Building permits are not just about raising the revenue for the local council. Neither, these are designed to annoy the developers. There are situations, where building permits will fall into the buirocracy kingdom. However, for most of the cases the permit is designed to ensure the safety of inhabitants and esthetics of the surrounding area. There are two main permits governing the development of the land. One is the planning permit, the other is the building permit.
Planning permits ensure that the use and the development of the land is done according to the state regulations.
For example, you cannot plan a parking area in the sensitive part of the national park.
Neither, you can open a hotel if the local residents oppose it.
Thus, the planning permit is not about the actual structures but evaluates the right for these structures to exist.
The building permits refer to the actual construction.
Therefore, developers or builders need the planning permit first, before the individual building permits can be issued.
The building permit ensures that any building works undertaken will comply with the Building Code of Australia Building Act 1993.
This includes all other relevant Australian standards which the building act recognises.
The building permit demands that all building practitioners involved with the project are registered and insured.
What's more, all stages of the construction need an independent building inspection.
Some structure do not require a building permit.
However, it is up to you to find out from the council if your project requires relevant permits.
If you do, then you should wait for the formal approval before commencing the project.
Even, surveying may end up to be a waste of money should the building permit be rejected in the future.
Buildings, which do not have a relevant permit, can be confiscated or demolished.
Those, which do not pose a threat to safety and are suitable for the community will still be a subject to hefty fines.
Most building works such as:
do require building permits. So, do not risk it and ask if in doubt!
There are two ways to apply for the building permits:
In both cases you need to check the registration and the fees charged by the surveyors. Upon the payment of the appropriate fees you need to submit 3 copies of the drawings and specifications. Most drawings and specifications may include:
The decision to refuse the building permit is not final. You can either change the plans to comply with the surveyors comments or lodge an appeal.