When do I need a Building Permit

A building permit is required for most building works. The building permit ensures that the building work, when constructed, complies with the Act, Regulations and National Construction Code and relevant Australian Standards, and the building or structure is suitable to occupy or use.

Building Permit Process

The Building Act 1993 (the Act) and Building Regulations 2018 (the Regulations) legislate that all building work is subject to the issuing of a building permit, unless an exemption exists for the proposed work under the Regulations. This includes some minor alterations, demolitions, and repair or maintenance work. A building permit will specify when an occupancy permit is required or when a certificate of final inspection is necessary on completion of the building work.

Building Permit Approvals

We manage the full building permit process from application through to approval, ensuring all documentation meets regulatory requirements. Our service includes building permits, certification, and the issuance of Occupancy Permits and Certificates of Final Inspection — giving you confidence your project is compliant from start to finish.

Building Consultancy

Practical, expert advice to guide your project through complex regulatory requirements. We provide building regulatory advice, protection works assessments, dispensation applications, and representation for Building Appeals Board matters — helping you resolve challenges efficiently and with certainty.

Inspections and Audits

Thorough, independent inspections to ensure quality and compliance at every stage. Our services include mandatory and non-mandatory inspections, due diligence audits of existing buildings, Building and Plumbing Commission audits, BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) reports, and liquor licence inspections and reporting.

Liquor License Compliance

We assist with liquor licence applications and transfers by providing certified patron capacity assessments as required by Liquor Licensing Victoria. Our registered Building Surveyors calculate maximum occupancy based on floor area and relevant Building Code provisions.
We also review or assist in preparing red line plans, clearly identifying the licensed area used to determine patron numbers. Our team conducts on-site assessments to ensure all areas and amenities are accurately considered, delivering a clear, compliant report to support your application.

Essential Safety Measures (ESM)

Essential safety measures are central to ensuring a safe and healthy building environment in Victoria, and their maintenance is vital for the life, safety and health of occupants over a building’s lifetime.

When the construction of a building is complete, the building owner is responsible for its upkeep and maintenance, particularly its safety features or essential safety measures. The maintenance of essential safety measures will ensure that important safety systems within the building remain at the required operational level throughout the life of the building. The type of maintenance needed depends on the complexity of the safety measure, equipment or feature and the maintenance program required or expected at the time of installation.

Vic Permits Building Surveyors provide ESM audits to ensure the maintenance of the building has been met.

Essential Safety Measure include items listed in the Regulations, such as:

  • Air handling systems
  • Exit doors
  • Emergency lifts
  • Emergency lighting
  • Exit signs
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Fire detection and alarm systems
  • Fire hydrants
  • Fire isolated stairs
  • Mechanical ventilation
  • Paths of travel to exists
  • Smoke alarms
  • Sprinkler systems

Occupancy Permits (OP)/Certificate of Final Inspection (CFI)

We conduct final assessments of completed works to verify compliance with approved documentation and applicable regulations. The issuance of an Occupancy Permit or Certificate of Final Inspection confirms that your building/structure is suitable to occupy or use.

Regulatory Compliance

We help you confidently meet all relevant legislative and technical requirements. This includes compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC), Australian Standards, the Building Act 1993, Building Regulations 2018, and Livable Housing Provisions — ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Accessibility Access Consulting

We provide expert advice to ensure buildings comply with the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards and relevant legislation. Our team helps design and assess accessible environments for people of all abilities.

We review key elements such as access paths, ramps, lifts, parking, signage, and amenities to ensure your project is compliant, functional, and inclusive.

Building Notices and Orders

We provide clear guidance and action when compliance issues arise. Acting in accordance with the Building Act 1993, we issue Directions to Fix, Building Notices, and Building Orders where required — always maintaining independence and prioritising the safety of occupants and the integrity of the building process.

Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Reports

We provide BAL assessments for properties located within Bushfire Prone Areas (BPA) across Victoria. These assessments determine the level of bushfire risk and the required construction standards under AS 3959.

Our reports consider key factors such as vegetation, slope, and proximity to surrounding hazards, ensuring your project meets minimum BAL requirements and is designed to improve safety and resilience.