Building - Frequently Asked Questions
1. What services does Frankston City Council's Building Department provide?
Services such as issuing building permits, occupancy permits, final inspection certificates, mandatory building inspections, enforcement issues (Building Notices and Orders), place of public entertainment occupancy (POPE) permits and technical advice in accordance with the Building Act 1983 and Building Regulations 2006.
2. What is the difference between Town Planning and Building?
Planning relates to how land is used, managed and protected. Building generally regulates standards of construction.
For more information, please contact Town Planning on 9784 1733 or Building on 9784 1900.
3. When do I need a Building Permit?
Buildings such as carports, verandahs, pergolas, fences, extensions, dwelling alterations, etc. commonly require a building permit in line with State Government legislation.
For further clarification contact the Building Department on 9784 1900 or refer to
Fact Sheet - When do I need a Building Permit?.pdf
4. How long does it take to obtain a Building Permit?
A building permit will be assessed within ten (10) working days of the date of the application being lodged. Processing times to issue a building permit will vary according the amount and quality of information provided, and its compliance with relevant legislation.
5. What information is required to be submitted with a Building Permit application?
Refer to the Building Permit Application Checklist.
6. Where can I build on my allotment?
Refer to the Fact Sheet for Siting Requirements.
7. What are the setback requirements when building a single dwelling on an allotment greater than 300m2 where there are no Town Planning requirements applicable to my allotment?
Refer to the Fact Sheet for Siting Requirements.
It is also recommended to contact the Town Planning Department on 9784 1733 to establish the need for a Town Planning Permit.
8. What is the main criteria for assessing Applications for Report and Consent - Siting Matters?
Compliance with the Minister's guidelines must be demonstrated, in writing, for the specific regulation. Refer to the Fact Sheet on Ministers Guidelines.
9. How do I obtain property information when designing or buying a property/building?
On the Property Information section of the Frankston City Council website.
10. How do I obtain copies of plans and documents relating to my property?
Complete the Application Form for Building Plans and Documents. Please note the processing time is approximately five (5) working days, subject to availability.
11. How do I obtain the contact details of my neighbours?
For protection works notices, report and consent applications or other issues relating to Building Legislation, complete the Application Form for Request for Property Ownership Details.
To obtain adjoining property ownership details for the purpose of common fencing, a request can be made, in writing, by the owner of the property with Frankston Council's Rates & Valuations Department. Request for Owner Details for Fencing Purposes
12. How can I find out how old my property is?
Contact the Rates & Valuations Department on 1300 322 322.
13. Can I view building plans and documents related to an adjoining property or a property that I do not own?
No. In accordance to the Building Regulations 2006 plans and documents relating to a building permit cannot be viewed by anyone, other than the property owner.
Note that, where consent is provided in writing from the property owner, plans and documents can be viewed subject to availability.
14. Why wasn't I consulted about building works occurring on an adjoining allotment?
Pursuant to the Building Regulations 2006 adjoining property owners are not required to be notified of building works, subject to those building works achieving compliance with relevant legislation.
15. Who do I contact in case of an emergency relating to a building or building work?
Frankston City Council's Building Department on 9784 1900 (during office hours) or 1300 322 322 for after hour emergencies.
16. Common fencing issues
Common fencing matters are a civil matter. Where disputes arise, it is recommended that you seek legal advice. Note that Council have no involvement is common fencing matters, where compliance with the siting requirements is achieved.
Should you have any questions or queries regarding boundary fencing disputes, please visit http://www.fencingonline.com.au or if you have questions relating to the siting requirements for a fence, refer to the Fact Sheet on Fencing.
17. How do I get approval for the installation or alteration to a septic tank?
Contact the Health Department on 9768 1317
18. I want to build over an easement, what do I need to do?
Contact the Infrastructure Department on 9784 1884
19. Which Council department processes demolitions under Section 29A of the Building Act 1993)?
Town Planning. town Planning can be contacted on 9784 1733
20. When do I need to get approval for a Place of Public Entertainment (POPE)?
Where a place of public entertainment is substantially enclosed (i.e. by fences) or when an entry fee is charged for the event.
21. How do I get approval to use a public space to carry out building work in a public space?
The building surveyor issuing the Building Permit can provide further information on the application for report and consent relation to public protection or similar.
Note that for protection of public issues relating to works which do not require a Building Permit, or for hoarding permits, you need to contact the Local Laws Department on 9784 1884.
22. Where can I obtain/view the Building Act 1983 and Building Regulations 2006?
Visit http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au.
23. How often does building legislation change?
Building legislation is frequently amended, upgraded or altered. Prior to undertaking building work, it is recommended you contact the Building Department on 9784 1900 during office hours.
24. Who do I consult with if I am unhappy with the building legislation?
The Building Act 1983 and Building Regulations 2006 are State Government legislation. Should tiy be unhappy with the legislative requirements it is recommended you contact your local Member of Parliament.
25. What is Council's Building and Works Code of Conduct?
Council's Building works Code of Conduct is governed by the Infrastructure Deparment. The code was developed to ensure safety on building sites and protect local amenity and the environment. All Building Permits issued as of 1 June 2004 need to comply with the Code
For further information phone Frankston City Council's Asset Protection Officer on 1300 322 322.
26. When do I need asset protection?
Asset Protection is a requirement of Council's Infrastructure Department. For information contact them on 9784 1884.
If you have any further queries relation to Building, please phone 9784 1900 during business hours
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