Report a building safety or planning issue

Building safety or construction issues we can investigate include: 

• unsafe buildings and construction sites 
• fire safety and cladding issues 
• nightclub, hostel or low-cost accommodation safety 
• construction sites encroaching on a road 
• fumes or exhaust from a construction site 
• construction noise.

If you want to complain about noise from a venue or business, you will need to report a planning breach. 

If you are affected by construction noise, find out how to report a noise issue. 
 

You can report a building safety or construction issue onlineOpens in new tab. To do this, you'll need to describe the issue and give the location. You can attach up to four photos to show the issue. 
 

Planning breaches you can report include: 

• work without a permit, for example, home extensions or demolition 
• work that is inconsistent with a permit or council-endorsed plans 
• illegal use of a property 
• changes to the way land is used 
• changes to property covered by a heritage overlay. 

Noise from a public place, such as people leaving a nightclub or children playing in a park, is not a breach. Learn more about how to report concerns. 
 

If you think work might be a planning breach, check the controls that apply to the property. Follow these steps: 

1. Open City of Melbourne mapsOpens in new tab.
2. Use the search or browse to select the property where you want to check controls. 
3. A box should open showing the property address and image. Use the up arrow to expand the information shown.
4. Inside the box, select the Planning tab and look at the Planning Permit Applications section. If there are planning applications associated with the site, they will be listed here.. 

You can also check controls that apply to a property using the planning permit register.

Some changes to property don’t need a planning permit. To find out if work needs a permit, visit Melbourne Planning Scheme – do I need a permit?

You can report a planning breach onlineOpens in new tab. 

You will need to describe what you believe the breach is and give the location. You can also attach up to four photos to show the issue.  

If we identify a breach, we will seek compliance. We may take any of the following actions: 

• negotiate to resolve issues 
• issue an infringement notice 
• apply for an enforcement order 
• prosecute through the Magistrates’ Court. 

It is strongly encouraged that you contact the issuing Officer as soon as possible. Your engagement at an early stage can prevent further enforcement actions and may also allow for you to be provided more time to resolve the non-compliance.

All details of the notice will be on the infringement itself, however you can click here to payOpens in new tab.

The reverse of the infringement has steps on how to have your infringement reviewed.

Please ensure you follow the steps on the reverse to have your review directed to the Review Panel for assessment.

Any further questions relating to infringements, please contact the issuing Officer.

If your concern is related to a disagreement between property Owner(s), and you are unable to resolve it civilly, you may wish to consider contacting the Dispute Settlement Centre of VictoriaOpens in new tab, as they may be able to help mediate to find a resolution.