Do you need a building permit or a planning permit?

What is the difference between a planning permit and a building permit?

Building permits are issued by a registered building surveyor and generally relate only to the construction aspects of a particular building or development. However, there are times when a planning permit may also be required.

Planning permits are legal documents giving permission for a land use or development to occur on a specified parcel of land.

If a planning permit is required, it must be obtained before a building permit can be issued, however, both applications can be made at the same time.

A planning permit does not remove the need to obtain a building permit.

Building permits

If you plan to do some building work around the house, you should check with us to find out whether you need a building permit.

You may need a building permit for the following types of works:

  • building extensions and renovations
  • carports
  • garages and sheds
  • building removal
  • pergolas
  • verandas and deckings
  • retaining walls
  • re-stumping an existing building

 

Planning permits

You generally need to obtain a Council planning permit to change the use of land, construct a new building or change existing buildings.

You may need a planning permit to:

  • start a business
  • prune or remove a tree
  • subdivide land
  • build two or more dwellings (units/townhouses)
  • extend your home
  • change the use of land or buildings
  • display a sign
  • reduce required car parking spaces
  • develop in rural areas
  • open a restaurant, cafe, bar or tavern
  • install a satellite dish
  • remove or vary a covenant/restriction

Exemption for farm sheds from requirement to obtain a building permit policy

 In October 2018 Council adopted the updated policy in regards to building permit exemptions for Class 10a Farm Sheds. 

Follow this link to view Council's Exemption for farm sheds from requirement to obtain a building permit policy.