What's the difference between a building approval and a development approval?

If you're planning a knock down rebuild, a subdivision or a redevelopment on your land, you'll probably be faced with a lot of paperwork.

In among all the building contracts, plans, insurance documents and financial paperwork will be your development application (DA) and your application for building approval.

You may need to lodge a DA to your local planning and land authority if you are building a new development or redeveloping your property.

The authority will then determine whether your proposed development is appropriate for the area, and whether it breaks any rules or regulations that might be attached to your land, like height restrictions or restrictions on use. They will also assess your application to see if it fits planning requirements.

You aren't alone in the process – often part of your team, whether your architect, designer, engineer or building certifier, can help you with your DA. You will be required to pay a fee when lodging a DA.

Some smaller projects, like garages, small single dwellings and extensions may not require a development approval.

While a DA is associated with the suitability of your project, a building approval is largely associated with the safety of your project.

Most new constructions and significant renovations require building approvals. There are a number of national laws and regulations, including those outlined in the Building Code of Australia and the National Construction Code, which any new build must conform to.

Before construction can begin, you need to get a building approval to ensure the project will be safe and structurally sound.

These are steps to getting a building approval in the ACT (check the relevant processes and regulations for your state or territory before building):

1. Appoint a licensed building surveyor as your certifier.
2. Apply for building approval and pay the relevant fees.
3. Engage a licensed builder, or apply to become an owner-builder. Remember to use a written contract when hiring a builder, and seek independent legal advice.
4. The builder must apply to your building certifier for a building commencement notice by completing the building commencement notice application form.

Source: Building in the ACT 2014, ACT government.

Again, there are a number of government fees associated with seeking building approval and you'll have to pay your building certifier as well.