Building permits and information
You will require a building permit before undertaking almost any building or demolition work. A permit confirms that a building surveyor has approved your plans and documentation before your project begins.
After work is completed your surveyor will return to check that work is completed according to the application and plans, and that it is compliant with building and safety standards.
If you are planning to demolish, extend or build, you need to understand your responsibilities. We will work with you to ensure your work is compliant and that it meets safety and building standards, protects the local heritage, and doesn’t annoy your neighbours.
Building permits and planning permits
Planning permits give permission for a land use or development and building permits deal with the work you propose to do on that land. You may be required to get a planning permit. If so, it must be obtained before a building permit can be issued. A planning permit does not remove the need to get a building permit. Go to Planning Permits.
Asset protection permits
To protect public assets vested in Council and for the safety of persons on or near a building site, Council require the owner, builder or appointed agent to obtain an Asset Protection Permit where building work is to be carried out. For more information go to Asset Protection.
Illegal building work
We are often made aware of building works carried out without the required permit. If building works are carried out without the required building permit, an investigation and enforcement process is implemented.
Occupancy permits
Your building permit will state if an occupancy permit is required before you may move into the building. Occupancy permits are required for all new buildings including new homes, units or apartments. They signify that a building surveyor is satisfied that the completed building work is suitable for occupation. Visit the Victorian Building Authority website.
Before applying for a building permit, you need to choose a building surveyor. Your chosen building surveyor will advise you on the documentation required to obtain the permit.
Review our list of local private building surveyors.
- Occupancy of footpath or road reserve (Hoardings) for works
- Report and Consent Non-Siting
- Report and Consent Siting
- Report and Consent Class 10
- Section 29A Demolition Consent
- Request for adjoining owners details for the purpose of building works or fill in our online form
- Neighbours Response Declaration Form for Report and Consent applications
- Property information and legal point of discharge request form - typically for building surveying purposes or fill in our online form
- Regulation 326 building information request form - typically for conveyancing purposes
- File search request form or fill in our online form
All places of public entertainment must have an occupancy permit.
To find out more go to the Victorian Building Authority website: Occupancy Permits for Places of Public Entertainment
Contact us
For more information about building services, please contact us:
15 Hopetoun Street, Bendigo
Ph: 03 5434 6347
Fax: 03 5434 6334
Email: [email protected]
Office hours are from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
More information
- Victorian Building Authority website: Building and planning permits
- Building and Planning

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