Frequently Asked Questions
Architecture and Interiors: Davidov Architects
Photographer: Veeral Patel
When do I need a Building Permit?
All Building works require a Building Permit unless specifically exempted under Schedule 3 of the Building Regulations 2018.
To find out if a building permit is required please refer to the practice note issued by the VBA. Practice Note – 32
What Happens if my Building Permit expires?
You may apply for an Extension of Time for the project, provided you lodge the application with us before the permit expires. If you allow the permit to expire, a new application and application fee will be required in order to renew the permit. No building works can be carried out without a valid Building Permit.
I have built without a Building Permit, what do I do?
The Building Act prescribes penalties for any person/company that completes building work without a valid building permit and a Building Notice/Building Order may be issued from your local council.
I recieved a building notice, what do I do now?
Illegal building works are building works which have been carried out without first having obtained a Building Permit. A Building Notice or Building Order will require you to show cause why the works should not be demolished. You will need to engage a Building Surveyor to determine if your illegally built structure is compliant or what works are required to be carried out in order to make the structure compliant.
I need a performance solution, what is it?
A Performance Solution is an alternative way of complying with the Building Code of Australia (NCC). The NCC is a performance based code. One demonstrates compliance with the performance requirements by either complying with the prescriptive (deemed to satisfy) provisions of the Building Code, or by the preparation of a performance solution. The Performance Solution may differ in whole or in part from the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions, but will still meet the Performance Requirements as long as it can be successfully demonstrated how this will be achieved.
How long do I have to complete my project?
The work is to commence by the required start date as shown on your permit. This is 1 year from the date the permit was issued. Before the commence by date, we are required to carry out an initial inspection. The work is to be completed by the completion date as shown on your permit, which is 1 year after the commence by date for domestic projects and 2 years for commercial projects.
