Before construction can begin on any building project in Geelong, you need a building permit. And before you can get a building permit, you need a complete set of building permit drawings that meet Victorian building regulations.
Building Permit vs Planning Permit — What's the Difference?
Many Geelong homeowners confuse these two approvals:
- Planning permit — deals with land use, density, appearance, and neighbourhood character. Assessed under the Geelong Planning Scheme by the City of Greater Geelong.
- Building permit — deals with structural safety, fire safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency. Assessed under the National Construction Code (NCC) by a registered building surveyor.
Your project may need one, both, or neither depending on the scope of work.
What Drawings Are Required for a Building Permit?
A complete building permit application typically includes:
Architectural Drawings
- Site plan — property boundaries, setbacks, existing and proposed buildings, north point, contours
- Floor plans — all levels showing room sizes, window and door openings, fixtures
- Elevations — all four sides showing external finishes, roof pitch, window styles
- Sections — cutting through the building to show construction details, ceiling heights, footing depths
- Roof plan — roof shape, fall directions, gutter and downpipe locations
Engineering Drawings
- Structural plans — slab and footing details, column and beam locations
- Bracing plans — wind load resistance design
- Connection details — how structural elements join together
Additional Documentation
- Energy rating report — 6 Star or higher energy efficiency compliance (NatHERS assessment)
- Stormwater drainage plan — legal point of discharge and stormwater management
- Specifications — written document describing materials, finishes, and construction methods
- Soil report — geotechnical investigation for footing design
Who Prepares Building Permit Drawings?
Building permit drawings can be prepared by:
- Registered architects — full service including design, documentation, and construction oversight
- Building designers — experienced in residential documentation
- Draftspersons — CAD technicians who produce drawings under direction
At ZA Architects, our architectural engineering background means structural and architectural documentation is integrated from the start — reducing coordination issues and costly amendments.
How Much Do Building Permit Drawings Cost in Geelong?
- Simple renovation or extension: $3,000–$8,000
- New single dwelling: $10,000–$25,000
- Complex custom home: $20,000–$50,000+
These fees typically include architectural drawings, specifications, and coordination with engineers. The building surveyor's fee and council levies are additional.
Building Permit Process Timeline
- Design and documentation — 4–12 weeks depending on complexity
- Engineering design — 2–4 weeks (done in parallel with documentation)
- Building surveyor review — 1–3 weeks
- Permit issuance — once all requirements are satisfied
Total time from start of design to receiving your building permit is typically 8–16 weeks for a standard residential project.
Common Mistakes That Delay Permits
- Incomplete or inconsistent drawings (missing dimensions, unclear details)
- Energy rating below 6 Star standard
- Stormwater design that doesn't meet council requirements
- Structural design not appropriate for site conditions
- Missing or incorrect specifications
Get Your Building Permit Drawings Prepared Professionally
Investing in professional building permit documentation saves time, money, and stress. Contact ZA Architects for a quote on your Geelong building project.