Do You Need Council Approval for Your Renovation?

Have you been thinking about changing your home, but feel unsure whether you need to “talk to council” first? Maybe you’ve heard stories about people getting fined, delayed, or asked to undo work because they didn’t have the right approvals. It can feel confusing and a bit scary. The truth is, some renovations in Australia do need council approval or building permits, and some don’t.  It depends on what you’re changing, how big the work is, and the rules in your local area. Understanding the basics before you start can save you stress, time, and money later.

Let’s understand in simple terms when council approval for renovation is usually required, what Australian building permits are, and how you can navigate the process so your project runs smoothly and stays within the rules.

When do you usually need council approval for a renovation?

Council rules can change from area to area in Australia, but there are some common situations where you often need approval or a building permit. Think of it like this: the bigger the change to the structure or layout, the more likely you’ll need permission.

1. When you change the size or shape of your home

You will usually need council approval or a building permit if you:

• Add an extension (an extra room, a bigger living area, or a new wing).
• Add a second storey or build a basement under an existing house.
• Enclose a balcony, verandah, or garage to make it part of your living space.

These types of changes affect the structure, the home's exterior appearance, and sometimes how close you are to your boundary. That’s why the council needs to review and approve the plans.

2. When you make structural changes to walls, roof, or floors

Even if the outside of your house looks the same, you may still need approval if you:

• Remove or change load-bearing walls.
• Widen doorways or create big openings between rooms.
• Change the roof structure (e.g., installing large skylights or altering the roof shape).

Structural work affects the strength and safety of your home, so it is usually subject to building regulations. This is where building permits and engineering sign-off often come in.

3. When you add major outdoor structures

Some outdoor projects also need approval, especially if they’re large or close to boundaries. You may need council permission or a building permit for:

• Large decks, especially if they’re raised off the ground above a certain height.
• Pergolas or covered outdoor areas attached to the house.
• Significant retaining walls (for example, over a certain height or supporting a slope).
• New garages, carports, sheds, or granny flats.
• Swimming pools and spas (including safety fencing).

Each council has its own size and height limits for what can be done without formal approval, so it’s always worth checking before you start.

4. When your property is in a special area (heritage, bushfire, flood, etc.)

Even small changes may require additional approvals if your home is in a special zone. You may face stricter rules if your property is:

• Heritage listed or in a heritage overlay.
• In a bushfire-prone area.
• In a flood or coastal zone.

In these cases, the council may want to look closely at materials, colours, and design details to protect the area's character and manage risk.

How to navigate the council approval and permit process?

The process doesn’t have to be scary if you take it step by step and get the right help.

1. Ask early 

Before you get too far into your renovation, it’s wise to ask, “Will I need council approval or a building permit for this?”

You can:

• Talk to your local council’s planning or building team.
• Ask your designer, architect, or renovation consultant.

Checking early helps you avoid designing something that can’t be approved or needs big changes later.

2. Work with professionals who know the rules

Instead of trying to learn every regulation yourself, you can lean on people who deal with this every day. Professional companies have:

• Designers and draftspersons who prepare plans to council standards.
• Engineers for structural work when needed.
• Certifiers and council officers for approvals and inspections.

They can flag potential issues early and design your renovation to fit within local rules as much as possible.

3. Understand the two main types of approvals

In many parts of Australia, you’ll come across two key ideas:

• Planning approvals/development approvals – about how the building looks and fits on the land (height, boundaries, overshadowing, etc.).
  
  
• Building permits/building approvals – about safety and construction (structure, fire safety, drainage, etc.).

Some projects need both; some may need one; a few small works may be exempt. Your renovation team can explain which applies to your project.

4. Prepare clear plans and documents

Council and building surveyors need enough detail to say “yes” with confidence. This usually includes:

• Scaled drawings (existing and proposed).
• Site plans showing boundaries and neighbouring properties.
• Structural details were needed.
• Specifications for materials and key systems.

When you work with professionals, they help pull these together so you’re not guessing what’s required.

Let Refresh handle the council side, so you can focus on your home

Dealing with council approvals and building permits can feel confusing, but it doesn’t have to stop your renovation plans. 

Refresh Renovations Australia can help you determine whether your project requires council approval, design your renovation to comply with local rules, prepare the paperwork, and speak with council or certifiers on your behalf. 

If you’re considering renovating but unsure about approvals, get in touch with Refresh Renovations AU.