Latrobe City Council is encouraging residents looking to renovate, extend or construct new buildings on their properties to make sure correct approvals are in place.
Chief Executive Officer Steven Piasente said Council’s Building Services team regularly supports property owners and neighbours who have been impacted by building works.
“While it’s been great to see a rise in home renovations, particularly since COVID-19, Council has investigated more instances of illegal building works recently.
“Council has a legislative responsibility to ensure that building regulations are followed for the safety, amenity and benefit of all the community,” said Mr Piasente.
Although Council doesn’t receive building permit applications, the Building Services team provides a statutory building control function to make sure that any works are safe and in line with the Building Act and Regulations.
Council’s Municipal Building Surveyor regularly responds to outstanding permits, investigates breaches of building legislation, assesses applications, investigates unsafe or unsuitable buildings and provides advice.
“Fortunately, the majority of our building professionals implement the regulations and make sure the minimum standards are achieved or exceeded
“Following building best practice, getting approvals and seeking advice will keep our residents safe and prevent prosecutions,” said Mr Piasente.
A range of resources for residents and building professionals can be found on the Latrobe City website: https://www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/Property/Building or by contacting the Building Services Team on 1300 367 700.
Case studies
Failing to comply with building legislation and regulations can result in significant fines. Here are some recent local examples of prosecutions.
Building works without a permit in Morwell
Works without a building permit to extend a dwelling, alterations, and a concrete slab during 2020 and 2021 resulted in an individual being found guilty of four charges, resulting in a fine of $6,068.65 with a conviction.
Garage extension without a permit in Traralgon
Works to extend the height of a garage on the side property boundary, without appropriate permits and fire protection methods, resulted in the property owner being found guilty of five charges. They received a $5,372.52 fine with conviction. The individual who undertook the works without a building permit in place was also found guilty of two charges and received a $4,614.40 fine with conviction.
Verandah works without a permit in Churchill
A Churchill resident carried out building work without the appropriate building permit to a rear verandah in 2020. To comply Council’s building order, they had to demolish and remove the verandah and were ordered to pay costs of $2,580.95.
