Council Approval

Most new buildings need both planning approval and building approval from your local council.

1. Planning Approval - is required before building approval can be granted. You need to supply the council with a site plan illustrating all existing buildings and where you propose to place your new building. You will also need to explain what use you propose for your new building. This will determine what extra detail the council may require. Check with your local council what fees are payable with planning approval.
2. Building Approval –is required once planning approval is granted. Most councils will pass plans to building inspectors once planning approval is granted. If building is over $20,000 in total value including construction and slab, a registered builder is required (In many cases rural buildings are the exception). We supply a full set of engineered drawings to submit with your site plan for building approval. If you are applying for a dwelling you will need to hire a draftsman to draw detailed plans and elevations with all BCA requirements and energy efficiency calculations. Again a fee is payable with building application.

Most Planning and Building application forms and fee structures are available from your local council website.

Builders Registration

1. Owner Builders - Any individual can apply for an owner builders registration to build his or her own home. You can only apply for owner builders registration once every 7 years. Owner builder applications are available at your state Builders Registration Board and are generally downloadable on their website. A fee is payable with application.

2. Registered Builder - If you are erecting a building worth more than $12,000 including erecting and slab you will need a registered builder ( unless it is a dwelling and you are an owner builder). You can ring your local Builders Registration Board or Master Builders Association for a list of registered builders in your area.