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. The local council assesses zoning, setbacks, overshadowing, streetscape, and neighbourhood character.
Building Approval
Confirms the design meets construction standards. A qualified building surveyor or certifier reviews the plans against the National Construction Code (NCC) for structural compliance, energy efficiency (NatHERS), and other technical requirements.
The exact pathway through these two stages depends on how closely your chosen design aligns with
your state's planning rules.
AT A GLANCE
How the Approval Process Differs by State
| State/Territory | Planning Approval | Building Approval | Process Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Planning Permit | Building Permit | Planning Permit first then Building Permit |
| New South Wales | Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC) | Construction Certificate (CC) + Occupation Certificate (OC) | CDC (if compliant) or DA first then CC then OC |
| Queensland | Development Approval (DA) | Building Approval | DA first then Building Approval |
| Western Australia | Development Approval (DA) | Building Permit | DA first then Building Permit |
| South Australia | Development Approval (DA) | Building Rules Consent | DA first then Building Rules Consent |
| Tasmania | Planning Permit | Building Permit | Planning Permit first then Building Permit |
| ACT | Development Approval | Building Approval | DA first then Building Approval |
| Northern Territory | Development Approval | Building Permit | DA first then Building Permit |
IN DETAIL
The Process, State by State
Click 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 a qualified planning consultant before submitting an application.
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