June 2026 · Find A Tradie

Renovating? When you need council approval (and when you don't)

One of the most common questions homeowners ask before starting a renovation is whether they need council approval. The answer depends on the scope of work, your state, and your property's zoning. Here's a practical guide.

Work that generally doesn't need approval

In most Australian states, you can do the following without a development application or building permit:

• Internal cosmetic renovations — painting, new flooring, replacing benchtops, updating cabinetry, tiling (provided you're not moving walls or changing the building's structure)
• Like-for-like replacements — replacing a window with the same size window, swapping a hot water system, replacing a roof with the same material and profile
• Minor repairs — fixing a fence, patching a wall, replacing gutters, repairing a deck
• Garden and landscaping — planting, mulching, garden beds, non-structural retaining walls under 1 metre
• Small sheds and structures — typically under 10–15 m² (varies by state), not within setback zones

Work that usually needs approval

• Extensions and additions — adding a room, building out the back, converting a garage
• Structural changes — removing or moving load-bearing walls, adding a second storey, changing the roofline
• New buildings — granny flats, carports, large pergolas, swimming pools
• Change of use — converting a shed to a studio, a garage to a bedroom, a house to a business
• Heritage-listed properties — even cosmetic changes may need approval if your property is heritage-listed or in a heritage zone
• Tree removal — many councils require approval to remove significant trees, even on private property

The grey area: bathrooms and kitchens

A bathroom or kitchen renovation that stays within the existing footprint and doesn't move plumbing or structural walls generally doesn't need council approval. But if you're relocating the toilet, moving a wall, or changing the room's layout significantly, you may need a building permit — even though the room is the same size.

The plumbing and electrical work within any renovation must still be done by licensed tradespeople regardless of whether council approval is needed.

How to check

The safest approach:

• Call your local council's planning department and describe the work. They'll tell you in 5 minutes whether you need a DA, a CDC, or nothing.
• If you're using a builder, they should know what approvals are needed and can handle the application for you.
• For work over $5,000 in most states, you need a licensed builder — and they're legally required to ensure the right permits are in place.

What happens if you skip approval

Unapproved work can cause serious problems when you sell. Buyers' conveyancers check council records, and unapproved structures can require retrospective approval (expensive), forced removal, or reduced sale price. Your insurance may also not cover damage related to unapproved work.