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AS FROM 1st January 2013 ALL BUILDING & PLUMBING applications are required to be submitted electronically.

(For further information see attached lodgement requirement sheet.)

The following frequently asked questions should provide relevant information to help you with your building application and the building process.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When would I require a building permit?

  2. What are my responsibilities under the Building Act?

  3. What application forms do I need for building works and certificates?

  4. Do I need a permit for temporary structures and for temporary changes of use to a building?

  5. Where can I find information regarding current building issues?

  6. Do I need to use accredited building practitioners for building work?

  7. What are my responsibilities as an owner/builder?

  8. Do I need to maintain essential safety and health features of buildings?

  9. How much will a building permit cost?

  10. What are the changes with the new Water Sewerage Reform?

1. When would I require a building permit?

In most circumstances building work will require a permit from your local Council.  Also please note that your building work may require planning and plumbing permits prior to the granting of your building permit.

It is your responsibility as the property owner to ensure that a building permit is in place prior to commencement of any building work. A building permit may not be required if you can provide certification from a building surveyor that the work consists of minor alterations or repairs.

If you believe a building permit is not required you should seek written confirmation from a building surveyor prior to commencing any works. Please note substantial penalties apply to persons undertaking building work without a permit.

2. What are my responsibilities under the Building Act?

The Building Act 2000, the Building Regulations 2004 and Plumbing Regulations 2004  regulate building and plumbing work in Tasmania. These laws and codes apply to everyone who undertakes building and plumbing work.

Workplace Standards Tasmania (Department of Justice) provides an introduction into the regulation of building and plumbing work in Tasmania.   Further information is available at  www.workplacestandards.tas.gov.au/home.

3. What application forms do I need for building works and certificates?

Supporting the Building Act 2000 and the Building Regulations 2004 are a number of specified forms that standardise applications for building works and required certificates.  Further information is available at  www.workplacestandards.tas.gov.au.

For your convenience the following links provide a quick access to the most commonly requested application forms.

4. Do I need a permit for temporary structures and for temporary changes of use to a building?

A temporary occupancy permit may be required for temporary structures (for example, tents or stages) or for buildings being adapted for occupation or activities that modify its original approval.

If the temporary structure is not exempt you will need to do the following:

  • Contact a building surveyor who will provide you with the appropriate certification.
  • Lodge your application for a temporary occupancy permit.

Please Note -   The application will not be processed until the fee is paid.

5. Where can I find information regarding current building issues?

Advisory notes and news updates are issued to assist in the interpretation of Tasmanian building legislation and to keep the Building Industry informed of developments occurring with the Building Code of Australia and its reference documents.  

Further information is available at  www.workplacestandards.tas.gov.au/home.  

6. Do I need to use accredited building practitioners for building work?

If the building work requires a building permit, and the value of the works exceeds $5000.00, then the contractor responsible for the building work must be an accredited building practitioner. "Building work" includes the design, construction and assessment of the work, and includes demolition.  For further information  visit website  -  http://workplacestandards.tas.gov.au/licensing/accreditation_of_building_practitioners

7. What are my responsibilities as an owner/builder?

Within the building permit process an owner/builder is an owner of a property that takes on the responsibilities of the builder.   To be an owner/builder you need to meet a certain criteria and understand both your obligations and restrictions.  Below are links to the useful information regarding the responsibilities and obligations of being an owenr/builder.

Warning: It is an offence for any person other than an appropriately accredited builder or an owner builder to manage or carry out the work of a builder.  Building work carried out or managed by an owner builder may be subject of an audit by the Director of Building Control.

To find out the full facts about the requirements for owner builders you need to visit the worksplace standards website - http://workplacestandards.tas.gov.au/list?tag=owner%20builders  which includes information and guidelines that all intending owner builders must read before applying for pre-registration.

8.  Do I need to maintain essential safety and health features of buildings?

Buildings other than houses and outbuildings must be maintained to ensure their essential safety and health features. An owner must also publicly display an annual statement that the features and measures have been assessed by an appropriately qualified person and are performing to a standard to which they were originally designed.  Refer to Work Place Standards web site -   www.workplacestandards.tas.gov.au/

9.  How much will a building permit cost?

The cost of a building permit is dependent on the value of works.  As well as the cost of a building permit, you may be required to pay State Government levies.  For more information, see our Building Fees and Charges page.  Building fees and levies are required to be paid when you lodge your building application.  .  

10. Water and Sewerage Reform.

As a result of the water and sewerage reforms the assessment of building and plumbing applications process has changed.  When lodging a building and/or plumbing application you must have a Notice of Exemption or a Certificate of Certifiable Work from Southern Water.

If a building or plumbing application requires a Certificate for Certifiable Work, then Southern Water has to issue a Water and Sewerage Compliance Certificate before Council can issue a Certificate of Completion.

To contact Southern Water telephone 136 992 or visit their website.

Customer Service Centre

16 Elizabeth St, Hobart
Office Hours: Mon–Fri 8.15am–5.15pm
Telephone (03) 6238 2711
Email hcc@hobartcity.com.au

Postal address

Town Hall, Macquarie St
GPO Box 503
Hobart Tasmania 7001