Building Surveying Process and Timeframes

Starting work
Building Work must not commence until a Building Permit has been issued by the local Council Permit Authority or a Certificate of Likely Compliance for Notifiable Work from the Building Surveyor.

The Building Start-Work Application and Start-Work Authorisation (form 39) must be issued to the Building Surveyor prior to commencement of any works. A person must not start any building work, or cause or permit any building work under his or her control, to be started before notifying and receiving the unique authorisation number for the work from the Building Surveyor.

Building work must commence within 12 months from the date of the Building Permit being issued or from the date of issue of a Certificate of Likely Compliance for Notifiable Work from the Building Surveyor. Where work has not commenced within this period the permit or certificate will lapse. 

Completion of work
Building work is to be completed within 2 years from the date of the Building Permit or Certificate of Likely Compliance.  If work remains outstanding after the 2 year period a new permit or certificate of likely compliance will be required.

Time extensions
Permit or certificate time extensions can be requested by application but are not guaranteed. Extensions are granted at the sole discretion of the Building Surveyor after inspection of the current works and reviewing the approved documents.

Form 76A - Application for Extension of Duration of Building Permit(PDF, 75KB)
Form 76C - Application for Extension of Duration of Demolition Permit(PDF, 72KB)