by Jemma Pearson Confused about the whole council approval process when building or renovating? MPP is here to help.

With so much building and rebuilding happening on the Coast, it’s easy to get carried away with planning the design of your new building and forget about all the paperwork involved. State Government legislation requires owners and builders to obtain a building permit before work starts on renovations, additions, new buildings, pools and carports. Before you can get started on any construction, no matter how small it seems to you, you’ll need to check whether you need a building permit from the council or private building certifier.

Get it certified

Building certifiers are responsible for assessing proposed and ongoing building work to see that it complies with legislation and other building standards. The same certifier that issues the building permit carries out inspections during the building process. Certifiers can provide general advice about complying with the legislation but they can’t design or carry out any building work, and while private certifiers can issue building permits, they can’t do so until the council has given all other necessary approvals. Minor building work that is deemed self-assessable does not need a building permit, as long as the owner complies with building standards. Things like a small tool shed, a chicken coop, gazebo, a fence that’s lower than two metres (but not a pool fence), roof ventilators and sun shades are all considered self-assessable. These types of minor works don’t need to be assessed, but it’s a good idea to check with the council or a private certifier before you do anything just to make sure.

Check it out

Once you have got the building permit, you’re still required to keep the council or building certifier in the loop with the mandatory inspections. When the project reaches certain stages, your builder must let the certifier know, advising that the work has reached a stage where an inspection can take place. These inspections ensure that the building work is being done in accordance with the relevant standards and the building permit. Examples of stages where an inspection must be carried out include after excavating the foundation material but before the building’s footings are laid, after cladding has been fixed to the frame, and at the end of all the work. Mandatory plumbing and drainage inspections are also required.

Paper trail

There is a lot of paperwork involved in building or renovating. Forms need to be filled out and lodged, and copies of documents need to be presented. On an average home, your builder will need to lodge application forms and show that insurance has been paid. You’ll also need to show site and floor plans, a soil investigation report, details of retaining walls and stormwater plans plus plenty of other bits and pieces.

Once you have got the building permit, you're still required to keep council or your building certifier in the loop with the mandatory inspections

Still confused?

For the uninitiated, all these forms and rules can be overwhelming. That’s why if you’re engaging a builder to do the work for you, go with someone you trust who has done it all before. If you have any questions about whether you’ll need a building permit for your planned job, how to apply for a permit and what standards you need to comply with, contact the Sunshine Coast Regional Council on 1300 007 272 or 5475 8501. Otherwise look online or pick up a phone book to find a private certifier – there are a number of private building certification companies operating on the Coast.