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                    Building guidelines and laws

                    We issue permits, approvals and guidelines to help administer laws and regulations.

                    Guidelines

                    Planning vs building permits

                    Depending on the work you want to do, you may need planning and building permits. 

                    Planning permits relate to how you plan to develop or use the land. 

                    If you’re not sure if you need a planning permit, read Melbourne Planning Scheme – do I need a permit?

                    You may need a town planner to help decide if you need a planning permit. 

                    Building permits are the approval you need to do building works. You apply for a building permit through a building surveyor

                    Read more about the difference between planning and building permits

                    Laws and regulations

                    The Melbourne Planning Scheme is the legal document that sets out policies and provisions for the use, development and protection of land in the City of Melbourne municipality.

                    Laws and regulations that govern building work in Victoria and the City of Melbourne include the following: 

                    If you are aware of a building safety issue, or believe planning controls are in breach, you can report a building safety or planning issue

                    In this section

                    • Building laws and regulations

                      Unless exempted, all building work in this municipality must comply with the Victorian Building Act 1993, Victorian Building Regulations 2018, City of Melbourne Activities Local Law 2019, and National Construction Code.
                    • Construction Management Plans

                      As a builder or developer, you must carefully manage works you plan in the municipality. This includes excavation, demolition and construction. If you want to do these types of works, you must submit a Construction Management Plan (CMP).
                    • Noise and Vibration Management Guidelines

                      As a developer or builder you must manage noise from your works. This includes works for excavation, demolition or construction. You must ensure your projects comply with our Noise and Vibration Management Guidelines.
                    • Asset protection levy and securities (bonds)

                      If you want to do building work worth more than $10,000 on your property, you must pay a levy. This is called the asset protection levy.
                    • Code of Practice for Building, Construction and Works

                      If you plan to do construction or building work, you must ensure the safety and comfort of the public. How you should do this is set out in the City of Melbourne Code of Practice for Building, Construction and Works.
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