Building permits in VIC: what you need to know

TL;DR

Every residential building project in Victoria requires a building permit from a registered building surveyor (RBS), regardless of whether a planning permit is also needed. This article is a brief orientation. The full step-by-step process, including planning permits, mandatory inspection stages, documents, fees, and common holds, is covered in the canonical guide: Getting a planning permit in VIC, step-by-step.

When a building permit is required

Under the Building Act 1993 (Vic), a building permit is required for any building work that is not specifically exempt. For a standard residential project, that means new dwellings, alterations and additions, garages, and most structural work all need a permit.

The planning permit question (from council, under the Planning and Environment Act 1987) is separate. You may need one, both, or only the building permit depending on your zone and overlays. Check your site’s overlay and zone status before assuming.

Who issues it

Building permits are issued by a registered building surveyor (RBS), either a private practitioner or your local council’s municipal building surveyor. The RBS is not the council planner: they operate under the Building Act, not the Planning and Environment Act. Verify any RBS’s registration at vba.vic.gov.au before engaging them.

Full process

The complete VIC approval process, covering both the planning permit track and the building permit track, mandatory Class 1a inspection stages, fees, timelines, and the most common project holds, is documented here:

Getting a planning permit in VIC, step-by-step

That article is the canonical reference for Victorian residential approvals.

Related

• Getting a planning permit in VIC, step-by-step (canonical guide)
• VBA (Victorian Building Authority)
• Building practitioner
• ResCode
• Occupation certificates

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Last updated: 2026-05-09. Verified: 2026-05-09.