How Long Does It Take to Get a Building Permit?
In Victoria, all commercial buildings, including industrial sheds and warehouses, require planning approval and a building permit. Similarly, in NSW, you'll typically need two permits—development approval (DA) and a construction certificate (CC). In some cases, you may streamline this process in NSW by obtaining a CDC (complying development certificate), which combines both approvals.
Your first step should be consulting with a private building certifier to help you navigate the process.
In this guide,
Shane walks us through the requirements and timelines for building permits across our primary regions—Victoria and NSW.
CONTENTS
The Commercial Building Permit Approval Process
IN BRIEF
- In Victoria, planning approval can take 1 month to over a year, while building permits typically take 1 to 4 months.
- In NSW, a DA can range from 1 month to a year, and a CC takes around 1 to 4 months. However, a CDC may streamline this process.
At Steelcorp, we specialise in guiding clients through these processes for commercial and industrial buildings, including industrial sheds and warehouses.
Permits Required for Construction in Victoria
How Long Does Planning Approval Take in Victoria?
The first approval for a new industrial shed or industrial building in Victoria is the planning approval (PP).
This approval ensures your project complies with local council regulations, including:
- Future planning schemes
- Zoning and appearance rules
- Traffic flow and car park requirements
- Drainage and retention impacts on council assets
The time frame varies depending on the project’s complexity and council workload. Planning approval can take as little as 1 month or more than a year.
Pro Tip: Secure planning approval before engaging suppliers or contractors to avoid pricing fluctuations during the approval process.
How Long Does a Building Permit Take in Victoria?
The building permit delves deeper into construction details, ensuring compliance with Australian standards and building codes.
To obtain a building permit, you’ll need to submit your application to a surveyor along with:
- Drainage and civil engineering plans
- Structural engineering details
- Compliant architectural drawings
- Additional reports or supporting documents
Due to high industry demand, permits can take 1 to 4 months. While waiting, you can finalise plans and pricing to keep your warehouse project moving.
Building Permits in NSW
How Long Does a Development Approval Take in NSW?
The DA is the initial approval for projects like industrial sheds or warehouses. It ensures compliance with council schemes, zoning overlays, traffic flow, and drainage requirements.
The time frame for a DA ranges from 1 month to a year, depending on the complexity of your steel construction services.
Can You Skip the DA and CC with a CDC?
The CC focuses on detailed engineering and building plans, confirming compliance with the Building Code and council requirements. This step usually takes 1 to 4 months.
Can you skip the DA and CC and just get a CDC?
A CDC can streamline the process by combining the DA and CC. While not all projects qualify, working with a certifier can help determine if this option applies to your industrial building.
"If you get a Section 10.7 planning certificate for your property from the council for a small fee, and give this to your certifier along with your plans of the proposed build, the certifier can determine if a CDC can be done or not."
- Shane Barker, Steelcorp
Expert Advice for Industrial and Commercial Building Approvals
Navigating the permit process can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Steelcorp’s experienced team is here to support you at every stage. From initial approvals to construction completion, we help ensure your industrial steel building project is seamless.
Why Choose Steelcorp?
- Expertise in industrial steel buildings
- Reliable guidance through permits and approvals
- High-quality designs tailored to your needs
Speak to our design consultants about your project. Whether you’re planning an industrial shed or a large-scale warehouse project, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to start your journey.
