A planning permit is required in particular circumstances for the use and development of land, whilst a building permit is required in most cases and relates to the method of construction of a building or development with minimum standards as outlined by the Building Regulations 1995. If a planning permit is required, it must be obtained prior to the issue of a building permit.

The Planning Department is responsible for:

• Development of land use planning policies and strategies, administering and reviewing Indigo Planning Scheme

• Assessing town planning applications

• Assessing applications for the subdivision of land

• Providing general planning advice to community on town planning matters

Before undertaking development or construction check to see if a building permit is required. Building permits relate to the construction or alteration of a building or development.

Building permits are issued under the Victorian Building Regulations 1995 and must meet minimum standards of construction as required by the Building Act 1993.

A building permit is required in most cases where development is proposed however planning permits are required prior to issue of a building permit.

Once a building permit has been granted it is the responsibility of the owner and/or builder to arrange for the various inspections to be carried out.

Note: All residential buildings must have approved smoke alarms installed and all swimming pool fences must comply with the appropriate requirements.

The Building Department is responsible for:

• the issue of building permits
• mandatory inspections
• the issue of an occupancy permit
• decisions regarding departure from the regulations

    - siting variations, Part 4;

    - public protection measures, Part 6; and

    - projections beyond street alignment, Part 5

• providing certain property information such as whether the property is in a hazard area, information on existing building permits, or outstanding building notices and orders