Council to withdraw from issuing building permits

Published on 04 April 2024

Gannawarra Shire Council has made the difficult decision to permanently cease providing the service of issuing building permits, which are required for all major projects, including new homes, home extensions, garages and commercial projects.

Council announced last month it had suspended accepting building permit applications, whilst reviewing its Building department’s current level of service.

With this review complete, Council will seek approval from the Minister for Planning to cease providing the service of issuing building permits.

“Council’s decision to no longer accept building permit applications is not uncommon, with more than 90 per cent of these permits processed within Victoria now carried out by private certifiers,” Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“This decision is not uncommon for rural municipalities, with neighbouring councils either unable to attract applicants for Municipal Building Surveyors or opting to cease issuing building permits.

“The building industry has access to private certifiers in the area, and we will be advising residents and project managers who regularly access this service through Council regarding the new arrangements.”

Building permits currently under the Council's management will proceed with minimal delays and be processed according to permit conditions.

Council’s decision to withdraw from accepting building permits will not impact its statutory building functions, which includes report and consent applications, providing building information certificates, enforcing compliance with the regulations, investigating suspected non-compliance with the Building Act 1993 and utilising emergency powers to protect public safety.

Residents and project managers seeking private building surveyors for their projects are encouraged to visit www.vba.vic.gov.au/tools/find-practitioner or www.aibs.com.au