Building Responsibilities

If you're planning to build or renovate, we recommend discussing your plans with your neighbours. Keeping your neighbours informed about your building and renovations can help avoid problems before, during and after construction. If your building and renovation work complies with all building and planning requirements, you are well on your way to avoiding neighbourly issues.

The Shire has developed a Building and Works Code of Practice to manage the effects of building works within the Shire, support the safety and wellbeing of local communities and protect assets and the environment. To access a copy of the Code of Practice, please see Building and Works Code of Practice(PDF, 77KB). For further information, see Asset Protection.

Building Site Signage and Documents to be on Site

Pursuant to Building Regulation 41(1) the builder named in the building permit must ensure that a copy of the building permit, approved plans and specifications are available for inspection at the allotment while the building work to which the building permit applies is being carried out on that allotment.

Additionally, pursuant to Building Regulation 41(2) the builder named in the building permit must ensure that— 

(a) the following information is displayed on the allotment to which the permit relates in a conspicuous position accessible to the public before the commencement of the building work to which the permit applies (including demolition or removal of a building on the allotment)— 

  1. the registration numbers and contact details of the builder and the relevant building surveyor; 

  2. the building permit number and the date of issue of the permit; and 

(b) the information referred to in paragraph (a) continues to be displayed and remains visible and legible for the duration of the building work.

The signage located at the front of the building site (i.e. site security fencing) displays important information confirming that a building permit is in place for the works being undertaken on site as well as providing important contact information to the public and statutory authorities, including emergency services.

In the case of owner builders, the signage should include contact details of the owner builder, the relevant building surveyor, the building permit number and the date of issue of the permit.

Council undertakes proactive inspections of sites to confirm compliance with the Building Regulations and failure to adhere to the requirements will result in infringement notices being issued to the builder named on the building permit. Please note failure to display the required signage and have a copy of the building permit documents onsite carries an infringement of $322.38 (2 penalty units) for each offence.

Example of required site signage

Builders Name:                         Registration Number: DB-U xxxxx             Contact Number:   

Building Surveyor:                   Registration Number: BS-U xxxxx

Building Permit Number:         Date of issue: xx/xx/xxxx         

Building Site Risks

A private building surveyor oversees the building work throughout the construction process and will determine any public safety precautions necessary before and during building work.

If you are concerned that the works are affecting or undermining your property and you want to discuss protection measures, you can report these concerns to the private building surveyor. The details of the private building surveyor will be displayed on the building site signage.

If you have concerns about the building work presenting a risk to public safety, you can report this to the private building surveyor or you can contact us.

Excavation and Digging

If your building work involves digging or excavation, for example, constructing a fence, driveway or pool, we recommend that you lodge a free enquiry to identify if there are any infrastructure assets within the vicinity of your work, to protect the safety of the people doing the work and to avoid disruption to your services. For more information, see Dial Before you Dig.

Asbestos Removal

Any asbestos removal on commercial building sites or conducted by building contractors must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist. For more information, see Asbestos and Asbestos Removal

Noise and Residential Construction

For information on noise regulations for general residential construction and renovation, see Noise Guidelines During Residential Construction.

Building Disputes

If you are unable to resolve a dispute with your builder, you may be eligible to lodge an application for conciliation services with Domestic Building Dispute Resolution. For more information, see Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria.

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