When is a building permit required?
Building permits are usually required to be obtained prior to undertaking work on a building. As part of the 1200 Buildings Project, building permits will be required for the following;
- Changes to any essential safety measures (ie. exit signs, fire sprinklers, emergency lighting etc.)
- Structural works
- Building works that project over street alignments
- Change of use of part of a building
- New substation or changes to the size / construction of an existing one
- Upgraded or new mechanical systems
- Buildings included on the Heritage Register
A building surveyor can confirm whether a building permit is required for upgrade / refurbishment works to the existing building. Where a building permit is required, Council or a private building surveyor can issue a building permit for the proposed works.
The Melbourne Certification Group is well equipped to issue building permits for works such as these, due to its central location within the central city, direct access to plans and information for the property, and experience in dealing with commercial building permits and relevant approvals.
Once the building surveyor has been appointed and the quotation has been accepted by the owner / applicant, the following documentation needs to be provided in order for the building permit to be issued;
- Completed application form (PDF, 53.4kb)
- Architectural plans and specifications
- Structural drawings / details
- Electrical plans and specifications
- Mechanical plans and specifications
Who can apply for a building permit?
An application for a building permit may be made to the Council or a private building surveyor by or on behalf of the owner of the building or land. Where the application is being made by the agent of the owner that person or company applying for a building permit needs to be authorised by the owner to act as their agent when applying for the building permit.
Who can carry out the building works?
A registered commercial builder (PDF, 2.94Mb) 
with a commercial builder’s registration, limited (CB-L) or unlimited (CB-U) or an owner builder can be nominated as the builder for works on a commercial building. There are some additional responsibilities for an owner builder: they are required to engage a registered building practitioner for any work over $5,000.
What is the time frame to issue a building permit?
Provided all the required information is submitted, MCG would expect to be able to fast track the issuing of the building permit. It could be expected to be processed within five to 10 working days.
When is a planning permit required?
A planning permit is generally required where there are external changes proposed to a building, where there is a change of use proposed, or where there is to be an increase in floor area.
However, a planning permit is generally not required where only internal changes are proposed (except in the case of some heritage buildings or where the floor area of the building is to be increased) and there are a number of specific exemptions from the need for planning approval that apply in parts of the central city.
For any general queries or to check if a planning permit is required, please contact the City of Melbourne Planning Department.
Where a planning permit is required for a project nominated as part of the 1200 Buildings Program it will normally be possible to fast track the planning permit process. Provided that all of the required information is submitted and that the proposal is consistent with the Melbourne Planning Scheme, a planning permit could be expected to be issued within 14 days.
Importantly, where a planning permit is required, this must be approved prior to the issuing of the building permit.
More information