Latrobe City Council is reminding homeowners and builders who plan to undertake renovations, extensions or new construction projects to ensure they have the necessary building approvals first.
A building permit is required for most building work including new buildings, extensions, alterations, demolition and minor structures such as verandas, roofed pergolas, carports, garages, sheds, restumping, swimming pools, spas and some fences.
It is the responsibility of the property owner where the building work is proposed to obtain the building permits. However, any person completing building work at that property is also responsible to ensure a permit is in place before carrying out any building work.
To gain the necessary building permits, Council recommends engaging a private building surveyor to ensure construction work is legal and complaint.
Although Council does not receive building permit applications, the Building Services team provides a statutory building control function to make sure any works are safe and in line with the Building Act and Regulations.
Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Darren Howe, emphasised that enforcing building regulations is Council’s legislative responsibility to uphold the safety of the amenity and overall welfare of the community.
“Thankfully, most of our building professionals adhere to the regulations and ensure that they meet or surpass the minimum standards. However, it is our duty of care at Council to address the anomalies and ensure that all developments adhere to standards designed to protect residents and enhance the liveability of our region.”
“We urge all residents planning any construction work to check with Council and confirm if building approvals are required. This precautionary step not only ensures compliance with the law but also contributes to maintaining a safe, thriving and high-quality environment for everyone in Latrobe City,” said the Mayor.
Council's Municipal Building Surveyor regularly responds to outstanding permits, investigates breaches of building legislation, assesses applications, investigates unsafe or unsuitable buildings and provides advice.
Council’s responsibility is to ensure that work is safe, not only for the residents of the house, but for the neighbours too. Council will also engage with owners that are found to have carried out illegal building work and confirm if it is made compliant.
To support residents and building professionals, Council has resources with detailed information on building regulations and requirements available here: https://www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/Property/Building/Building_Permits
For further assistance, directly contact the Building Services Team on 1300 367 700.