Council's Building Services has the professionalism and experience to assist you with the building needs you may require for your next project.
Applying for a Building Permit
Your first step is to check if you require a building permit.
You can then apply for a building permit using the building application form. You can post or email the form with all relevant documents to Council, or deliver it in person to Council's office in Bright located at 2 Churchill Ave, Bright.
If you want to build in Dinner Plain, you need a planning permit first.
For building in Mount Hotham or Falls Creek, you need to obtain permission from the Alpine Planning Division of the Department of Infrastructure before applying for a permit from Alpine Shire Council. This is due to the State Government controlling resort land; not Alpine Shire Council.
To help you prepare for the application, you can use the following checklists:
- Carport, garage or shed
- Demolishing a building
- Extensions or alterations to a house
- New dwellings and rebuilding
- Swimming pool or spa
- Application to Amend a Building Permit Form
- Application for Extension of Time to a Building Permit Form
- Application to Build over an Easement
Exemption/partial compliance application form
Building work to alter an existing building must comply with the Building Regulations 2018.
In circumstances where the existing building constraints will not permit full compliance with the regulations, an application for partial compliance can be considered by the relevant building surveyor.
The applicant will need to detail the requirements that cannot be met, reasons why and supporting information on any alternative design methods being considered.
Occupancy Permit application form
An application for occupancy permit must be made using the occupancy permit application form prior to occupation of a building where an occupancy permit is required upon completion of building work.
The completed occupancy permit application must be accompanied by Certificates of Compliance and Compliance Statements required by the Relevant Building Surveyor.
Report and Consent forms
- Regulation 73 - Maximum street setback
- Regulation 74 - Minimum street setback
- Regulation 75 - Building height
- Regulation 76 - Site coverage
- Regulation 77 - Permeability
- Regulation 78 - Car parking
- Regulation 79 - Side and rear setback
- Regulation 80 - Walls on boundaries
- Regulation 81 - Daylight to existing
- Regulation 82 - Solar access to existing
- Regulation 83 - Overshadowing
- Regulation 84 - Overlooking
- Regulation 85 - Daylight to habitable room
- Regulation 86 - Private open space
- Regulation 87 - Siting of Class 10a
- Regulation 89 - Front fence height
- Regulation 91 - Fences on or within 150mm
- Regulation 92 - Fences on intersecting
- Regulation 94 - Fences and daylight windows in existing dwelling
- Regulation 95 - Fences and solar access to existing north facing windows
- Regulation 96 - Fences and overshadowing of recreational private open space
- Regulation 97 - Mast, poles etc.
- S.29A - Request for Report and Consent to Proposed Demolition
- Application for Report and Consent - Non Siting Matters
What happens after I submit the building application?
- The Municipal Building Surveyor may contact you to ask for additional information or propose changes.
- The Building Surveyor will assess your application against the Australian Building Code and the Building Regulations 2018
- You will only receive a building permit once the Victorian Building Authority (V.B.A.) provides Council with a reference number. (This will only happen once the State Government Levy has been paid to the V.B.A.).
- A Council officer will inspect the project once or more during construction.
- What are the mandatory inspections?
- You will receive a Certificate of Final Inspection or an Occupancy Permit when the final, mandatory inspection is approved. You will need to provide all the relevant compliance certificates (Plumbing, Electrical etc.).
The Victorian Building Authority's Practice Note BP-01 provides guidance on when a building permit is not required for the proposed building work, and:
- When a building permit is required
- What is building work
- Exemptions from building permit requirements
Building service fees can vary depending on the specific service you need. For the most up-to-date information on costs, please visit our Fees and Charges page.
If you change the plans, you can apply to change your building permit by filling out the Application to Amend a Building Permit form.
You may have to pay additional costs.
If your building project is taking longer than expected, you can apply for an extension of your building permit to allow more time for completion.
Extensions are typically granted when unforeseen delays occur, ensuring that your project remains compliant with local regulations.
It’s important to apply for an extension before your current permit expires to avoid any penalties or complications.
Contact Council or your building surveyor for assistance with the application process and to understand the specific requirements for extending your building permit before completing the Application for Extension of Time to a Building Permit form.
Please complete the Request for Plans / Information / Certificates form and return it to Council's Bright office located at 2 Churchill Ave, Bright, or email your completed form to info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au.
To obtain an occupancy permit, you must first complete all necessary building work required for the safe use of the building. Then, submit an application to Council along with any relevant documentation, such as certificates of compliance for electrical, plumbing, and fire safety systems.
The building surveyor will inspect the property to ensure it meets all safety standards and building regulations. If everything is in order, the occupancy permit will be issued, allowing you to legally occupy the building.
If you encounter an issue on your building site, visit the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) website for a detailed guide on how to address problems or file a complaint.
Visit the website here: VBA Problems and complaints
There are many standards and regulations that apply to building, with some of the more common ones listed below.
Installing or changing a septic tank
You need a permit to install or change a septic tank. You can apply for this permit here: Application for a Permit to Install or Alter a Septic Tank System
Building on stormwater drainage
Council is responsible for stormwater drainage, and creates easements on private land to connect the network. This means you cannot build on a drainage easement.
You are allowed to build light structures, such as chicken coops or cubby houses, but these may need to be removed for work on the drainage system. Council will not pay for their replacement.
Other building regulations and standards
- Bushfire attack levels
- Owner builders
- YourHome guide for builders and renovators
- Registered building practitioners
- Registered architects
The residential building standard for bushfire protection aims to improve the ability of a building to withstand a bushfire attack. This provides greater protection for the occupants who may be sheltering inside while the fire front passes.
The BAL takes into consideration a number of factors, including the Fire Danger Index, the slope of the land, types of surrounding vegetation and its proximity to any building.
Learn more online at the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) website: Bushfire areas and overlays
Access the VBA's assessment report form: Bushfire Attack Level Assessment Report
Both you and your neighbor share responsibility for the fence, so it's important to discuss the costs and appearance before building, repairing, or making changes.
If you're unsure who owns the neighboring property, Council can assist.
If you have a disagreement about the fence, you can visit the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria website for further advice: Fencing in Victoria
If you're planning to install a swimming pool or outdoor spa, you can find the latest information on the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) website: Swimming pools and spas