Wodonga Council
Do I need a building permit?

Page URL: https://www.wodonga.vic.gov.au/Building-Planning/Building/Do-I-need-a-building-permit

Do I need a building permit?

 /  Building + PlanningBuildingDo I need a building permit?

Buildings must be subject to the issue of a building permit prior to work commencing according to The Building Act 1993 and Building Regulations 2018. The Act prescribes a penalty of $10,000 for any persons who do work without a permit ($50,000 to any company).

The building permit is the key part of that process and ensures, among other things, that:

  • Certain practitioners are registered and carry insurance;
  • Adequate documentation is prepared to correctly construct the building;
  • An independent review of that documentation occurs;
  • Key stages of the work are independently inspected; and
  • The building is independently assessed as completed and/or suitable for occupation.

PLEASE NOTE: All sheds over 10m2 including shipping containers, covered verandahs attached to another building and swimming pools and spas require a building permit.

Most building works carried out in the Wodonga municipality also require a Road Reserve Works Permit, to ensure council infrastructure are not damaged. Click here to confirm if you require a RRW permit. 

When do you need a permit?
 

Additions  Additions to a dwelling or any other building Yes
Alterations  Structural alterations to a dwelling or any other building Yes
  Removal of or alteration to a load bearing part of a building Yes
Carports/garages Freestanding that is 10m2 or less in area, less than three metres in height, not constructed of masonry and located no further forward on the than the associated dwelling No
  Attached to another building  Yes
  Setback less than the associated building Yes
  Constructed over an easement Yes
Demolition  All demolition work (except some minor work) Yes
Fences  Construction of a side or rear boundary fence less than two metres high No
  Construction of a brick front fence more than 1.2 metres high Yes
  Construction of a timber front fence less than 1.5 metres high No
  Construction of a side or rear boundary fence more than two metres high Yes
  Construction of a fence that is more than one metre high within nine metres of the point of intersection of street alignments Yes
  Construction of a chain wire tennis court fence No
Masts/Antennas  Height more than three metres above the highest point of a building Yes
  Eight metres above the ground Yes
Pergolas/Shade Sails  Construction of a shade sail/pergola (unroofed) associated with a house, not exceeding 20m2 in area, not more than three metres high and located no further forward than the dwelling No
  Construction of a pergola/shade sail associated with any other building Yes
Reblocking Reblocking or restumping of an existing building Yes
Retaining walls  Constructed on or near site boundaries (over 600mm height) Yes
  Construction of a retaining wall one metre or more in height Yes
Roofing  Replacement of corrugated iron roofing with concrete or terracotta roofing tiles Yes
  Replacement of corrugated iron roofing with ‘colorbond’ or other prefinished sheeting No
Sheds Erection of a shed that is 10m2 or less in area, less than three metres in height, not constructed of masonry and located no further forward on the than the associated dwelling No
  Erection of a shed more than 10m2 in area Yes
Signs More than one metre in height within three metres of the street allotment boundary Yes
  More than eight metres above ground level, 6m2 in display area Yes
Swimming pools/Spas Construction of a swimming pool/spa capable of holding 300mm, or greater, of water Yes
  Erection of a safety fence in relation to a swimming pool Yes
Verandahs/Decks  Construction of a verandah (free standing) associated with a house , not exceeding 10m2 in area, not more than three metres high and located no further forward than the dwelling No
  Construction of a verandah attached to any building Yes
  Construction of a deck less than 800mm high at its highest point and not greater than 20m2 and 900mm from the rear or side boundary behind the front of the house No
Windows  Replacement of windows with same size windows and where no structural alterations are required No
  Installation of ‘bay’ or ‘corner’ type windows where structural alterations are required Yes

 

Important notes
  • Paving, concreting, landscaping (unless the work includes a retaining wall greater than one metre in height when a building permit is required) are not included in this definition.
  • Cost includes the value (for example, market trade rate) of labour and materials.
  • Guidance to determine cost can be obtained from relevant quantity surveying or estimating publications.
  • Works that do not require a building permit may require other approvals from the Wodonga Council including town planning, health and/or community amenity. All relevant departments should be contacted prior to commencement of works.
  • Owner-builders carrying out building works over $16,000 must obtain a Certificate of Consent from the Building Practitioners Board. For more information, please visit the Victorian Building Authority website at vba.vic.gov.au
  • For more information about when a building permit is required, please click here.
  • For more information about when a permit is required for home renovations, please click here.