What Is a Planning Permit?
A planning permit is issued by your local council and relates to how land is used and developed. It considers the impact of your proposed build on the surrounding area — things like neighbourhood character, vegetation, heritage overlays, flood zones, and zoning restrictions.
Not every project requires a planning permit, but many do — particularly if your property is subject to an overlay or if you’re proposing a use that isn’t automatically permitted under the local planning scheme.
You should speak to your local council early in your project to confirm whether a planning permit is required before any work begins.
What Is a Building Permit?
A building permit is issued by a registered building surveyor — like Permission to Build — and confirms that your proposed construction meets the technical requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Building Act 1993.
It covers the structural safety, fire safety, amenity, and energy efficiency of the building itself.
A Building permit is required for most construction
work in Victoria, including new dwellings, extensions, sheds, pools, and commercial buildings.
Which One Do You Need First?
If your project requires both, the planning permit must be obtained before your building permit is issued. This is because your building permit documentation must be consistent with any conditions set out in the planning permit.
In many straightforward cases — particularly in rural or regional areas — a planning permit is not required at all, and you can proceed directly to the building permit stage.
How Permission to Build Can Help
While Permission to Build specialises in issuing building permits, we can advise you on whether your project is likely to require planning approval and point you in the right direction before you begin. Getting both permits sorted correctly from the start avoids costly delays down the track.
At Permission to Build, we work efficiently to process your application and keep your build on schedule.
📞 Call us on 1300 996 947 to get started.
