Building Permits, Approvals and the Role of the Building Surveyor
The permit system
A building permit is required before building work commences, with limited exemptions. Understand what a permit application must contain: plans and specifications, owner details, nominated registered builder, and, where required, planning approval, report and consent for siting matters, and domestic building insurance. Know the categories of work that are exempt and the conditions attaching to exemptions.
The building surveyor
The building surveyor is the statutory decision-maker who assesses applications and issues permits. Key concepts: the surveyor may be municipal or private; the surveyor must be registered for the class and value of work; and the surveyor must act independently. The surveyor can impose conditions, request further information, refuse a permit, and must not approve work that cannot comply.
Traps
A frequent trap is confusing planning approval with building approval - they are separate processes. Another is assuming the builder can self-certify the permit - the builder applies, but the surveyor decides. Also watch for questions implying the surveyor designs the work; the surveyor assesses, not designs. Time limits for deciding applications and for commencing work after issue are commonly tested.
Rule of thumb
Ask: who decides? The surveyor. Who builds? The registered builder. Who consents? The owner. If a question blurs these, re-read for the decision-maker.
Worked example
An owner applies for a permit without a builder nominated. The surveyor cannot issue a permit that requires a nominated builder until one is appointed, unless the owner is doing the work as an owner-builder with the required consent.