Do You Need Council Approval for Renovations in Victoria?

Planning a renovation in Victoria? One of the first questions you need to answer is whether you need council approval. Getting this wrong can lead to fines, demolition orders, or problems when you try to sell your property.

Here's a clear guide to help you understand when you need approval and when you don't.

The Short Answer

Most renovations in Victoria require at least a building permit. Some also require a planning permit. The type and extent of your renovation determines which approvals you need.

Renovations That Usually DON'T Need a Planning Permit

These minor works typically don't require a planning permit (but may still need a building permit):

Internal renovations, new kitchen, bathroom, or cosmetic updates that don't change the building's external appearance or structure
Like-for-like replacements, replacing windows, cladding, or roofing with the same materials and dimensions
Minor repairs and maintenance, fixing structural damage, repainting, replacing fixtures
Small garden structures, pergolas under 20sqm (check your local rules)

Important Caveat

Even if a planning permit isn't required, you may still need a building permit for any work that affects the structure, plumbing, or electrical systems of the building.

Renovations That Usually DO Need a Planning Permit

Extensions, adding rooms, second storeys, or expanding the building footprint
Significant external changes, new windows facing neighbours, changing the roofline, adding balconies
Heritage properties, almost any external change to a heritage-listed or heritage-overlay property requires a permit (see our heritage exterior restoration drawings in North Melbourne)
Properties in special overlay zones, flood, vegetation, significant landscape, design and development overlays all have specific requirements
Dual occupancy or subdivision, converting a single dwelling to multiple dwellings

Renovations That Need a Building Permit

Almost all structural work requires a building permit, including:

Removing or altering walls (load-bearing or non-load-bearing)
Adding new rooms or extending the building
Changing the use of a room (e.g., garage to habitable room)
New plumbing or drainage work
Electrical work (assessed separately by a licensed electrician)
Deck or verandah construction over a certain size
Swimming pools and spas

How to Check What You Need

1. Check Your Local Council's Website

Most Victorian councils have online guides explaining what requires approval in their municipality. Requirements can vary significantly between councils.

2. Check Your Property's Planning Overlays

Use the Victorian Planning Maps (VicPlan) to check what overlays apply to your property. Heritage overlays, vegetation overlays, and flood overlays all add extra requirements.

3. Ask a Professional

If you're unsure, ask a professional drafter or building surveyor. It's much cheaper to check before you start than to deal with compliance issues after the work is done.

What Happens If You Renovate Without Approval?

Renovating without the required approvals in Victoria can lead to serious consequences:

Council enforcement action, councils can issue stop-work orders and require you to apply retrospectively
Fines, significant penalties apply for building without permits
Demolition orders, in serious cases, councils can require you to remove unapproved work
Insurance issues, your home insurance may not cover unapproved building work
Problems selling, unapproved work must be disclosed and can delay or prevent property sales

The Approval Process for Renovations

If your renovation does require approval, here's what to expect:

Step 1: Site Measure

A professional measures your existing building to create accurate base drawings.

Step 2: Design & Drafting

Your renovation is designed and drawn up as a complete set of council-ready plans.

Step 3: Planning Permit (If Required)

Submit your application to council. Expect 8–16 weeks for assessment.

Step 4: Building Permit

Submit your plans to a building surveyor. Expect 2–4 weeks for assessment.

Step 5: Construction

Once all approvals are in place, construction can begin.

How Arya Designs Can Help

We help homeowners and builders across Victoria navigate the renovation approval process. Our service includes:

Advice on what approvals your project needs
Professional site measures
Complete drawing sets for planning and building permits
Fast turnaround and fixed pricing
Support through the approval process

Whether it's a kitchen extension in Melbourne's inner suburbs or a full renovation in regional Victoria, we produce the drawings you need to get your project approved. If you're specifically renovating a bathroom or kitchen, see our guide on when those renovations need council approval.

Upload Your Plans Today

Not sure what approvals you need? Upload your plans or sketches and we'll assess your project and provide a fixed quote within 24 hours.