Building Services

Questions and Answers

Asbestos

Wanting to know about removal, health effects and other associated questions in relation to asbestos then read Asbestos Information.

For further information contact:
  • Health Department for information about removal/disposal - 9518 3540
  • Licensed Disposal Sites - EPA, phone - 9695 2722
  • Licensed Removalists - Work Safe Victoria, phone - 1800 136 089
  • Identification - NATA, phone - 9329 1633
  • Asbestos around the home - DHS, phone - 1300 650 172

Asset Protection Permit

Contact the Engineering Department on 9518 3412. Infrastructure - Permits and Fees

Building Dispensations - Council Report & Consent for Siting

When you want to build a front fence higher than 1.2m or vary setbacks from the front boundary and other variations to the regulations, then you can formally apply to the Council.

Document:

Further information can be obtained by contacting www.buildingcommission.com.au (Practice Note 47 )

Building over Easement Consent

Application and approval is required from the Engineering Department prior to the issue of a Building Permit. Infrastructure - Permits and Fees

Carports/Pergolas/Decks

Very informative brochures on the design and construction of carports, pergolas, decks are available from the Holmesglen Bookshop also the Building Commission has an informative site - www.buildingcommission.com.au

Shared Accommodation - Change of Use Class 1a to Class 1b

(Building, Health and Town Planning)

Requirements for Shared Accommodation ie. changing a family residence to housing four or more unrelated people - guidelines are set out in this document.

Adobe Acrobat Reader document

BLD0390 (73 kb)

Civil Issues

Community Information & Support Inc is a voluntary group who are familiar with neighbourhood issues and resolution especially boundary fences - they can be contacted on 9807 9844 or alternatively visit them at 6 Holskamp Street, Mt Waverley between the hours of 9.30 to 3.30pm Monday to Friday.

Demolition / Removal

If you want to demolish or remove your current structure/in ground pool, please read the document:

Adobe Acrobat Reader document
"PRECAUTIONS DOC0497" (PDF, 18 kB)

And then locate a registered and qualified demolisher contact the Building Commission - www.buildingcommission.com.au

Energy Rating

See: Five Star Energy Rating

Essential Safety Measures

Part 12 of the Building Regulations 2006 covers the requirements for the maintenance of essential safety measures such as maintaining fire hose reels, fire extinguishers, emergency lights and exit signs.

The owner is responsible to ensure that the essential safety measures are maintained in a state to fulfil their purpose and must prepare an annual report of the essential safety measures and have this available for inspection by the Municipal Building Surveyor or the Chief Officer at any time on request after 24 hours notice. The occupier of a building must ensure that all required exits and paths of travel to an exit or road are maintained in an efficient and readily accessible condition and clear of obstruction.

Further information may be obtained from Practice Note PN 23 at
www.buildingcommission.com.au

Extension of Time for a Building Permit about to Lapse

Generally building work must commence within one year and be completed within in two years from the date of issue - you may apply for an extension of time prior to the permit lapsing. Commercial and industrial work must be completed within 3 years.

Application can be made for additional time to complete your building work. Formal application can be made by completing the

Adobe Acrobat Reader document
BLD0392 - Form for Extension of Time (PDF, 30 kB)

Fences - the layperson's guide to fencing law

Five Star Energy Rating

For Information on new regulations on making your building sustainable and also for a list of registered assessors - www.buildingcommission.com.au

House Plans and/or Copies of Certificates

Enables you to obtain plans of your house, factory and/or office or Occupancy Permit/Certificate of Final Inspection -

BLD0346 - Request for Copy of Building Documents (PDF, 33 kB)

Legal Point of Discharge

Connecting the storm water to the main drain - fill in Point of Discharge Application (PDF, 133 kB) or call Engineering on 9518 3412

Neighbours, the law & you

The Law Foundation Booklet will give you an overview of civil issues within your community and guidelines on how to deal with neighbourhood matters:

New Building Works - Dwelling, Alterations/Additions Etc.

Building Permits are required for most building projects including fencing, swimming pools etc. - for clarification call the Building Office on 9518 3476 or contact The Building Commission - Practice Notes - www.buildingcommission.com.au

Owner/ Builder Kits

Embarking on a building project - "do it yourself" - some very informative guidelines can be obtained by contacting the Building Commission - 1300 360 320
www.buildingcommission.com.au

Rainwater Tanks, Grey Water

BLD0120 (PDF, 23 kb) - this document will give an overview of the requirements for domestic water tanks - further information is available from links listed on form.

Information included in BLD0120 is also available at Rainwater Tanks, Grey Water

Safety Measures

See: Essential Safety Measures

Shared Accommodation - Change of Use Class 1a to Class 1b

See: Change of Use Class 1a to Class 1b

Siting of Prescribed Temporary Structures

For guidelines on siting read the attached document - BLD0269 (PDF, 26 kB)

BLD0268 - Application for Approval of Siting of Temporary Structures (PDF, 30 kB)

Smoke Alarms

For examples on placement of smoke alarms around your home this document will give guidelines SMOKE ALARMS (PDF, 41 kB), however for more comprehensive information contact the Building Commission - www.buildingcommission.com.au

Swimming Pool and Spa Safety Barrier Requirements

To follow the guidelines on making your pool/spa comply with regulations and make it safe from child access - www.buildingcommission.com.au

Termites

Council has designated the whole municipality as an area in which buildings are likely to be subject to infestation by termites in accordance with Regulation 803(1) of the Building Regulations.

When a building (other than a detached Class 10 such as a garage, carport or shed) is constructed in a designated termite area the building must be protected against termite infestation unless the primary building elements are constructed of termite resistant materials.

For tips on control, treatment and prevention:

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Last updated: 31 August 2011

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