Answering questions: what you need permits for

David (a reader) asked me recently: “Is there an easy, concise way to find out exactly what you need permits for - structural is highly likely but what about just changing windows, installing new kitchens and bathrooms, wiring new lights etc?”

Well, the answer is yes, and no. There’s no one central place to find this out, but your council will tell you. What you’re looking for when you check with your local council is their list of exempt development items. You’ll typically find it these days on their website, and it will be outlined in a document like a Development Control Plan. (I outline these things in a little more detail by the way in my chapter on The three DA demons.)

For example, here’s what my council’s DCP says about the exempt development category internal alterations. These internal alterations to previously completed buildings are exempt, including:

• replacement of doors;wall, ceiling or floor linings;
• deteriorated frame members with equivalent or improved quality materials;
• renovations of bathrooms and kitchens;
• inclusion of built-in fixtures such as vanities cupboards and wardrobes; and
• installation of shelving, displays, benches, partitions that do not provide any structural support to the building.

They also list development standards and requirements. They say that exempt development is where:

• The work does not provide any additional floor area or additional residential accommodation;
• The work does not change room configurations, reduce window arrangements for light and ventilation needs, reduce doorways for egress purposes or involve enclosure of open areas;
• The work does not compromise fire safety or affect accessibility to a fire exit;
• Bathroom and kitchen fixtures and fittings are triple AAA rated; and
• Maximum floor area of alterations not to exceed 100m2;.

They also recommend that you “contact a structural engineer, architect or building surveyor before commencing alterations to ensure you comply with the Building Code of Australia and will not affect the structural sufficiency and stability of the building”.

Does this help??? Let me know if it doesn’t!

Tagged as: building permits, development application, permits, reno, renovation questions