Building Permit vs Planning Permit
Building permit: structural safety, waterproofing, compliance with Building Code. Planning permit: land use, overlays, neighbourhood character. Some projects need both.
Kitchen Renovations
Cosmetic only (cabinets, benchtops): no permit. Moving gas/water: plumbing compliance certificate required. Removing walls: building permit + engineer report.
Bathroom Renovations
Always need building permit (waterproofing compliance). AS3740 waterproofing certificate mandatory. Heritage overlay areas may require planning permit.
Extensions & Additions
Building permit required. Planning permit if exceeding 50m² or within setbacks. Heritage overlays trigger planning review regardless of size.
Owner-Builder Considerations
Owner-builder permit limits apply (one every 3 years, must occupy 12+ months post-completion). Insurance requirements stricter. Not recommended for first-time renovators.
Key Takeaways
- Cosmetic kitchen work permit-free
- All bathrooms need building permit
- Structural changes require engineer sign-off
- Heritage overlays add planning layer
- Owner-builder has residency obligations
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Confused about permit requirements? We handle compliance end-to-end.