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                    Construction and development

                    If you want to do construction work, you may need a building permit. To get a building permit, you must appoint a building surveyor.

                    For some works, you will also need a planning permit. If you need a planning permit, you must get this before applying for a building permit. 

                    The permits you need will depend on whether works are on private land or you need to use public space

                    You can also read about the building and works approval process

                    Did you know?

                    We have recently implemented changes in the process of applying for construction permits, making it quicker and easier for our customers.

                    For more information on using the new system, including how to register, log in, submit and manage permit applications, see Permit help and support.

                    Works on private land 

                    You can get permits or approval for the following activities on private land:

                    Develop or build on your property

                    If you want to develop or build on private land, you must get a planning permit. This includes to build a new home, extend, renovate or add a structure to your property. 

                    Read more about applying for a planning permit

                    Start building or construction works

                    Before you start works, you must get a building permit. 

                    To get a building permit, you must appoint a building surveyor.

                    If your building work is worth more than $10,000, you must pay a levy. Read more about the asset protection levy and securities (bonds).

                    Do works out of hours

                    ​You need a permit to do out-of-hours building works on private land

                    Demolish structures

                    You may need a planning permit to carry out demolition works. To find out more read Section 29A consent for a proposed demolition

                    If your demolition works require public space or could impact public safety, you may need a Construction Management Plan (CMP) and Traffic Management Plan (TMP).  

                    Do bulk or basement excavations

                    If you want to do bulk or basement excavations, you must get a planning permit. Read more about applying for a planning permit

                    You will also need to submit a Construction Management Plan (CMP) and Traffic Management Plan (TMP)

                    Works in public space 

                    You will need permits or approval for the following activities in public space:

                    Place skips, bins or containers on the road

                    Your skip, bin or container should be placed on private land wherever possible.

                    If not, you can get a permit to place skips, bins or containers on the road.

                    Dig or do work on the road or footpath

                    You need our consent to dig or install a service in the road reserve. This includes in, on, under or over:  

                    • roads  
                    • parking areas  
                    • footpaths  
                    • medians or nature strips.   

                    Read more about consent for works (road works)

                    For some works, you must also get pre-approval. This includes: 

                    Pre-approval is our endorsement of your proposed siting and design. 

                    Works for vehicle crossings (driveways and crossovers)

                    You need our approval to work on the part of a driveway that crosses public space to reach the road. 

                    Read more about vehicle crossings (driveways and crossovers)

                    Install hoardings, gantries or scaffolds

                    You need a permit to install hoardings, gantries or scaffolds on public land

                    Your building surveyor may advise you to get the report and consent of Council. Read more about public precautions, report and consent (reg.116)

                    You will also need a Traffic Management Plan (TMP)

                    You may need to install or remove public precautions outside normal hours. Read how to do out-of-hours building works on private land

                    Park or unload vehicles on the road (construction permit zone)

                    You can get a permit to stop, park, load or unload vehicles adjacent to your construction site. 

                    We will create a designated parking area for you. This is called a construction permit zone. 

                    Read how to park or unload vehicles on the road (construction permit zone)

                    Use a crane

                    You need a permit to use a crane in public space

                    You must get this permit for part or full occupation of footpaths, roads or laneways.  

                    You may need to do activities outside normal hours. Read how to do out-of-hours building works on private land

                    Use a concrete pump

                    ​You need a permit to use a concrete pump in public space

                    Use a travel tower, scissor lift or cherry picker

                    Use non-motorised plant and equipment

                    Do works that take more than four weeks

                    If you need to use public space for your works and they will last more than four weeks, you’ll need to submit a Construction Management Plan (CMP)

                    You must also consult with stakeholders

                    Apply for permits online

                    You can now apply for and manage some construction permits via City of Melbourne Services, a new online system. 

                    For more information on using the system, including how to register, log in, submit and manage your permit applications, see Permit help and support.

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