Dandenong Civic Centre

Plan and Build

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.

 

On
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.