Building permits, forms and applications

Community infrastructure levy form

The community infrastructure levy, goes towards works such as meeting spaces, community buildings, kindergartens and library services. The community infrastructure levy is payable by the landowner prior to the issue of a building permit for a dwelling or dwellings on the site.

The maximum amount payable is $1,346 per dwelling.

Map showing community infrastructure levy charges in Torquay and Jan Juc(PDF, 3MB)

Map showing community infrastructure levy charges in Winchelsea(PDF, 588KB)

A landowner who intends to build

• a single dwelling on a lot affected by the Development Contributions Plan Overlay where the lot was approved after 1 August 2013; or

• more than one dwelling on any lot affected by the Development Contributions Plan Overlay; or

• a single dwelling or more than one dwelling on a lot affected by a section 173 agreement

is responsible for payment of the Community Infrastructure Levy prior to the issue of a building permit. 

An easement is a section of land to which Council, or other nominated agencies or authorities, have rights of access.

Many easements support essential services, including stormwater drainage, sewerage and power infrastructure.  When an easement is obstructed, it prevents Council staff from performing important maintenance work and blocks the flow of stormwater through flow paths. 

Council does not allow habitable structures to be built over an easement but may allow certain temporary, removable or lightweight structures.

If you are unable to modify your plans so that easements are clear, submit the application form to see whether the proposed development qualifies for approval.

Building property information request

Any person may request the following information about a property, under Regulation 51 of the Building Regulations:

• Details of any building permits or certificates of final inspection issued in the preceding 10 years

• Information about the property’s susceptibility to flooding

• Whether buildings in the area are likely to be subject to attack by termites.

• Whether a property has a bush fire attack level (BAL) specified

You can apply for the following regulation matters:

SITING MATTERS

• Maximum street setback

• Minimum street setback

• Building height

• Site coverage

• Permeability

• Car parking

• Side and rear setbacks

• Walls or carports on boundaries

• Daylight to existing/new habitable rooms

• Solar access to existing north facing habitable rooms

• Overshadowing of secluded private open space

• Overlooking

• Private open space

• Siting of outbuildings

• Front fence height

• Fence setbacks from rear or side boundaries

• Fences on side or rear boundaries

• Fences on street alignment

• Fences and daylight to existing habitable room windows

• Fences and solar access to existing north facing habitable room windows

• Fences and overshadowing of recreational private space

• Masts, poles etc

NON SITING MATTERS

• Projections beyond the street alignment

• Building above or below certain public facilities

• Flood areas

For siting matters, you will need to provide reasons for your application and refer to the Minister's Guidelines(PDF, 216KB) under Section 188A of the Building Act 1993

 Neighbours’ Input & Consultation

When considering any application for 'siting matters', we take into account the impact the proposed siting might have on adjoining properties. We may also contact your neighbours for their comments, which may in turn have a bearing on our decision to approve or refuse the siting design. Here is the Adjoining Owners Comment Online Form if you would like to consult with the neighbours before Council contacts them (this may also speed up the 'advertising' process of your application). If you require a PDF version of the form to print and give to your neighbour, use this PDF Adjoining Owners Comments Form.(PDF, 633KB)

If we decide to refuse your application, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Building Appeals Board. Note that neighbours don’t have a right of appeal if they don’t agree with Councils final decision.

You can use this form to request a search and copy of one (1) full building permit documentation, or just a single document from a permit.

You must be the owner, or be authorised by the owner to submit this form. 

Demolition consent

Consent from Council may be required before starting any demolition. Please speak with the Building Surveyor handling your building permit to see if a 'Section 29A Request for Report and Consent' for demolition application is required. 

A copy of plans showing the area to be demolished will be required to complete the application form.

Hoardings and barricades are usually required to be installed around building sites, both to protect the public and to secure the site when unattended.

A hoarding permit is required prior to carrying out precautions to protect the safety of the public which involves any occupation of Council land. This may include things such as temporary fencing, hoardings, gantry’s or barricades.

If works requiring a building permit are involved, it is the responsibility of the relevant building surveyor to decide when precautions are required throughout the project and not Council.  In these cases, please consult your building surveyor prior to submitting your application to determine the suitability of precautions.

Even if no building permit is required for your works, such as painting, you may still need a hoarding permit. 

Hoarding permit - amend or extend

Use this form to make amendments to your hoarding permit, or to extend the timeline.

Occupancy permit for Place of Public Entertainment (PoPE)

Siting of temporary structures

If you are planning on holding an event (either on public or private land), you may require a permit from the Building Department for a Place of Public Entertainment (PoPE) or Temporary Structure.

The purpose of these approvals is to ensure the event complies with all safety requirements, such as exits, fire safety and public amenities. Where a temporary structure is being erected, this also ensures the structure is suitably located and sound in construction.

Where an event does not require a permit, compliance with building legislation, council event requirements and any other relevant legislation must still be met.

To determine if you need a permit for a temporary structure, please use the do I need a permit questionnaire.

Place of public entertainment (PoPE) permit

Public entertainment is defined as an entertainment or meeting to which admission may be gained by members of the public. A place of public entertainment (PoPE) is defined as an area greater than 500m2 that's used for public entertainment and is either:

• enclosed or substantially enclosed, or
• to which admission is gained by giving of money or other consideration.

Exemptions are in place for community-based organisations.

Please contact the Building Department to discuss if this is applicable to you.

Siting of a temporary structure permit

Temporary structures, like those used in events, are also controlled by the Building Regulations. A temporary structure permit is required for the following structures:

• Tent/Marquee over 100m2
• Stage/Platform over 150m2
• Seating Stand for more than 20 people
• Prefabricated building over 100m2