Building Permit Process
Step by Step
Victoria — Building Act 1993
Building Permit Process
From appointment of your building surveyor through to occupancy permit.
1
Appoint a Building Surveyor
Registered building surveyor (RBS) — private or council. They administer your permit, not council (unless you elect otherwise).
Tip: Appoint early — they can advise on documentation requirements before you finalise drawings.
2
Submit for Permit
Lodge the following documents with your building surveyor:
- Title and site plan
- Architectural drawings (min 1:100)
- Structural engineering drawings + certificate
- Energy report (NatHERS or Section J)
- Soil report (if Class H, E, or P site)
- Owner-builder permit (if applicable)
- Planning permit (if required and obtained)
- Application fee
3
Building Surveyor Assessment
10–15 business days typical- Reviews documentation for NCC compliance
- May issue a Request for Further Information (RFI)
- RFI pauses the assessment clock until information is provided
4
Permit Issued
- Cost: typically 0.4%–0.8% of construction cost
- Permit lapses if work not commenced within 12 months
- Permit must be displayed on site — mandatory
5
Mandatory Inspections
Staged through construction — book in advance:
- Pre-pour: footing inspection before concrete poured
- Frame: before lining installed
- Waterproofing (wet areas)
- Final: before occupation
6
Occupancy Permit or Certificate of Final Inspection
- Occupancy Permit: required to occupy any new dwelling
- Certificate of Final Inspection: for alterations/additions
- RBS issues after satisfactory final inspection
- Required for: insurance, sale, and refinancing
Timeframes and fees are indicative only. Always confirm requirements with your registered building surveyor.