Our Services

Commercial Building Permits

More than just building permits, our approach to building surveying and consulting services makes BSA Building Surveyors a leader in the industry.

Expert Guidance for Complex Projects

Commercial Building Permits in Geelong, Melbourne & Regional Victoria

When it comes to commercial construction, the stakes are high. Whether you’re developing a multi-storey office building, fitting out a retail space, or undertaking a major renovation, obtaining the right commercial building permits is essential – not just for compliance, but for the safety, functionality, and long-term success of your project.

A commercial building permit is a legal requirement for most types of construction, alteration, or demolition work on commercial properties. It ensures your project complies with the Building Code of Australia (BCA), local planning schemes, fire safety regulations, accessibility standards, and other applicable legislation.

When do you need a Commercial Building Permit?

You’ll typically need a building permit for:

New commercial builds (e.g. warehouses, offices, retail centres)
Structural alterations or extensions
Change of use or occupancy classification
Internal fit-outs involving fire safety or accessibility
Demolition of existing structures
Installation of services like HVAC, plumbing, or fire systems)

Even seemingly minor works can trigger permit requirements depending on the scope and location. That’s why early advice is key.

How can we help?

We understand the pressures of commercial development—tight timelines, multiple stakeholders, and complex compliance requirements. Our goal is to make the permit process as smooth and predictable as possible.

Our team of registered building surveyors and consultants provide:

Pre-application advice
Plan assessment and compliance checks
Permit application management
Construction phase inspections
Final certification and occupancy permits

We’ve issued over 4,000 commercial building permits and supported projects valued at more than $3.8 billion across Victoria.

Types of Commercial projects we support

We manage permits for a wide range of commercial developments, including:

Retail developments
Office buildings
Public buildings (e.g. sporting pavilions)
Healthcare facilities
Accommodation/apartment buildings
Education buildings
Industrial developments
(warehouses & factories)
Change of use and re-purposing
Demolitions

Learn more about our Demolition Services

Our Approach

We work closely with builders, architects, developers, and project managers to streamline the permit process from start to finish. Our team of registered building surveyors and consultants brings deep technical knowledge and a practical, solutions-focused approach to every project.

Here’s how we can support you:

We help you understand what permits are required and identify any potential compliance issues early.
We review your architectural and engineering documentation to ensure it meets all relevant codes and standards.
We conduct mandatory inspections at key stages of the build and provide clear, timely feedback to keep your project moving.
Once construction is complete and compliant, we issue the occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection.

why choose us

Expertise in Class 2–9 buildings
Support for complex developments
Coordination with design consultants
Compliance with fire and access codes
Documentation for commercial approvals

Our community impact

4,056 commercial building permits issued
Commercial projects valued at over $3.8 billion
750 large-scale government & institutional projects

Ready to get started

Please reach out to see how we can be of assistance on your next project

Questions? Check our FAQs

When do I need to apply for a building permit?
A building permit is generally required for most construction, renovation, or demolition projects to ensure they meet safety and compliance standards. Examples include building a house, extending a property, or constructing a garage.

Need help determining if your project requires a permit? Contact us for expert advice!
Can I apply for a building permit myself, or do I need a surveyor?
You can apply for a building permit yourself, but a licensed building surveyor must issue it. They’ll review your plans to ensure compliance with all legal and safety standards.

Need a licensed surveyor for your project? Contact us today, and we’ll handle the process for you!
How long does it take to get a building permit?
The timeframe for obtaining a permit can vary depending on the complexity of your project and the completeness of your application. On average, it takes 1-3 weeks, but it could take longer for larger or more complex projects.

Want to speed up your building permit application? Let us help to ensure everything is in order!
What happens if I don’t get a building permit when required?
Failing to obtain a building permit can result in significant fines, legal action, or having to dismantle non-compliant structures. It’s always better to confirm whether a permit is needed before starting work.

Avoid costly mistakes—speak with us to confirm your permit requirements before starting your project!
What are the consequences of not obtaining a building permit when required?
Undertaking building work without a required permit can lead to significant penalties, including fines, legal action, and orders to demolish non-compliant structures. It's essential to ensure all necessary permits are obtained before starting any building work.

Avoid potential penalties—contact us to ensure your project complies with all legal requirements!
What is the difference between a building permit and a planning permit?
A planning permit is approval from your local council to use or develop land in a certain way, while a building permit ensures the construction complies with safety and building regulations. You’ll typically need a planning permit first to confirm what you can build, followed by a building permit to confirm how it must be built.

Need help navigating the permit process? Contact us today for expert guidance.
How do I know if I need a planning permit in addition to a building permit?
A planning permit is different from a building permit and relates to the use and development of land. Whether you need a planning permit depends on local council regulations, zoning, and the specifics of your project. It's advisable to consult your local council's planning department to determine if a planning permit is required before applying for a building permit.

Need help navigating planning and building permits? Reach out to us for professional assistance!

When quality matters, choose BSA Building Surveyors

To date, we have helped deliver over $4 billion dollars in large-scale government and commercial project developments across Geelong, Melbourne and throughout Victoria.

If you’re planning a commercial project and want to get the permits right from the start, get in touch with us for an obligation-free consultation. We’re here to help you build with confidence.

