Planning Permit & Building Permit - What’s The Difference?

31 July

Got a Permit for that?

Before embarking on your new and exciting project, find out what these permits are and when you will need them

If you're wondering about the difference between a planning permit and a building permit, we've got you covered. Here's a brief rundown:

Firstly, a planning permit (if required) is issued by your local council and is the first step in the process. The documents submitted for assessment are intended to outline the overall design and intention of your project in relation to your council's planning regulations.

Next up is the building permit, which comes after the planning permit and is issued by a Building Surveyor. The documents submitted for assessment at this stage are highly detailed, intended for your builder to work off of and ensure compliance with the Building Code of Australia.

Planning Permit

When is it required?

Generally, you won’t require a planning permit if you’re doing alterations and additions to an existing single dwelling or building one dwelling on a lot. However, this is entirely dependent on your location, zoning and relevant planning scheme. A planning permit may be required if your site area is less than a certain size or if your property is located within a Heritage Overlay area.
If you are intending to build two or more dwellings on your site
If you are intending to build multi-level apartments

Your first point of call would be to confirm with council whether your intended works will require a planning permit.

Council will request a set of drawings and documents from a range of consultants in order to assess if the proposal is in keeping with the local planning scheme and neighborhood character.

These drawings only need to be of a sufficient level to convey the intent of the project for council’s assessment needs.

Below are some examples of the types of drawings required for a planning permit application:

**Site Context** - detailing the surrounding properties, tree locations & open space areas.

**Design Response** - how the proposed works/build responds to the site & neighbourhood

**Shadow Diagrams** - showing the shadows of proposed works & how it impacts the neighbours

Other items may include:

Arborist Report
Rescode Report
Landscape Plan
Land Survey
Town Planning Report

To find out more about the town planning process, check out our article The Town Planning Process Explained.

Building Permit

When is it required?

All building work is subject to a building permit unless there is an exemption under the Building Regulations. This may be some minor alterations, demolitions, repair and maintenance work.

A building permit is issued by a Building Surveyor who will assess your documentation against the Building Code of Australia. If everything is in compliance, a building permit will be issued which allows you to contract a builder to proceed with construction.

The permit documentation and drawings must be completed to a level of detail which informs and instructs the builder as to what you want. The Building Surveyor will make stage checks to ensure the construction is being completed in accordance with the approved documentation and code.

Below are some examples of the types of drawings required for a building permit application: