structural alterations are required |
Yes |
| Wood Heater |
| Installation of a wood heater (solid fuel burning appliances) |
No |