Building & Construction
3. Approvals and Inspections
Authors: Staff Legal Eagle
Firm / Chambers:
Last updated: 23 Jun 2015
- Rules regarding building approvals, inspections and classifications vary between state and territories and also between local governments within states. Your local government website will be the best source of information on what regulations apply to you. For more information see our topic on Local Government Law.
- You will likely have to seek building approval before commencing domestic building or construction work. This approval can be sought from your local council or a private building certifier.
- Some types of building and construction works are exempt from requiring approval or may be ‘self-assessable’ or ‘complying development.’ This means you can assess for yourself whether they comply with building rules and regulations.
- Self-assessable or complying development building work may include:
- small sheds;
- 1m high retaining walls; and
- fences less than 2m not including swimming pool fences.
- Building works that do not require approval may include:
- minor attachments such as a sun hood on an existing building extending less than 1m;
- repairs to existing structures; and
- playground equipment less than 3m high.
- It is good practice always to check with your local council before you commence the work to ensure that development approval is not required. This can save you a lot of time and expense in the long run.
- For projects where you intend to use the land for development or for a particular use you may have to seek a planning permit before you can get a building approval. Check with your local council whether this is required.
- Building inspections are mandatory and occur at different stages throughout the building process. Your building approval permit will specify at what stage an inspection is due to happen. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that the building is being carried out in accordance with the building permit.
- Building or construction work being undertaken may be classified according to the building or construction type. Depending on the building classification you may need to display a certificate of classification at the building site. Your local council can tell you more about this.
View more Information on Industry Areas