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Building Permits
Securing a building permit is a critical step in the construction process. It serves as formal approval from a registered building surveyor, confirming that your project complies with the National Construction Code (NCC) and relevant state building regulations. This ensures that construction meets safety, structural, and regulatory standards, providing peace of mind and legal certainty for all stakeholders involved.

At Arki Building Surveyors, we are registered with the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) and issue building permits for projects across metropolitan Melbourne and throughout Victoria. Whether you are a homeowner, builder or developer, our experienced team manages the permit process on your behalf — making it simple, efficient and stress-free.

When do you need a building permit?

A building permit is legally required before commencing most types of construction work, including building, demolishing or making alterations to a property. Permits ensure your project complies with safety and regulatory standards from the outset.

Engaging a registered building surveyor early in the process can help streamline approvals and avoid costly delays. You will need a building permit if you intend to:

  • Construct or rebuild a structure
  • Undertake major repairs on an existing building
  • Make structural alterations or modifications
  • Enlarge, extend, or add to a building
  • Place, relocate, or move a building to a new site

There are some exemptions to these rules outlined by the Victorian Building Authority, where a building permit is not required, including smaller repairs and maintenance. You can find more information here. If you’re unsure, we will provide the clarity you need.

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How much does a building permit cost in Victoria?

Building permit fees in Victoria are calculated based on the value and complexity of the proposed works. As a guide, the fee is typically a percentage of the estimated cost of construction. At Arki, we provide clear, upfront fee proposals for every project — contact us or request a quote online for a prompt response.

Permit classes

Different types of construction projects require different building permits, depending on their scale, complexity, and purpose. At Arki Building Surveyors, we take the lead in managing the building permit process on your behalf. Our team will assess your project requirements and guide you in determining the exact type of permit needed, ensuring clarity, compliance, and peace of mind from the outset.

Residential

  • Class 1: Domestic buildings, including single houses and townhouses
  • Class 2: Apartment buildings, with two or more sole-occupancy units
  • Class 3: Other residential buildings designed for accommodation, like hotels
  • Class 4: A single dwelling within a non-residential building

Commercial

  • Class 5: Office buildings
  • Class 6: Buildings for retail goods or services, like shopping centres
  • Class 7: Carparks, warehouses or storage buildings
  • Class 8: Factories
  • Class 9: Public-use buildings, including hospitals and religious sites
  • Class 10: Non-habitable structures

Your trusted consultant in building compliance

Navigating building regulations can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be your responsibility alone — that’s where we come in. We thoroughly review your plans, drawings and documentation to provide clear recommendations and the support you need to get your permit approved quickly and confidently.

But our role doesn’t stop there. We stay involved throughout the entire construction process, offering expert guidance and building surveying at every stage. As your trusted building surveyor, we help keep your project compliant, on track, and moving forward.

Here’s how else you can rely on us.

Mandatory Inspections

Carrying out inspections at key stages of your build ensures your project continues safely and accords to the approved plans. Our building surveyors and inspectors conduct detailed inspections at your building’s mandatory inspection stages, identify potential defects, and advise builders on how to rectify them.

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Essential Safety Measure Audits

Fire systems, emergency exits and other essential safety measures need to be regularly reviewed to ensure they are functional in case of an emergency. We closely examine all safety elements of your building to ensure full compliance.

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Performance Solutions

Where we have not been appointed as your relevant building surveyor and you need an Alternative Solution, we can assist you. We can prepare a solution that directly addresses the requirements available in the Building Codes. We provide design briefs and final reports to suit all types of construction.

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Occupancy Permits & Final Inspection Certificates

Before any building can be occupied, it needs to obtain legal approval signifying that it is safe and fit for its intended use. For all of our building permits that we issue, we carry out detailed assessments of construction work to provide official approval for occupancy.

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1

Experienced

Our team brings over 4 decades of industry knowledge to every project we undertake, and we know how to get every job done the right way.

2

Accredited

All of our surveyors and inspectors are registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), and we are committed to maintaining the highest possible standards.

3

Supportive

We take pride in our work and in delivering the best results for you. We work with you on every stage of your project to ensure its success.

FAQs

When should a building permit application be lodged?

A permit application should be lodged as soon as the design documentation is finalised, helping to avoid delays. We recommend engaging us during the design phase so we can ensure your plans meet the National Construction Code before submission.

What documentation is required for a building permit application?

A building permit application must be supported by completed construction documentation, typically including architectural drawings, relevant reports and specifications, and any additional compliance information required under the NCC. Supporting documentation may also be required where performance solutions are proposed.

Can design changes be made after a building permit is issued?

Design changes can be made, but they require an amendment through a Variation Permit, which ensures the revised works will continue to meet with regulatory requirements and align with approved plans. We work with builders and designers to assess proposed changes and manage the amendment process.

Build with confidence

Using our services assures that your build will be managed with expert knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, and genuine care for your project.

For any inquiries and questions, please call 03 9687 0333 or send us an enquiry.

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