What Is VBA Building Permit? - 3 Reasons Why You Will Need It

Are you a builder in Victoria? Have you passed all the builders license test questions? Are you now a licensed builder? Or maybe you are not a builder but you want a builder to build a structure or perform renovation on your building. The thing is you may not be able to carry out the construction work without a building permit in Victoria. 

There are some exceptions and not all buildings require a VBA builder permit before the building work can be carried out. However, in today’s article, we’ll be taking a look at what a VBA Building Permit is and by the end of this article, you’d know what a VBA building permit is and why you need one.

Building permit(s) is/are document(s) that certify that a proposed building follows all the relevant building regulations. A building permit can be seen as written approval from a municipal or private building surveyor. The building permit is there to ensure that the building that needs to be done follows the approved specification, plans, as well as other relevant documentation. 

Most building works in Victoria require a building permit. When performing or carrying out any building work in Victoria, it’s expected that you ensure whether or not the building work to be carried out requires a building permit or not. In this section, you’ll find 3 reasons why you need a building permit.

1. Building permits are required to carry out building works such as:

• Additions
• Alterations 
• Carports
• Decks
• Fences
• Garages
• Hail netting
• Masts/antennas/satellite dishes
• Reblocking 
• Retaining walls
• Roofing 
• Sheds associated with a single dwelling
• Real estate signs
• Swimming pools and spas
• Verandahs
• Windows
• Wood heaters

Some of the building works listed above have exceptions that’s why it’s important to check if your building will require one or not.

1. A building permit ensures that the building practitioners carrying out your building work have to require insurance and be registered.
2. The building permit ensures that adequate documentation is prepared so that the construction can be done correctly and according to the building legislation. 

A building permit comes with a levy and the levy is usually dependent on the cost of the building work.

On/after the 1st of July 2019, for building permit applications accepted by the RBS (Relevant Building Surveyor), the levy is now paid directly to the VBA by the owner or by someone authorized by the owner to pay in his stead. The level is required to be made before the building permit number is provided and the building permits issued.

Building permit applications can be rejected. You'll know that your building permit application has been accepted when the Relevant Building Surveyor is appointed by the applicant and the application carries all the necessary information needed for the relevant surveyor to carry out:

• An estimate of the cost of work as well as calculate the levy amount.
• Apply to VBA for a building permit number.