Multi Unit Residential development design project



Multi Unit Residential Development Design Project- Ballarat City Council

Task 1

Building permits are the documents that signify that a building surveyor has approved documentation for proposed building work prior to its commencement. The Building Act 1993 and Building Regulations 2006 legislate that most building work is subject to the issuing of a building permit. This includes most alterations, demolitions and removals.

Undertaking building work without obtaining the necessary building permit is a serious offence and can result in severe penalties. The Building Act prescribes a penalty of $10,000 for any persons who carry out work without a permit.

Building permits are a system of control on construction of building work. They establish, maintain and improve standards for the construction and maintenance of buildings. Permits also enhance the amenity of buildings and protect people using them.

A building permit is required for all interior and exterior changes except for cosmetic changes such as carpeting or painting. A permit is required whether the change involves new construction or replacement. (Jacobs 2008)

The purpose of building permits is to ensure that the proposed work complies with state and local codes enacted for health, safety and energy conservation purposes.

The authority to require Building Permits is detailed in the State standard policy & Ballarat City Council building policies. In most cases both a planning and building permit is required for any exterior changes. The planning permit must be approved before the building permit can be obtained.

Planning permit is often required from Council before development (including demolition) can be undertaken, native vegetation is removed, a change of use occurs, signage is erected or land is subdivided. You should discuss whether you require a planning permit with an officer from the Statutory Planning Unit. Officers are available at the Planning and Building Counter in the Phoenix Building to discuss any planning enquiries you have during office hours (8.15am - 5pm)

Pre-application meetings

For major commercial, industrial and subdivision applications along with multi residential developments, applicants are encouraged to discuss preliminary proposals with officers. In some instances a pre-application meeting will include Council's Heritage Advisor and officers from other Council departments such as engineering.  Pre-application meetings provide opportunity for officers to provide design and policy advice, outline application requirements and identify issues to be addressed prior to an application being submitted.   The more information (concept plans etc) submitted at a pre-application meeting the greater level of direction can be provided.  

It is often appropriate to discuss your proposal at draft stage with adjoining owners and interested parties prior to lodging an application.  However, signed consent letters should not be sought from neighbours as these are not considered when officers determine whether to advertise an application. 

Lodging an application

An application must contain three copies of the following:

A fully completed application form

Current copy of title (issued in the last 30 days)

Copies of scaled plans including elevations where necessary, including one set at A3 size

Written outline of the proposal

Other information as detailed in separate application checklitss available at the Planning ...