Building Permit Costs

Building Permit Costs – Melbourne & Victoria

Building permit costs in Melbourne and regional Victoria vary significantly depending on the local council, the type of construction, and whether private surveyors are involved. Here’s an overview of the different pricing structures.

For Melbourne, our full plans and permit services can be found at Verandah & Deck Building Permits Melbourne.

Building Permit Costs by Council

Melbourne Councils

City of Melbourne

  • Fees vary based on the type and value of work.
  • For example, a basic building permit application fee starts around $900 for domestic applications.

Knox City Council

  • Domestic building permit applications are approximately $900 (including GST).
  • Industrial and commercial permits are exempt from GST.

Whitehorse City Council

  • A building report for existing buildings costs around $618.
  • Fees for amendments or extensions to building reports start at $2137.

Regional Councils in Victoria

Alpine Shire Council

  • The lodgement fee is $134.40.
  • A state government levy of $1.28 per $1,000 applies if the project cost exceeds $10,000. The total permit fee is determined by project complexity and inspection requirements, often requiring a competitive quote.

Victorian Building Authority (VBA)

  • The VBA imposes a building permit levy based on the value of construction. For example, projects exceeding $10,000 incur a levy calculated at a rate dependent on the total cost.

General Fee Structure

  • For projects valued at:
    • Up to $10,000: No levy
    • $10,001 to $100,000: Approximately $694
    • Over $100,000: Fees increase proportionally.

Costs from Private Surveyors

Private surveyors may charge additional fees for their services, which can include:

  • Lodgement Fees: Similar to council fees but may vary.
  • Inspection Fees: Charged per inspection; these can range from $200 to over $500 depending on the complexity and location of the project.
  • Additional Services: Costs for amendments or compliance assessments can also apply.

Summary of Building Permit Costs

Council/AuthorityLodgement FeeAdditional Fees
City of MelbourneFrom $900Varies by project
Knox City CouncilApprox. $900GST exempt for industrial/commercial
Whitehorse City Council$618 (report only)Starts at $213 for amendments
Alpine Shire Council$134.40State levy: $1.28 per $1,000 over $10k
Victorian Building AuthorityVariesBased on project value

Council Websites

Here’s an expanded list of council websites for various local councils in Melbourne and regional Victoria, providing resources for building permits and other local services:

Melbourne Councils

Regional Councils in Victoria

Additional Resources

For a comprehensive list of all councils in Victoria, including their contact details and services, you can refer to:

This expanded list provides valuable resources for anyone looking to navigate the building permit process across various councils in Melbourne and regional Victoria.