What works require a permit
You don’t always need a building permit for building projects. However, you must make sure all building projects, even those that don’t require a permit, meet building regulations.
If you are an owner-builder, you must carry out a self-assessment to ensure the project is compliant.
If you are a developer or owner-builder, there are important Commonwealth telecommunication rules you need to comply with. For more information visit website.
Check the list below for common types of building projects and whether they require a permit. If you have any doubts or questions, please contact the Building Services team at Council.
Type |
Works |
Building permit required? |
Additions |
To a dwelling or any other building |
Yes |
Alterations |
Structural alterations to a dwelling or any other building |
Yes |
|
Removal of or alteration to a load bearing part of a building |
Yes |
|
Remodelling a bathroom or kitchen, replacing internal walls cladding (like for like) that does not include structural alterations |
No |
Carports & garages |
Building a garage/ carport larger than 10m2 in area |
Yes |
|
Demolishing a freestanding garage/ carport, not made of masonry, not more than 40m2 in floor area, is not a building on the Heritage Register and the work will not adversely affect public safety or those occupying the building |
No |
Decks |
Building a deck |
Yes |
Fences |
Building a side fence up to 2m high |
No |
|
Building a brick front fence more than 1.2m high |
Yes |
|
Building a timber front fence less than 1.5m in height and not within 9m of a point of intersection of street alignments |
No |
|
Building a side or boundary fence more than 2m high |
Yes |
|
Building a fence that is more than 1m high, and not within 9m of a point of intersection of street alignments (corner block) |
Yes |
|
Building a chain wire tennis court fence |
No |
Hail netting |
Hail netting that is permeable and used for agricultural purposes supported on posts not greater than 3m in height with tensioned cables fixed to the ground |
No |
Masts, antennas, satellite dishes |
Height more than 3m above the highest point of a building |
Yes |
|
Not attached to a building and height more than 8m above the ground |
Yes |
Re-blocking |
Re-blocking, restumping or underpinning an existing building |
Yes |
Retaining walls |
Constructed on or near site boundaries (any height) where there is a risk of damage of adjoining property |
Yes |
|
Building a retaining wall 1m or more in height |
Yes |
|
Building a retaining wall less than 1m not associated with any building work or with protection of adjoining property |
No |
Roofing |
Replacing corrugated iron roofing with concrete or terracotta roofing tiles |
Yes |
|
Replacing concrete or terracotta roofing tiles with corrugated iron roofing. (This can affect the wind up lift on the roof structure). |
Yes |
|
Replacing corrugated iron roofing with similar corrugated iron sheeting ("Colourbond") and no replacement of structural battens. |
No |
|
Replacing corrugated iron roofing with another pre-finished metal sheeting which requires the installation of structural battens. |
No |
Sheds associated with a single dwelling |
Building a freestanding shed, 10m2 or less in area, 3m less in height, setback 1m or more from the boundary and located no further forward than the front wall of the single dwelling |
No |
|
Building a shed more than 10m2 in area |
Yes |
Signs |
More than 1m in height and within 3m of the street alignment |
Yes |
|
More than 8m above ground level and 6m2 in display area |
Yes |
Swimming pools, spas |
Building a swimming pool or spa greater than 300mm in depth |
Yes |
|
Swimming pool fencing |
Yes |
Verandah |
Building a verandah |
Yes |
Windows |
Replacing windows with similar type windows, where no structural alterations are required |
No |
|
Installing 'bay' or 'corner' type windows, where structural alterations are required |
Yes |
Wood heater |
Installing a wood heater (solid fuel burning appliances) |
No |