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Building laws and regulations

Unless exempted, all building work must comply with the Victorian Building Act 1993, Victorian Building Regulations 2018, City of Melbourne Activities Local Law 2024, and National Construction Code. 

Green plants along Highlander lane

Your work must also comply with any obligation imposed by the City of Melbourne’s Code of Practice for Building, Construction and WorksOpens in new tab.

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.Opens in new tab

 

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 2018Opens in new tab.

 

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. Opens in new tab

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

 

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 CodeOpens in new tab.

our acknowledgement

  • Torres Strait Islander Flag
  • Aboriginal People Flag

The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we govern, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin and pays respect to their Elders past and present. 

 

We acknowledge and honour the unbroken spiritual, cultural and political connection they have maintained to this unique place for more than 2000 generations.

We accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and are committed to walking together to build a better future.