Planning & Building
Approvals Guide
How planning and building approvals work across Australia, state by state,
for independently designed houses.
Two Main Approval Stages
Australia has two main approval stages for custom homes:
Planning Approval
Confirms the design suits its location, assessing zoning, setbacks, overshadowing, streetscape and neighbourhood character. It's usually assessed by council, and depending on your state and site, may not be needed at all.
Building Approval
Confirms the design meets construction standards. A private building surveyor or certifier reviews the plans against the National Construction Code (NCC) for structural compliance, the energy report, and other technical requirements.
The exact pathway through these two stages depends on your state, your site, and how closely your chosen design meets the local planning rules.
AT A GLANCE
How the Approval Process Differs by State and Territory
| State/Territory | Planning Approval | Building Approval | Process Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Planning Permit | Building Permit | Planning Permit (if required), then Building Permit |
| New South Wales | Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC) | Construction Certificate (CC) + Occupation Certificate (OC) | CDC then OC (if compliant), or DA then CC then OC |
| Queensland | Development Approval (DA) | Building Approval | DA (if required), then Building Approval |
| Western Australia | Development Approval (DA) | Building Permit | DA (if required), then Building Permit |
| South Australia | Planning Consent | Building Consent | Planning Consent (if required), then Building Consent, then Development Approval |
| Tasmania | Planning Permit | Building Permit or Certificate of Likely Compliance | Planning Permit (if required), then Building Permit or Certificate of Likely Compliance |
| ACT | Development Approval | Building Approval | Development Approval (if required), then Building Approval |
| Northern Territory | Development Permit | Building Permit | Development Permit (if required), then Building Permit |
IN DETAIL
The Process, State by State
Select each state to expand the detailed approval process.
This guide is general information only, not legal or planning advice. Approval requirements vary by council, locality, and project type, and can change without notice. Always confirm requirements with your local council, a registered building surveyor or certifier, or a qualified planning consultant before submitting an application.
Last reviewed October 2026
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