How Much Does A Building Permit Cost? [2024]

You’ll need a building permit for any sort of construction project in Australia. When it comes to building permit costs, there are a few factors that are involved in the final price. This article gives you a detailed breakdown of all the building permit costs you should be thinking about, as well as some handy tips on getting your permit approved as fast as possible. 

• How much does a building permit cost? 
• What factors impact building permit costs?
• Why do I need to get a building permit?
• How can I apply for a building permit?
• Helpful tips for the building permit application process 
• Questions to ask a building permit specialist

How much does a building permit cost? 

Depending on where you are around Australia, your building permit cost will vary quite widely – especially when you start to look at the type of building/construction work you need done (i.e. the size of the project), the number of tradies you’ll need on-site, how long you’ll need them for, and any unique requirements of your project. Plus, you’ll have to get your local council on side to approve your permit.

To give you some ballpark cost estimates, here’s a general cost breakdown:

• Lodgement fee: Approximately $120 – $140 depending on your council
• Dwelling additions: Minimum fee of approximately $1,350; minimum fee of approximately $2,500 for single dwelling; minimum fee of approximately $3,700 for multiple dwellings
• Extension of time for building permit: Approximately $250 – $300
• State government levy: In Victoria, for example, the levy is $1.28 per $1,000 if the cost of work is more than $10,000 (for both domestic and commercial projects)

These prices can vary significantly based on factors like your local council (which we cover further below). For this reason, it’s important to do your research for expected costs in your specific area. There may also be additional fees for administration and technical services, including:

• Staging of permits
• Additional inspection or re-inspections
• Non-mandatory inspection
• Amendment to building permit – minor and major
• Performance solutions – amenity, access or fire-safety matters
• Partial compliance exemption – amenity, access or fire-safety matters

What factors impact building permit costs? 

Project type 

The cost of building permits may also depend on the type of your building job. For example:

• Minor residential building jobs up to $10,000: Usually involve fewer inspections and simpler documentation requirements. Minor building jobs can include small home renovations, decks, sheds and carports
• Major building jobs over $10,000: Typically need more detailed planning and probably more than one inspection, which will increase the cost. Major building jobs can include new home constructions, major renovations and extensions
• Commercial building jobs: These projects demand special permits and compliance with additional safety regulations. Examples of commercial builds include new commercial buildings, large-scale renovations of existing offices and industrial constructions. 

State and local council

Building permit costs can also vary by state and local council due to differing regulations and fee structures. There’s no set figure for each area, as there are different costs for:

• Building contractor licence
• Trade or specialist contractor licence
• Trade or specialist work qualified supervisor certificate
• Tradesperson certificate
• Owner-builder permit

Building in Victoria, for example, might cost more or less than New South Wales – or any other state or territory for that matter. The bottom line is that the amount you pay for a building permit will depend entirely on your project and where you are located.

Other cost factors to consider

To get the most accurate quote for the total cost of getting a building permit for your project, you’ll want to think about the following things: 

• Project size: Larger projects need more extensive reviews and inspections, which means a higher cost overall
• Complexity: Challenging projects with unique architectural features or structural complexities can lead to higher fees
• Compliance and documentation: There are costs associated with preparing and submitting detailed plans, compliance reports and other necessary paperwork
• Inspections: There are also fees for mandatory inspections during and after construction to ensure compliance with building codes

It’s important to consult with your local council and hire a building professional to get the most accurate cost estimate for your building permit. 

Why do I need to get a building permit?

While you may think that it’s just another step in your building job, building permits are important because: 

• They ensure your build complies with local building codes and regulations, so the threat of legal issues is greatly reduced
• They provide safety to your workers, and regulates the quality of your build
• Properly permitted projects can boost the value of your property and give peace of mind to future buyers
• They also help you avoid fines and penalties for unauthorised construction

How can I apply for a building permit?

The application process for a building permit can seem daunting if you don’t know where to start - so we’re here to help. The process to apply for a building permit will often look something like this: 

• Speak to your local council: Check with your local council to understand the exact requirements and fees for your proposed project. Each council will have different regulations and processes (and fees), so you’ll need to collect all the relevant info before starting your application
• Prepare the paperwork: Get all the necessary documentation together, including detailed plans, compliance reports, architectural drawings, engineering reports and environmental impact statements
• Submit your application: Lodge your application along with the supporting paperwork and then pay the fee to your local council. Make sure all your forms are filled out accurately
• Review and approval: The council will review your application, which might involve inspections and some extra documentation – but hopefully not. They will check for compliance with local building codes and regulations, and might also request changes to your proposal
• Get your permit: Once approved, you’ll receive your building permit and be able to start construction. Just be sure to keep the permit on-site while construction is happening – and of course make your building team comply with all conditions outlined in the permit

Helpful tips for the building permit-approval process

Worried that the building-permit process will be a little overwhelming? You’re not alone, so here are some tips to help you manage the process with ease:

• Start the permit application process early to avoid any possible delays in your project timeline. Building permits can take several weeks or even months for approval
• Hire an architect or building consultant to help prepare your paperwork and to stay on top of compliance with local regulations.
• Keep up-to-date with any changes in building codes and permit requirements in your area, as regulations can change more often than you think. This information is usually available through your local council
• Include permit fees in your project budget so you aren’t hit by unexpected costs. This includes plan assessments, inspections and more
• There’s no harm in following up, so check on the status of your application and respond straight away to any requests for extra information

Questions to ask if you need a building permit specialist

If you’re  time-poor or don’t want to deal with the administrative requirements of getting a building permit, there are tradies out there who can take care of the building permit application process for you. Whether it’s your architect, builder or another business entirely, here are a few building permit related questions to ask before hiring them:

• What specific documentation will I need to submit for my building permit application?
• How long does the building permit approval process typically take in my area?
• Are there any common reasons why permit applications are rejected, and how can we avoid them?
• How much should I be budgeting for the building permit for my project?
• Can you help take care of any changes to plans if the council requests it?

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide are simply estimates, and should be used for informational purposes only. To get accurate building permit costs, please consult your local council or tradie.