THE BUILDING ACT 2016
From the 1st of January 2017, the Tasmanian State Government has introduced the new Building Act 2016. The new act regulates all building and plumbing work in Tasmania, and the laws and codes apply to everyone who is undertaking building/plumbing work.
These regulations change the current way building and plumbing permits are issued and categorise work into “low risk”, “notifiable” or “permit” work.
It is your responsibility as the property owner to ensure that appropriate building/plumbing approval is in place prior to commencement of any building work.
For more information on the new changes please visit the following link www.cbos.tas.gov.au
HOW TO DETERMINE IF I NEED BUILDING/PLUMBING APPROVAL?
To determine whether Building and/or Plumbing Approval is required, you must read the Directors Determination’s for Building & Plumbing and make a self-assessment.
Unfortunately as Council has no Building Surveyor on staff, Council Employees are not qualified to make this determination for you, and cannot offer any advice. If you are in need of any advice, or you are not sure whether your proposal requires building/plumbing permits, you will need to contact a private building surveyor.
QUICK ADVICE
Building a shed
Read the Fact Sheet – Sheds and Similar Structures for an overview of what an owner can do, when you need to use a licensed builder and whether or not you need a permit for a shed.
Putting a shipping container on your property
Read Fact Sheet – Shipping Containers for an overview of what you need to do before you put a shipping container on your property.
What an owner builder can do
Read Fact Sheet – Owner Builder for an overview of what you can do as an owner builder.
Low risk work by an owner or competent person
Read Fact Sheet – Low Risk Work by an Owner or Competent Person for an overview of what low risk work you can do as an owner or competent person.
For more fact sheets and information please click here
Note: Don’t forget to check if planning approval is required!
What are my responsibilities under the Building Act?
The Building Act 2016 and the Building Regulations 2016 regulate building and plumbing work in Tasmania. These laws and codes apply to everyone who undertakes building and plumbing work.
The following links detail the Building Act 2016 and Building Regulations 2016.
The link to Workplace Standards Tasmania (Department of Justice) provides an introduction into the regulation of building and plumbing work in Tasmania.
The Regulation of Building and Plumbing Work in Tasmania
Do I need a permit for temporary structures and for temporary changes of use to a building?
A temporary occupancy permit may be required for temporary structures (for example, tents or stages) or for buildings being adapted for occupation or activities that modify its original approval.
Contact a building surveyor who will provide you with the appropriate Temporary Occupancy Permit
What are my responsibilities as an owner/builder?
With the implication of the Building Act 2016, owners have the opportunity to act as an Owner Builder for residential works.
To be an owner/builder you need to meet a certain criteria and understand both your obligations and restrictions. Below is a link to the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) website which contains useful information regarding the responsibilities and obligations of being an owner/builder.
Residential Building Work Contracts and Dispute Resolution Act 2016 also commenced on 1 January 2017 this Act applies to all residential building and plumbing contracts over $20000 and establishes minimum contractual requirements and an obligation on the building practitioner to provide the client with information about consumer rights under the Act. Mandatory warranties, variations, cooling –off periods and dispute mediation and resolution processes are included.
Warning: It is an offence for any person other than an appropriately accredited builder or an owner builder to manage or carry out the work of a builder. Building work carried out or managed by an owner builder may be subject of an audit by the Director of Building Control
Building & Plumbing Applications Forms