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                    Public precautions, report and consent (reg. 116)

                    If you want to conduct building works that may be a hazard to the public, you must take protective measures. These measures are called public precautions.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​This could include: 

                    • erecting a hoarding, gantry or scaffold 
                    • closing an area of the footpath or road to carry out works 
                    • underpinning the footpath when digging close to the street alignment. 

                    If your public precautions will project over the street alignment, you must get our approval. This type of approval is report and consent. It is also known as a Regulation 116 approval. 

                    We use this process to approve building works that may affect our assets, infrastructure or amenity. 

                    Read more about hoardings, gantries and scaffolds. 

                    When to apply

                    When you apply for a building permit, you will deal with a building surveyor. 

                    They will tell you if you need to get the report and consent of Council. 

                    You must get the report and consent before you apply for a permit to install a public precaution. 

                    How your application is assessed

                    When your application is considered the following factors will be taken into account: 

                    • the nature and duration of the works 
                    • any hazards the works may present to road users 
                    • the impact of the works on the amenity of the adjoining area 
                    • whether an indemnity or guarantee has been provided 
                    • any other matter relevant to the circumstances of the application. 

                    How to apply

                    To apply for report and consent, fill in the form that relates to your works. 

                    You will need to pay a fee. We will send you instructions on how to pay. 

                    Hoardings, gantries and scaffolds 

                    To apply for report and consent related to hoardings, gantries or scaffolds, fill in this form: 

                    Build over easement 

                    If you need to build over an easement, fill in this form: 

                    Projections and flood-prone areas 

                    If your matter relates to a projection or building in a flood-prone area, fill in this form: 

                    Projections include architectural features, verandas and awnings.

                    Siting 

                    If your matter relates to siting, fill in this form: 

                    Siting related matters include height or placement of buildings, walls or fences. 

                    Stormwater drainage (reg. 133) 

                    To report on stormwater drainage works, you must apply for a legal point of discharge. This is also known as Regulation 133 approval. 

                    To apply for a legal point of discharge, go to Stormwater, boundary traps and fire services. 

                    Submit the form

                    Submit the form by email to building@melbourne.vic.gov.au 

                    You can also submit the form in person or by mail.

                    In person 

                    To apply in person, submit the form at: 

                    Melbourne Town Hall Administration Building
                    120 Swanston Street, Melbourne 

                    By mail

                    To apply by mail, post the form to: 

                    Planning and Building City of Melbourne
                    GPO BOX 1603
                    Melbourne VIC 3001  

                    Fees

                    If your application relates to public precautions, the fee is $316.40. 

                    For all other matters to report on the fee is $311.80. 

                    After you apply

                    Your plans may be endorsed by the report and consent process. 

                    If there are issues with your application, we will work with you to resolve them. 

                    You must submit the endorsed plans when you apply for a building permit. 

                    Read how to apply for a permit to install hoardings, gantries and scaffolds. 

                    Regulation 116

                    ​Report and consent is required pursuant to Regulation 116 of the Building Regulations 2018. 

                    Code of Practice for Building, Construction and Works

                    The Code of Practice for Building, Construction and Works in the City of Melbourne sets out all safety and amenity requirements when using or impacting public space for any kind of building, construction or general works.

                    These requirements are intended to protect the public and our property around sites where works are occurring.
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