How Long Does It Take to Get a Planning or Building Permit?

One of the most common questions we hear from clients is:

“How long will it take to get my permits?”

The answer can be frustrating — there’s no one-size-fits-all timeframe. Both planning permits and building permits involve multiple steps, reviews, and often additional reports. The process is designed to ensure safe, sustainable, and compliant development, but it can feel lengthy when you’re eager to get started.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and why it often takes longer than people think.

Planning Permits

Typical Timeframe

• Simple applications: 3–6 months

• More complex applications: 6–12 months (sometimes longer)

Why It Takes So Long

1. Council assessment: Every planning permit application is reviewed by council planners. They assess the proposal against the planning scheme, zoning, overlays, and local policies.

2. Referrals to authorities: If your site has overlays (e.g., flood, bushfire, heritage), your application will often be referred to external authorities such as Melbourne Water, CFA, or heritage bodies — each with its own timelines.

3. Public advertising: Most planning permits require a notice period where neighbours can object. If objections are received, council must consider them, which can lead to delays or even a review at VCAT.

4. Additional reports: Depending on your site, you may need specialist documentation such as traffic reports, arborist assessments, overshadowing diagrams, or bushfire management plans. Each adds time to prepare and review.

5. Iteration and negotiation: It’s common for council to request design changes before granting approval. This back-and-forth can add weeks or months.

   
   

Reality check: While the official “statutory time” is 60 days, this only counts once your application is deemed complete — and excludes time waiting for further information or referrals. In practice, few permits are issued within two months.

The complicated planning permit process

Building Permits

Typical Timeframe

• Straightforward projects: 4–8 weeks

• Complex developments: 2–4 months (sometimes longer if additional information is requested)

Why It Takes So Long

1. Detailed documentation required: Unlike planning permits, which focus on whether you can develop, building permits are about how it will be built. The building surveyor will need:

   • Architectural drawings

   • Engineering computations and drawings

   • Energy rating reports

   • Bushfire attack level (BAL) assessments (if applicable)

   • Soil tests and foundation reports

   • Compliance with the Building Code of Australia

2. Auditing and compliance checks: The building surveyor must thoroughly audit every piece of documentation to ensure safety and compliance. If anything is missing or unclear, the application is put on hold until corrected.

3. Coordination with consultants: Structural engineers, energy assessors, and other professionals must align their reports with the design. This coordination takes time.

4. Regulatory oversight: Building permits carry a high level of liability. Surveyors are cautious and require complete, accurate documentation before approval.

Why Both Processes Feel Slow

The delays in both planning and building permits largely come down to oversight and risk management. Councils and surveyors must ensure that every development complies with planning schemes, building codes, and safety regulations. This protects not only future residents but also the broader community.

While the process can feel bureaucratic, the reality is that thorough documentation and multiple reviews are built-in safeguards. Missing, incomplete, or poor-quality documentation almost always leads to delays.

How to Speed Up the Process

While you can’t eliminate delays entirely, you can reduce them by:

• Engaging experienced designers and consultants who know what councils and surveyors require.

• Providing complete documentation upfront, rather than waiting for requests for more information.

• Allowing adequate lead time in your project planning — assuming “best case scenario” timeframes often leads to disappointment.

• Being proactive with council and consultants, responding quickly to requests and queries.

Final Thoughts

Securing planning and building permits is rarely quick — and that’s by design. The system prioritises safety, compliance, and community interests over speed.

As a rule of thumb:

• Planning permits: budget for 6–12 months

• Building permits: budget for 2–4 months

By approaching the process with realistic expectations and assembling the right team from the start, you can minimise unnecessary delays and move your project forward with confidence.

At Ikonik Design, we help clients navigate these processes by coordinating the right documentation, managing consultants, and liaising with council. If you’d like guidance on your next project, get in touch with us today.