News and insights
Planning Permit vs Building Permit: A Victorian Modular Home Guide
Not sure if you need a permit for a modular home in Victoria? Talk to Wingspace Modular Homes team to learn about planning and building permits, typical costs and how long approval takes!
The Two Types of Permit
Almost every building project in Victoria needs one or both of these:
- A planning permit, which checks whether your project is allowed on your land.
- A building permit, which checks that the structure is safe and meets the building code.
Planning Permits
In our experience, around 20-30% of modular home projects in Victoria need a planning permit. Whether you need one depends on your site. Ask yourself:
- Does your property have planning overlays, such as a Bushfire Management Overlay, Erosion Management Overlay or Land Inundation Overlay?
- Is your land in a bushfire-prone area?
- Is it in an area prone to flooding?
- Could the site have Aboriginal cultural heritage considerations?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, you’re more likely to need a planning permit.
Example: Say you want a modular home as a beach house. Coastal land often has a bushfire overlay, which usually means a planning permit is compulsory.
Farming land: If your block is zoned for farming, the rules are stricter. Smaller rural blocks very often need a planning permit, so check with your council early.
Building Permits
A building permit is needed in virtually every case when you build a home. It doesn’t matter if it’s a modular home, a kit home or a traditional build. Only very small structures, like a tiny shed, are exempt.
The order matters here. If your project needs a planning permit, you must get it first. A building permit can’t be issued until the planning permit is approved, and it has to match it.
Are Modular Homes Different from Traditional Builds?
Not really. The permit process is almost the same whether your home is built on site or in a factory and delivered to your block.
The one advantage is that modular homes can be easier to get approved. Because the home is built offsite, there’s less disruption to your property. On-site work usually takes just 6-8 weeks, compared with several months for a traditional build.
How to Find Out Which Permits You Need
Start with Wingspace Modular Preliminary Work. Our Preliminary Work includes soil test, Engineering Preliminary Report, a site visit, and final project design and final quote.
Want to know more about our Preliminary Work? Our team checks this every day for our clients, so get in touch and we’ll help you work it out.
How Much Do Permits Cost?
Building permit: This is included in the price of your modular home.
Planning permit: This isn’t included. The cost depends on the overlays on your land. Some applications need extra reports from specialists, such as a Bushfire Management Statement or a Landslip Assessment. Planning applications generally cost between $20,000 to 30,000
We lodge planning applications for our clients regularly. For complicated sites, we recommend bringing in a planning consultant. Either way, we’re happy to give you a cost estimate.
How Long Does a Permit Take?
A planning permit typically takes 3-4 months from the day you apply. The more overlays your land has, the longer it can take. Simple applications have been approved in around 6 weeks, while complex ones have taken up to 9 months.
If your application is refused, you can appeal to VCAT (the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal). An appeal can add a few more months.
Have Questions?
Planning permits don’t have to be stressful. Get in touch with Wingspace Modular Homes team and we’ll help you understand what your block needs before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a planning permit for a granny flat in Victoria?
Not always. Smaller granny flats may be exempt in some cases, but overlays, zoning and other site conditions can still require a permit. Check your property report and your council.
Can I get a building permit before a planning permit?
No. If a planning permit is required, it must be approved first.
Who approves planning permits in Victoria?
Usually your local council.
What if my planning permit is refused?
You can appeal to VCAT.
Does the modular home price include permits?
At Wingspace Modular Homes, building permits are included in our price. Planning permits are quoted separately.