Difference between planning and building permits

The planning permit and building permit systems operate under different legislation – the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the Building Act 1993 – and are two very different processes.

Generally, planning is concerned with the land - the way it will be used and/or developed, whereas building is concerned with the actual construction - its quality and its safety.

Planning permits are the approval of "what" you wish to do and "where" you want to do it. They give approval for the use and/or development of land for a specific proposal.

• Planning permits are issued by local Councils
• Planning permits ensure the development complies with local and State Government regulations
• Planning permits give authorisation for a use or development on a particular piece of land.

Building permits authorise the construction or alteration of a building/s, focusing on its structural safety and amenity.

• Building permits are issued by local Councils or a private building surveyor
• Building permits approve and allow building projects to proceed
• Building permits ensure the building regulations are followed
• Building permits ensure key structural stages of the project are independently inspected.

When both a planning permit and a building permit are required for a proposal, then the planning permit must be approved and issued before the building permit can be. The building permit must be consistent with the planning permit.