Latrobe City Council is encouraging residents looking to renovate, extend or construct new buildings on their properties to make sure the correct approvals are in place.
Latrobe City Council CEO, Steven Piasente, said Council's Building Services team regularly supports property owners and neighbours who have been impacted by building works.
"While it has been great to see a rise in home renovations, Council has investigated more instances of illegal building works recently,” said Mr Piasente.
“Council has a legislative responsibility to ensure that building regulations are followed, for the safety and benefit of the Latrobe City community.”
Although Council does not receive building permit applications, the Building Services team provide a statutory building control function to make sure that any works are safe and in line with the Building Act and Regulations.
Council's Municipal Building Surveyor regularly responds to outstanding permits, investigates breaches of building legislation, assesses applications, investigates unsafe buildings and provides advice.
“Fortunately, the majority of building professionals abide by the regulations and make sure the minimum standards are achieved or exceeded,” said Mr Piasente.
"Following building best practice, getting approvals and seeking advice will keep Latrobe City residents safe and prevent prosecutions.”
Council has recently seen some cases of people failing to comply with building legislation, resulting in significant fines.
Building works without a permit in Morwell to extend a dwelling and a veranda during 2021 and 2022 resulted in an individual being found guilty, resulting in a fine of $6000 with conviction.
Works without a building permit to a shed extension and carport alterations in Traralgon resulted in the property owner being found guilty and receiving a $9000 fine with conviction.
A range of resources for residents and building professionals can be found on the Latrobe City website: www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/Property/Building or contact the Building Services Team on 1300 367 700.