Difference between building and planning permits
What is the difference between a building and planning permit?
Building and planning permits are controlled by two separate Acts of Parliament and administered by separate departments within Council. The Acts can be viewed on the following links Planning & Environment Act 1987 and the Building Act 1993.
In simple terms a building permit deals with a building's structural stability and safety whilst a planning permit deals with local appropriateness of form, location or use - however these provisions can overlap, for example, in the case of siting approval for a house on a larger allotments which is generally dealt with under the Building Regulations and hence the building permit system.
A planning permit can be issued without a building permit a building permit cannot be issued without a required planning permit, and, in such a case, the building permit must be consistent with that planning permit. In other words any required planning permit must be obtained first.
You may require a permit under one Act but not the other, or two permits (one under each Act) or no permit at all.
The best way of finding out is to consult an expert, an architect, draftsperson, town planner or building surveyor with local knowledge, or contact the Council’s Planning Services Unit on 9205 5373 or Council’s Building Services Unit on 9205 5095.
Further Information
Yarra Building Services
9205 5095
info@yarracity.vic.gov.au
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