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                    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 2024, and National Construction Code.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Your work must also comply with any obligation imposed by the City of Melbourne's ​Code of Practice for Building, Construction and Works.

                    Building Act 1993

                    The Building Act 1993 governs building activity in Victoria. It sets out the legislative framework for the regulation of:

                    • building construction 
                    • building standards 
                    • maintenance of specific building safety features. 

                    Get a copy of the Building Act 1993.

                    Building Regulations 2018

                    The Building Regulations 2018 contain requirements in Victoria relating to:

                    • building permits
                    • building inspections
                    • occupancy permits
                    • enforcement of the regulations
                    • maintenance of buildings.

                    Get a copy of the Building Regulations 2018.

                    Activities Local Law 2024

                    Our Activities Local Law 2024 aims to improve the amenity of the municipality.

                    It serves to minimise nuisances caused by building works. Nuisances include:

                    • noise
                    • dust
                    • vibrations 
                    • obstructions to pedestrians or traffic
                    • conditions that pose a risk to public safety.

                    Building and construction works are subject to requirements to help reach this aim. These are set out in the Code of Practice for Building, Construction and Works

                    The Code is an incorporated document of the Activities Local Law 2024. Find out more about this and other local laws.

                    National Construction Code and Building Code of Australia

                    The Australian Building Codes Board produces and maintains the National Construction Code. It provides a uniform set of technical provisions for the design and construction of buildings and other structures.

                    ​The National Construction Code incorporates all on-site construction requirements into a single code. Volumes One and Two are the Building Code of Australia. Volume Three is the Plumbing Code of Australia.

                    It is a requirement of the Building Act 1993 that you comply with this code.

                    Find out more about the National Construction Code.​

                    More information

                    Find out more about Victoria's building regulatory framework

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