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When building, renovating or extending your home it is important to know that your local council will play a big part in the process, particularly in the initial stages, when applying for permits, but also during construction, to ensure council regulations are adhered to.
One permit that you should aware of is the Asset Protection Permit. This permit is required to ensure that public assets and infrastructure, i.e. footpaths, nature strips, drains, roads, laneways are not damaged as the result of building works.
You need to apply for the permit before your project starts and your application will include the plan/s showing details of Building Works.
The permit fee is non-refundable, varies from council to council and is based on the cost of your project. A council officer will inspect the area surrounding the property prior to and post construction, assessing for damage.
In addition to the permit fee, a security bond is required, which is based on the likely costs of repairing potential damage to public assets arising from the building works. This also varies between councils.
If it is determined no damaged has been caused by the building works the security bond will be refunded. Costs to rectify any damaged caused will be deducted from the security bond or charged to the applicant if security bond is insufficient to cover costs.
Penalties can be issued by councils if asset protection permit is not obtained.