Key takeaways
- -Building permits deal with construction and safety. Planning permits deal with land use and overlays. A deck can require one, both or neither.
- -Height above natural ground level is the most common trigger for a building permit, as is a deck attached to the dwelling or one that includes a roof.
- -Get a free planning property report for your address, which lists the zones and overlays applying to the land, then speak to Yarra Ranges Council's planning counter.
01
Two different permits
Building permits deal with construction and safety. Planning permits deal with land use and overlays. A deck can require one, both or neither.
They are assessed separately, so a neighbour's answer is not your answer.
02
What usually triggers one
Height above natural ground level is the most common trigger for a building permit, as is a deck attached to the dwelling or one that includes a roof.
Planning triggers in the Yarra Ranges frequently relate to overlays - vegetation protection, significant landscape, erosion management and bushfire management overlays are all common in the hills.
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How to check your property
Get a free planning property report for your address, which lists the zones and overlays applying to the land, then speak to Yarra Ranges Council's planning counter.
If your site has vegetation or bushfire overlays, factor assessment time into your program before booking trades.
04
Where we fit
At the first site visit we tell you what we believe applies and what needs confirming. We are not a substitute for Council advice, and we will never encourage you to build something that should have been permitted.
Thinking about your own project?
We build across Belgrave and the Dandenong Ranges. Send through photos of what you have and we will tell you what the site allows.