You will require this permit if you intend to undertake building or development work. This includes any construction, alteration, removal or demolition of any new or old building or structure.
For example, any work to sheds, carports, garages, fences, masts, antennas, pergolas, verandahs, retaining walls, stairways, re-blocking, re-stumping, re-roofing, signs, swimming pools and spas, door or window installation, sub-flooring, bathroom and kitchen renovations and the like.
As part of the permit approval, you may be required to submit management plans that describe how you intend to deal with things like waste, flooding, termite risk, or trees and vegetation.
A building permit has commencement (6 - 12 months) and completion (6 - 36 months) time limits that will apply depending on the nature of the building works.
Exemptions to this permit exist for minor structures and may depend on such things as size, nature and type of work proposed. Examples of exemptions include some pergolas associated with houses, garden sheds with a floor area less than 10m2 and repair work done for maintenance purposes, such as replacing rotted weatherboards.
Please consult Municipal or Private Building Surveyor for further information specific to your municipality.