By QED Consulting Engineers — structural & civil engineers, Notting Hill, Melbourne
A planning permit deals with how land is used and how a development affects its surroundings; a building permit deals with how the building is actually constructed. Your structural engineer provides the drawings and computations that feed into the building permit. Understanding the difference helps you engage the right people at the right time.
Planning permit vs building permit — the difference
A planning permit is about land use and amenity — things like overshadowing, setbacks, neighbourhood character and overlays. It's assessed by the council's planning department. A building permit is about the technical construction — structure, safety, compliance with the NCC — and is issued by a building surveyor. Not every project needs a planning permit, but most building work needs a building permit.
Where the structural engineer fits
The structural engineer's work sits squarely in the building permit stage. The engineer designs the structure and produces the documentation the building surveyor needs to issue the permit. On some projects, engineering input also supports the planning stage — for example, demonstrating that a proposed design is structurally feasible.
What documents does the engineer provide?
For a building permit, your structural engineer typically provides:
- Structural drawings — footings, slab, framing, beams and connections
- Structural computations — the calculations behind the design
- Certification that the design complies with the NCC and relevant Australian Standards
These form part of the package your building surveyor reviews. Our residential structural engineering team prepares complete, permit-ready documentation.
When should you engage the engineer?
Engage the engineer once your design is taking shape and before you lodge for a building permit — early enough that the structure is coordinated with the architecture, and well before construction starts.
Heading toward a building permit? Talk to a Melbourne structural engineer and we'll prepare your structural documentation.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a planning permit and a building permit? A planning permit covers land use and amenity (assessed by council planning); a building permit covers technical construction and compliance (issued by a building surveyor).
Do I need an engineer for a building permit? For structural work, yes — the engineer's drawings and computations form part of the building permit application.
What documents does the engineer provide? Structural drawings, computations and certification that the design meets the NCC and relevant standards.
When in the process do I engage an engineer? As your design develops and before you lodge for a building permit, so the structure is coordinated and permit-ready.
