Do all renovations need council approval?

No. Many small jobs don't, but larger or structural work, pools, decks, demolition and work on heritage properties commonly do. Rules vary by state and council, so check before starting.

Who is responsible for getting approval — the homeowner or the tradie?

It varies by state and by job. It's often shared or agreed between the owner and the builder, so make it clear in your quote or contract who applies and who pays fees.

What happens if work is done without approval?

Consequences can include stop-work orders, fines, and being required to modify or remove the work. It can also cause problems when selling or insuring the property.

How do I find out what my council requires?

Check your council's website or contact its planning or building team with a description of your project. They can tell you what applies to your property.

Guide

Council regulations and approvals for building and renovation work

Before a renovation or building job begins, it's worth knowing whether it needs approval from your council or another authority. This guide explains the basics, what to ask your tradie, and where to get a definite answer for your property.

Last updated 20 September 2026

Why approvals exist

Approval requirements exist to keep buildings safe, protect neighbours and the character of an area, and make sure work meets minimum standards. Skipping a required approval can lead to stop-work orders, fines, having to modify or remove work, and problems when you sell or insure the property.

What kinds of work may need approval?

The details depend on where you live, but the following are commonly assessed by councils or other authorities:

Extensions, second storeys and structural changes
Decks, pergolas, carports and other outdoor structures
Swimming pools and spas, including safety barriers
Fences, retaining walls and work near boundaries
Demolition
Work on heritage-listed properties or in heritage or overlay areas
Removing or pruning protected or significant trees
Changing how a property is used, such as running a business from home

Smaller jobs like repainting, replacing a like-for-like fixture or some minor repairs often don't need approval — but not always, so check when in doubt.

Types of approval

The names and processes differ by state, but there are usually two broad ideas: planning approval, which looks at whether the proposal suits the land and area, and building approval, which checks that the construction meets building standards. Some smaller projects can go through a faster pathway. Your council or state planning authority can tell you which applies.

How to find out what you need

Check your local council's website for guidance on the type of work you're planning.
Contact the council's planning or building team and describe the project.
If you're in a strata or community-title property, check your owners corporation's rules as well.
Check whether your property has any heritage listing, overlay or restriction.
Ask your tradie or builder what approvals they expect, and who will apply.

Who applies — you or your tradie?

This varies. Sometimes the owner applies, sometimes the builder or another professional does. Agree this up front and put it in writing in your quote or contract, along with who pays any fees and who is responsible if approval is delayed.

Tips for homeowners

Confirm approvals before work starts, not after
Ask for copies of approvals and any completion paperwork, and keep them safe
Allow time — approvals can take longer than the work itself
Talk to neighbours early if work affects a shared boundary

Tips for tradies

Don't assume a job is exempt — check with the council when unsure
State clearly in your quote whether approvals are included and who lodges them
Build approval time into your schedule and let the customer know about possible delays
Keep records of approvals and inspections for each job

Frequently asked questions

Do all renovations need council approval?: No. Many small jobs don't, but larger or structural work, pools, decks, demolition and work on heritage properties commonly do. Rules vary by state and council, so check before starting.
Who is responsible for getting approval — the homeowner or the tradie?: It varies by state and by job. It's often shared or agreed between the owner and the builder, so make it clear in your quote or contract who applies and who pays fees.
What happens if work is done without approval?: Consequences can include stop-work orders, fines, and being required to modify or remove the work. It can also cause problems when selling or insuring the property.
How do I find out what my council requires?: Check your council's website or contact its planning or building team with a description of your project. They can tell you what applies to your property.