A building development approval is required before starting construction on most types of domestic building work.

These approvals are also known as building permits and can be obtained from either your local council or a private building certifier.

Approval of domestic building work

Council building certifiers and private building certifiers must be licensed with the Building Services Authority. Building certifiers are responsible for assessing whether proposed building work complies with all relevant provisions of the Building Act 1975 and associated standards.

Building certifiers will also be able to advise whether a building approval is required. Some minor building work may be self-assessable or exempt.

Some aspects of domestic building work such as the maximum height, setback or character of a building may be controlled under a council planning scheme and a planning permit is required from council.

Inspection timing

The building approval will state which inspections are required and at what stages of construction.

Supervision and quality

It is the shared responsibility of the contractor and owner to ensure the building work is carried out to an acceptable standard.

Further information

Were you looking for information about lodging a development application under the Sustainable Planning Act? Try our Development Application information.