Building permits with clarity and confidence
CFL helps project stakeholders navigate the building permit process with expert guidance, practical advice and confidence. From preliminary reviews through to inspections and completion, our team provides the support to keep projects moving forward.
What is a building permit?
A building permit is a formal approval that allows building work to commence once the proposed work has been assessed for compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, codes and standards. For homeowners, the process may feel unfamiliar. CFL can help translate the requirements into clear next steps so you know what is needed and why.
When might you need a building permit?
A building permit is typically required for new dwellings, extensions, renovations, structural alterations, decks, verandahs, pergolas, retaining walls, garages, carports, swimming pools and associated barriers. If you are unsure whether your project needs a permit, CFL can help you understand the likely pathway.
Planning a building project?
The first step is to provide information about your project so CFL can understand the scope of work and prepare a fee proposal. At this stage, the more documentation the better, however preliminary working drawings and an approximate cost of building work will suffice.
Once the fee proposal has been accepted, the formal building permit application can be submitted. From here, liaising with the CFL team will provide the guidance required to ensure the transition to building permit approval is clear and understood.
CFL assesses the submitted documentation against the relevant building legislation, National Construction Code and Australian Standards. Further information or amended documents may be requested before the permit can be issued. Timeframes vary depending on project complexity and completeness of information.
Once the building permit has been issued, work can commence in accordance with the approved documents and permit conditions. The permit will list the mandatory inspections required at relevant stages. If more time is needed, an extension of time may be required before the permit expires.
At completion, final documentation may be required before an occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection can be issued.
Occupancy Permits or Certificate of Final Inspection
At completion of your project, final documentation may be required before an Occupancy Permit or certificate of final inspection can be issued. Depending on the project, this may include Bushfire or Energy Efficiency Statement of Compliance.