Understanding Melbourne’s permit requirements and why they protect your investment
Many homeowners see permits as red tape, but they’re actually protection for your investment and family safety. Here’s what permits are required for renovations in Melbourne’s South East suburbs and why they matter.
Building permits are required for most renovation work in Victoria under the Building Act 1993 and Building Regulations 2018. All building work requires a building permit unless specifically exempted.
When You Need a Building Permit
- Structural changes or alterations
- Adding or relocating wet areas
- Installing new windows or external doors
- Major renovations over $10,000
- Any work affecting waterproofing
- Installing new plumbing or electrical circuits
Building Permit Costs (Melbourne SE, 2025)
Basic building permit
$900-$1,200
State Government Levy
$1.28 per $1,000
building surveyor fees
$500-$1,200
Inspection fees
$200-$400
All plumbing work in Victoria must be performed by licensed plumbers and comply with AS/NZS 3500 standards.
Plumbing Work Requiring Permits
- Installing new plumbing fixtures
- Relocating water supply or waste pipes
- Connecting to sewer or water mains
- Installing backflow prevention devices
- Hot water system installation
Plumbing Standards in Melbourne SE
Key compliance requirements include:
- Minimum 150mm clearance around toilets
- Proper grading for waste pipes (1:40 minimum)
- Backflow prevention where required
- Water efficiency standards (WELS ratings)
- Proper ventilation for waste pipes
Plumbing Compliance Costs
Plumbing Permit
$200-$400
Compliance Certificate
Included with licensed plumber
Backflow testing
$150-$300
Water Meter Connection
$200-$500
All electrical work must be performed by licensed electricians and comply with AS/NZS 3000 (Australian Wiring Rules).
Electrical Work Requiring Permits
- Installing new electrical circuits
- Adding power points or light fixtures
- Upgrading switchboards or meters
- Installing exhaust fans or heating
- Any bathroom electrical work
Electrical Compliance Costs
Electrical Permit
$150-$350
Certificate of Electrical Safety
Included with licensed plumber
Switchboard upgrade
$1,200-$2,500
RCD Protection
$200-$500
Bathroom Electrical Safety Requirements
Bathrooms have specific electrical safety zones:
- Zone 0: Inside bath or shower (no electrical equipment)
- Zone 1: Above bath/shower to 2.25m height
- Zone 2: 0.6m around bath/shower
- All circuits must have RCD protection
- IP44 rated fittings in wet areas
Electrical Safety Warning
DIY electrical work in bathrooms is illegal and extremely dangerous. Only licensed electricians can perform this work, and it must be certified for safety and insurance compliance.
All gas work must be performed by licensed gas fitters and comply with AS/NZS 5601.
Gas Work Requiring Permits
- Installing gas hot water systems
- Connecting gas heating or cooktops
- Relocating gas lines
- Installing gas barbecue connections
- Any modification to gas installations
Gas Compliance Costs
Gas Permit
$100-$250
Gas Compliance Certificate
Included with licensed gas fitter
Gas Leak Testing
$150-$300
Meter connection/reconnection
$200-$400
Melbourne’s South East councils have varying requirements. Here are the main councils we work with:
City of Casey
- Building permit fees start at $900
- Planning permits may be required for extensions
- Heritage overlays affect some areas
City of Greater Dandenong
- Strict requirements for multi-unit developments
- Environmental overlays in some areas
- Additional inspections may be required
Frankston City Council
- Coastal building requirements
- Vegetation protection overlays
- Specific stormwater requirements
Permits aren’t just bureaucracy – they provide real protection:
Safety Protection
- Ensures work meets safety standards
- Prevents electrical fires and gas leaks
- Protects against water damage
- Ensures structural integrity
Financial Protection
- Insurance coverage for properly permitted work
- Property value protection
- Compliance certificates for resale
- Warranty protection
Legal Protection
- Compliance with building codes
- Protection from council fines
- No delays during property sale
- Professional indemnity coverage
Risks of Unpermitted Work
Unpermitted work can result in: council fines and orders, insurance claims being denied, difficulty selling property, safety risks to family, and costly rectification work to bring up to standard.
Understanding permit timelines helps plan your renovation:
