Planning to build or renovate? You may need a building or planning permit or both.
A building permit is required before most building work commences. It is wise to check whether a planning permit is also needed, as a building permit cannot be issued before required planning permits.
What is the difference between a building and planning permit?
Generally, a building permit deals with a building's structural stability and safety, whilst a planning permit deals with local appropriateness of form, location or use.
If a planning and building permit is required, the building permit cannot be issued without the planning permit being obtained first. In such cases, the building permit must be consistent with the planning permit's requirements.
How do I determine what permit is required?
The best way of finding out is to consult an architect, draftsperson, town planner or building surveyor with local knowledge.
Contact Council on 8571 1000 and speak to the Building and Planning departments.
Or contact the Planning team at the Department of Transport and Planning on 136 186.
Who does what?
The roles of the Planning and Building departments often get confused.
Building and Planning permits are controlled by two separate acts of parliament and administered by separate departments within Council. Depending on what work you are proposing, you may require a permit under one Act, under both Acts, or under neither.
To understand more about which department or team you may need to speak to, read the sections below.
Building Services
The Building Services department is responsible for considering applications for building permits, occupancy permits and conducting building safety inspections. Put simply, they are assessing the actual construction of the structure.
If a Planning permit is required, this will have to be obtained before a building permit can be issued.
After receiving your planning permit (if required), you must then apply for a building permit either through Council or via a private building surveyor.
For permit questions, visit the following webpages - When is a Building Permit Require? or Applying for a Building Permit.
For further information around Building safety and legal considerations visit the Building Information webpage.
Statutory Planning
Also known as Town Planning, the Statutory Planning department is responsible for considering applications that require a planning permit, including applications to build or extend a building, open a business, or erect advertising signage. Put simply, they are assessing the use of the land.
Applications for planning permits are assessed against the policies and controls in the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme.
Strategic Planning
The Strategic Planning team prepares long term land use planning policies to address a range of environmental, economic and social matters.
The team is also responsible for developing the policies and controls that make up the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme and for considering requests for changes to the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme, including the rezoning of land.
Open Space Planning and Sustainability
The Open Space Planning and Sustainability team is responsible for developing the policies relating to urban design, open space and sustainability planning, and are a referral point for the consideration of applications for a planning permit.
The team also undertake master plans and design for projects such as parks and playgrounds and streetscape upgrades, and are responsible for environmental sustainability project initiatives.
More information about Sustainable development requirements for planning applications
Council's Planning team can help you with your planning enquiries.
Our Building Services team provides construction and advice to ensure a safe built environment for our community.
Greater Dandenong Council is always undertaking new projects to further improve the municipality.