VicSmart Application FAQ

View common examples of buildings

Common Types of Building Work Building Permit Required * Must still comply with (see notes)
Additions 
Additions to a dwelling or any other building
Yes 4
Alterations
Structural alterations to a dwelling or any other building
Yes
4
Removal of or alteration to a load-bearing part of a building
Yes
4
Carports, Garages and Sheds

Erection of a freestanding carport, garage or shed that:

  • has a floor area not exceeding 10 m2; and
  • is no more than 3m in height; or 2.4m if within 1.0m of a
    boundary
  • is appurtenant to a building of another class: and
  • is located no further forward than the front wall of the
    appurtenant building; and
  • is not constructed of masonry
No
Nil
Erection of a carport, garage or shed attached to another building
Yes
4 and 5
Erection of a carport, garage or shed that has a floor area more than 10 m2
Yes
3 and 4
Demolition
Demolition of any building /structure (except some freestanding
outbuildings)
Yes
4
Fences

Construction of a:

   
  • side or boundary fence not exceeding 2m in height
No
Nil
  • brick front fence exceeding 1.2m in height
Yes
4 and 5
  • timber front fence not exceeding 1.5m in height
No
Nil
  • side or boundary fence exceeding 2m in height
Yes
4 and 5
  • fence exceeding 1.0m in height, within 9m of the point of
    intersection of street alignments.
Yes
4 and 5
Construction of a chain wire tennis court fence
No
Nil
Masts / Antennas
Height more than:
 
 
3m above the highest point of a building that it is attached to
Yes
4 and 5
8m above the ground
Yes
4 and 5
Pergolas
Construction of a pergola (unroofed) appurtenant with a house or garage, not exceeding 20m2 or 3.6m in height and located no further forward on the allotment than 2.5m from the front wall of the appurtenant building.
No
1
Construction of a pergola (unroofed) associated with any other building.
Yes
4
Reblocking
Reblocking or restumping of an existing building
Yes
4
Retaining Walls
Construction of a retaining wall 1 m or more in height
Yes
4
Construction on or near site boundaries (any height)
Yes
4
Roofing
Replacement of corrugated iron roofing with concrete or terracotta roofing tiles.
Yes
4
Replacement of corrugated iron roofing with Colorbond or other pre-finished sheeting.
No
Nil
Signs
More than 1 m in height and within 3 m of the street alignment.
Yes
4
More than 8 m above ground level and 6 m2 in display area
Yes
4
Swimming Pools/Spas
 
 
Construction of a swimming pool/spa with a depth greater than 300 mm (except some relocatable pools)
Yes
4
Erection/alteration of swimming pool/spa safety barriers (where pool/spa has a depth greater than 300mm).
Yes
4
Verandahs
Construction of a verandah attached to any building
Yes
4
Windows
Replacement of windows with similar type windows which do not affect ventilation requirements, and where no structural alterations are required
No
6
Installation of bay or corner type windows, where structural alterations are required.
Yes
4
Wood Heater
Installation of a wood heater (solid fuel burning appliance).
No
1 and 7
* A Planning Permit or approval may be required, regardless of whether a building permit is required.

Notes

Note 1
Building Code of Australia (includes structural safety, fire rating, health and amenity
requirements, as applicable).
 
Note 2
Part 4 - Siting Building Regulations 2006 (includes siting requirements, wall height restrictions,
setbacks, etc., as applicable).
 
Note 3

Cannot be built on vacant allotment without Council Report and Consent (Regulation 422).

 
Note 4

All provisions of the Act and Regulations, including those above. The process of issuing a
Building Permit determines this.

 
Note 5
Council or other relevant Reporting Authority consent may be required as part of a Building
Permit.
 
Note 6

Glass must be suitable for the particular use.

 
Note 7

Compliance certificate required under plumbing legislation.

Creative Commons License Source: When a building permit is required by the City of Greater Geelong

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