How do I obtain the necessary permits and approvals for my VIC development project?

The permit and approval process for developments and new builds in Victoria could be quite confusing. Learn how you could simplify the entire process for your next project. 

Securing the necessary permits to kick off a development project in Victoria is no easy task. 

First, you have to find out what kinds of permits are required for your project. Second, you have to fill out countless application forms, attach supporting documents, and lodge everything for your council’s reference and review. Third, you have to wait while the council looks over your application and decide whether to approve or reject it outright, or otherwise attach conditions for its approval. 

The process can be quite lengthy and nerve-wracking. But there is a way to simplify or streamline it. 

In this article, you’ll get an overview of everything you need to prepare and apply for in order to get the go-ahead for a development project in Victoria. 

Permits and Approvals for Residential Developments in VIC

Residential projects are quite straightforward. Unless your council specifically requires more, there are only three permits you have to secure:

1 – Planning Permit 

This is evidence that you have permission to develop or use your land in a particular way. You need to obtain a planning permit if you are developing a new home—whether it is to extend, renovate, or add a new dwelling like a granny flat. 

Before you submit your planning permit application to the council, make sure you have the following documents on hand: 

• Proposed design
• Planning report
• Shadow diagrams and other relevant documents

2 – Building Permit 

This permit certifies that your proposed building is compliant with local building regulations. A planning permit is a written approval issued either by a private or a municipal building surveyor. 

What you need to understand is that not all building or development projects require a building permit. You may not need one if you’re only doing: 

• Minor alterations or demolitions on a property
• Adding a pergola to an existing house
• Building a garden shed with a floor area of less than 10m2
• Simple repair or maintenance work 

But if you do need one, you’ll need to submit three copies of your drawings and allotment plan along with your application form. Then, you must pay the applicable building permit levy. This levy will be based on the cost of the building work. 

3 – Occupancy Permit

You may be required to submit certificates or statements to support your application for an occupancy permit. This certifies that your new residential build is safe and suitable for human occupation. Nobody can move into the new home you built until a building surveyor issues you one. 

Permits and Approvals Needed for Commercial and Industrial Developments in VIC

Compared to a residential development, a commercial or industrial build requires more permits and approvals. And it’s not just from the council but also from other organisations like the EPA. 

Luckily, the first three permits are those you’re already familiar with:

• Planning Permit 
• Building Permit 
• Occupancy Permit

Here are the additional permits you need to secure for your commercial or industrial development in Victoria:

1 – Environmental Permit

This permit certifies that you are legally permitted to engage in an activity despite having medium to high environmental risk. Just as with a building permit, not all developments would require an environmental permit. You would have to check with the EPA if your specific project would need you to secure an environmental permit. 

If you do need one, be sure to start the application process early on. It’s because applications for an environmental permit could take up to 42 days to get reviewed. 

2 – Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Permit

If you are to bring in contractors from outside the state to work on your development project, you would have to apply for an Occupational Health and Safety permit. This is an entry permit issued by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, so that’s where you could lodge your application. 

Here’s the form you need to fill out and submit for your OHS permit application. 

Make the Process Easier With Archistar

Finding out which permits you need to obtain for your development is one thing. Preparing your application forms and supporting documents is another thing—and more complicated at that. 

Fortunately, Archistar could help make this entire process easier for you. 

Through this platform, you could secure the diagrams, feasibility reports, and other documents that may be requested from you as you apply for your developmental permits and approvals. Think of it as a one-stop shop for everything you need to complete your development plan. 

Try it out for free today through this link.