Do I need a building permit?
Most building work in Victoria requires a building permit, and you must obtain the permit before starting any works.
Go straight to Building Permit application
Common types of building work
This table is an extract from the Victorian Building Authority Practice Note 2016-32 (PDF) and should be used as a guide only. We recommend you contact Maroondah City Council Building Services for further details and see the Victorian Building Authority’s full listing: When is a Building Permit required?
Exemption from the requirement to obtain a building permit does not remove the need to comply with the Building Code of Australia, referenced Australian Standards, construction best practice methods or any other State or Local Laws that may apply.
A planning permit or approval may be required, regardless of whether a building permit is required. Find out more from Council’s Statutory Planning Unit on 9298 4287.
| Common types of works | Building permit required? |
|---|---|
| Additions
Additions to a dwelling or any other building |
Yes |
| Alterations
Structural alterations to a dwelling or any other building Removal of or alteration to a load bearing part of a building |
Yes Yes |
| Carports/garages
Construction of a garage/carport larger than 10m2in area Demolition of freestanding garage/carport not constructed of masonry, not more than 40m2in 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 |
Yes No |
| Decks
Attached to a building irrespective of size or forming part of a swimming pool surround. |
Yes |
| Fences
See details about fencing requirements |
|
| Masts/antennas
Height more than
|
Yes Yes |
| Pergolas (unroofed)
Not more than 3.6m high, 20m2in area and located at the rear of the building to which it is appurtenant Construction of a pergola located further forward than 2.5m forward of the front wall of the single dwelling |
No
Yes |
| Reblocking
Reblocking or restumping of an existing building |
Yes |
| Retaining walls
Constructed on or near site boundaries (any height) Construction of a retaining wall 1m or more in height |
Yes Yes |
| Roofing
Replacement of corrugated iron roofing with concrete or terracotta roofing tiles Replacement of corrugated iron roofing with ‘Colorbond’ or other pre-finished sheeting |
Yes No |
| Shed associated with a single dwelling
Erection of a freestanding shed 10m2alignment or less in area, 3m or less in height, or, if situated within 1m of a boundary, is no more than 2.4m in height and located no further forward than the front wall of the single dwelling Erection of a shed more than 10m2in area |
No
Yes |
| Signs
More than 1m in height and within 3m of the street alignment More than 8m above ground level, and more than 6m2in display area |
Yes Yes |
| Swimming pools/spas
Construction of an in-ground or above-ground swimming pool/spa greater than 300mm in depth |
Yes |
| Verandahs (roofed and drainage)
Construction of a verandah attached to any building |
Yes |
| Windows
Replacement of windows with the same windows, where no alteration to the opening is required Installation of “bay” or “corner” type windows where structural alterations are required |
No
Yes |
| Wood heater
Installation of a wood heater (solid fuel burning appliance) |