New Single Dwelling, Extension or Alteration

This information outlines which permits and approvals you may require to construct a new house that is the only dwelling on the property, extend or make alterations to a single dwelling.

The permits and approvals required will depend on the extent and nature of works being undertaken.

Planning Permit

A planning permit may be required for construction of a new single dwelling, extension or alteration.

Step 1 - Click on Whitehorse Maps to establish the zone and if there are any overlays on your property.

The following overlays on a property may mean a planning permit is required prior to a building permit:

•   Design and Development Overlay (DDO)

•   Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO)

•   Heritage Overlay (HO)

•   Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO)

•   Neighbourhood Character Overlay (NCO)

•   Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO)

•   Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO)

•   Special Building Overlay (SBO)

Step 2 - Once you know which zone and overlay(s) affect your property refer to the relevant zone and overlay(s) of the Whitehorse Planning Scheme.

Step 3 - It is recommended that you also check with Council's engineering team about whether your site is subject to flooding issues. Even if your land is not covered by a flood overlay, it may be affected by localised flooding that may impact your building floor levels.

Step 4 - It is highly recommended to obtain a current copy of title from L andata, and confirm if there are any other restrictions that apply to the property. Information to assist in obtaining a title is available at Request a Copy of Title.

Step 5 - It is recommended that you engage a professional such as an architect, draftsperson or planning consultant familiar with making planning permit applications to assist you in the preparation of the relevant documentation.

Step 6 - Prepare all relevant documentation.

A planning permit application for new single dwelling or extension must include:

How the proposal responds to the site and the surrounding neighbours
Whether the proposal meets the objectives of Clause 54 of the Whitehorse Planning Scheme and other relevant Council policies
Arborist report
Refer to the checklist for further information.

Step 7 - Once you are ready to submit your application lodge and apply online.

If you would like written confirmation whether a planning permit is required please lodge a Planning Information Request. Refer to Fee Information to view the application fee for a Planning Information Request.

Refer to planning permit process for information about the phases of a planning permit application.

Building Permit

A building permit is required for all new single dwellings on a property, extensions and any alterations that impact the structural soundness of the building such as:

modifying the height of a dwelling
increasing or decreasing the floor area of the building
increasing the size of an opening, such as a doorway or window
replacing or underpinning the footings (a footing is a structure located in the ground that supports the house above)
removing or altering roof framing to install a skylight
performing repairs that impact a supporting element of the building, for example replacing a roof beam
making an internal change that affects a supporting element of the building, for example removing a loadbearing wall.

Step 1 – Approval of a planning permit must be obtained prior to lodging a building permit if it is required. Refer to planning permit information below to check if a planning permit is required.

Step 2 - It is recommended that you engage a professional familiar with making building permit applications for your new dwelling, alteration or extension to assist you in the preparation of the relevant documentation.

Step 3 - Appoint a building surveyor. This could be Council or a private building surveyor.

Step 4 - Prepare all relevant documentation. Refer to the building permit checklist ( PDF 193.23KB) to ensure all relevant documentation is prepared and submitted.

Step 5 - Once you are ready to submit your application forward all documentation to your building surveyor.

Refer to building permit process for information about the phases of a building permit application.

If your building project does not meet a requirement of the Building Regulations 2018, you must obtain Council's report and consent before a building permit can be issued. Your appointed building surveyor cannot issue a building permit unless they are satisfied that any required report and consent has been obtained.

Step 1 - Once you are informed a report and consent due to noncompliance to the Building Regulations by your building surveyor refer to the report and consent checklist ( PDF 143.32KB) to ensure all relevant documentation is prepared and submitted.

Step 2 - Council will determine if notification to neighbouring properties is required.

Step 3 - The notification process can be undertaken by Council or you.

If you decide to request Council to undertake the notification process on your behalf a request in writing must be made and payment of the fee.
Information provided to adjoining neighbour owners must reflect the nature of the proposal and extent of noncompliance(s). Through the adjoining neighbour owners comments, it must be clear to Council’s assessing officer that neighbours understand the nature of the proposal, specific to the regulation.

Step 4 - Once you are ready to submit your application lodge and apply online.

For more information see the building permit process.

Demolition Permit 29A

A Demolition Permit (Report and Consent 29A) is required for any proposed demolition in accordance with Section 29A of the Building Act.

Step 1 - Determine if a Report and Consent 29A is required. This is required:

If more than half the volume of the building is to be demolished, including demolition works carried out within the previous 3 years.
If any part of the façade of the building is to be demolished.
If a building faces 2 streets the demolition of either façade will require a report & consent.
If a planning permit is required a report and consent is still also required.

Step 2 - Prepare documentation to be submitted

Obtain a current copy of title, issued within the last 3 months from Land Victoria.
Copy of building plans - highlight area to be demolished, if partial demolition taking place

Step 3 - Once you are ready to submit your application lodge and apply online.

Asset Protection Permit

Council assets include the roadways, footpaths, nature strips, kerb and channel (gutter) and trees within the road reserve.

The Council is responsible for the care and maintenance of these assets. Anyone who wants to do construction works affecting Council assets or who want to make alterations to Council assets will need apply for consent before work begins. This makes sure that the assets are left in the same condition they were originally found in.

Build Over Easement

Stormwater Report and Flood Levels

Apply online for Stormwater Legal Point of Discharge Application. Please note this application is for the report only and will not allow you to undertake drainage works.

To obtain Council Report & Consent regarding construction in an area liable to flooding pursuant to Regulation 802 of the Building Regulations 2006, you are required to submit the online application form.