Our Building Services team 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 by visiting the Victorian Building Authority.
You can then apply for a building permit using Greenlight - our building application portal.
If you want to build in Dinner Plain, you need a planning permit first. Find more information on our Planning in Dinner Plain page.
For building in Mount Hotham or Falls Creek, you need to apply through the Department of Transport and Planning.
To help you prepare for the application, you can use the following checklists:
Greenlight - our building application portal
Greenlight - our building application portal is for all building enquires and applications, including:
- General enquiries, including requests for building plans;
- Property information certificates;
- Our building permits, including amendments, extensions, exemptions, and partial compliance;
- Private building permits, including amendments and extensions;
- Registration of swimming pools, including spas and certificates of compliance;
- Report and consent applications; and
- Permits for Place of Public Entertainment (POPE) and temporary structures.
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 (VBA) provides us with a reference number. This will only happen once the State Government Levy has been paid to the VBA.
- A member of our team will inspect the project once or more during construction.
- Learn more about 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, such as plumbing, electrical, etc).
Frequently asked questions
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; and
- 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 & Charges page.
If you change the plans, you can apply to amend your permit by visiting Greenlight - our building application portal.
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 us, or your building surveyor, for assistance with the application process and to understand the specific requirements for extending your building permit.
You can apply to get a copy of plans or certificates by visiting Greenlight - our building application portal.
To obtain an occupancy permit, you must first complete all necessary building work required for the safe use of the building.
Then apply by visiting Greenlight - our building application portal, ensuring you include 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 website for a detailed guide on how to address problems or file a complaint.
Visit the Victorian Building Authority.
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 by filling out the Application for a Permit to Install or Alter a Septic Tank System form.
Building on stormwater drainage
We are responsible for stormwater drainage and create 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. We 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 by visiting the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).
Access the VBA's assessment report form by visiting 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, we can assist.
If you have a disagreement about the fence, you can seek further advice by visiting the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria.
If you're planning to install a swimming pool or outdoor spa, you can find the latest information by visiting the Victorian Building Authority.