Unauthorised Structures – I have built a structure without approval, what are my options?

If you have constructed a building or erected a structure and have found out a Building Permit was not in place or did not even know it was required do not stress, there are still options to obtain approval through one of our building surveyors…

It is important to establish whether your building or structure will require Development (Planning) Approval. If you are not familiar with local planning schemes as well as state and local planning policies, it is best to contact the council directly and request the information in writing.

Once a development application has been determined to be exempt or required and the approval has been submitted and granted you are now ready for the building or structure to be certified. Planning Approval is generally obtained prior to a building surveyor completing their certification, however, Specialised Building Solutions are committed to providing a holistic approval service so can assist with the submission of Development Applications.

Most unauthorised buildings or structures will require a structural engineer to inspect and provide a certification report or a list of remedial works to be completed before certification is provided. Please note the structural engineers’ certification is not the final certification stage in the process and should not be confused with a BA18 Certificate of Building Compliance. Before you can lodge a retrospective building application with the council a registered building surveyor will need to review the engineers’ report, complete an assessment with all other applicable building standards and usually will also need to inspect the building or structure.

Once a Certificate of Building Compliance has been issued you may lodge the required application to obtain retrospective building approval from the council or permit authority.

If you would like more information on unauthorised structures and obtaining retrospective approval, please contact one of our accredited building surveyors on 0411 648 159 or via e-mail at admin@specialisedbuildingsolutions.com

Please see our FAQ on our Certificate of Building Compliance service for further information.

Benefits of using SBS

The team at SBS are committed to the
highest quality service, therefore all services
include the below benefits;

  • Free Amendments
  • Quick Turnarounds
  • Expert advice from a Registered Builder
  • Streamlined retrospective approvals
  • Complete Certification Packages
  • 35 years industry experience

Get a quote today

  • Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, zip, rar, Max. file size: 32 MB.
    Drop files here

Or simply call
(08) 6209 4130