Government & Institutional Expertise

With over 750 large-scale government and institutional projects successfully delivered—spanning schools, universities, hospitals, justice facilities, and civic infrastructure—BSA Building Surveyors is the trusted partner of choice for public sector developments across Victoria. Our proven track record, deep regulatory expertise, and collaborative approach have supported billions of dollars in critical infrastructure, helping government agencies and institutions deliver safe, compliant, and community-enhancing spaces

Complex infrastructure
Spirit of Tasmania Quay – Geelong, VIC
Involved marine works, civil construction, and a world-first three-level access ramp for vehicle boarding.

Kardinia Park Redevelopment – Geelong, VIC
Multiple grandstand upgrades including the Charles Brownlow Stand and Ford Stand.

Barwon Health North Medical Hub – Norlane, VIC
Multi-disciplinary health facility including urgent care, imaging, and consulting suites.

University Hospital Geelong – Project 7 – Geelong, VIC
Major vertical expansion including helipad installation and fire safety performance solutions.

Deakin University Building KA Infill – Waurn Ponds, VIC
Brownfield infill project adding research and academic space within an existing structure.

Federal Mills Redevelopment – North Geelong, VIC
Adaptive reuse of heritage industrial buildings into a commercial innovation precinct.

Loddon Prison Expansion – Castlemaine, VIC
70-bed expansion with complex fire safety and compliance requirements.

Charlton Hospital Rebuild – Charlton, VIC
Full redevelopment following flood damage, including aged care and acute services.

Thomas Embling Hospital – Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit – Fairfield, VIC
Secure mental health facility with specialised compliance and safety requirements.

St John of God Hospital Redevelopment – Geelong, VIC
Multi-stage redevelopment including ICU and maternity upgrades.
Healthcare infrastructure
Including regional hospital expansions, medical centres, and fire safety upgrades in aged care facilities.

  • Charlton Hospital and Aged Care – post-flood rebuild
  • Nathalia District Hospital – new acute, primary, and high care wings
  • Omeo Hospital and Aged Care – redevelopment and additions
  • Tallangatta Hospital – major redevelopment including aged care
  • Alpine Health Multipurpose Service – multiple sites including Mt Beauty, Myrtleford, and Bright
  • Heywood Memorial District Hospital – aged care and acute redevelopment
  • Cobden Hospital and Aged Care – major alterations and additions
  • Timboon and District Hospital – refurbishment and regulation review
  • St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee – new facility
  • Wyndham Clinic Werribee – mental health
  • Austin Health PARC Unit
  • Barwon Health – multiple projects including Geelong Hospital, Northern Suburbs Hub, and Community Health Centres
  • Sunbury Day Hospital – new build
  • Wimmera Base Hospital – sub-acute wing
  • Ararat Hospital – oncology, chemotherapy, and primary care
  • St John of God Hospitals – Warrnambool and Geelong
  • Numurkah and District Health – temporary post-flood facility
  • Williamstown Hospital – rehabilitation wing
  • Stawell Regional Health – oncology and chemotherapy
Educational facilities
University & Tertiary
Deakin University – Refurbishments and new student accommodation – Waurn Ponds & Geelong Waterfront
Percy Baxter Lecture Theatre – Alterations – Geelong
CADET Building – New facility – Waurn Ponds Campus
Student Accommodation – Moorabool Street, Geelong
Primary & Secondary Schools
Glenroy West Primary School – Upgrade and Modernisation – $3,000,000 – Glenroy
New Melton South Catholic Primary School – New Build – $5,489,575 – Melton South
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School – New 2-Storey Building – $5,170,152 – Werribee
Our Lady Star of the Sea – New Learning Centre – $1,373,209 – Ocean Grove
Churchill Primary School – New Learning Centre – $2,369,333 – Churchill
Tatura Primary School – New Learning Centre – $1,848,000 – Tatura
Baimbridge College (West Site) – Capital Works – New Admin and Learning Areas – $6,075,712 – Hamilton
Bellbrae Primary School – Capital Works Project – $7,466,246 – Bellbrae
Lumen Christi Catholic Primary School – New 2-Storey Building – $6,800,000 – Point Cook
Community assets
Such as town halls, recreation centres, libraries, sporting pavilions, and other public-use buildings.
Community & Civic Buildings
  • Leopold Community Hub
  • Cloverdale Community Hub
  • Grovedale Community Hub
  • Portarlington Community Centre
  • Ocean Grove Shell Road Pavilion
  • Torquay Hub

Sporting Pavilions & Recreation
  • Leopold Sports Pavilion
  • Winter Reserve Redevelopment
  • Queenscliff Netball Pavilion
  • St Joseph’s FNC Coaches & Players Shelter
  • Box Hill Oval Pavilion (City of Whitehorse)
  • Balnarring Sports Complex (Mornington Peninsula Shire)
  • Spring Creek Reserve Torquay (Surf Coast Shire)

Justice & Correctional Facilities
  • Karreenga, Middleton (Loddon), MAP, DPFC, Dhurringile – multiple correctional facility expansions and refurbishments
  • Barwon Prison – 75 bed expansion
  • Loddon Prison – 70 bed expansion
Residential & Apartments
G1 Apartments – 67–69 Spring Street, Geelong West
Vue Apartments – Bellerine Street, Geelong
78 The Terrace – Ocean Grove (Retail/Residential Development)
Silver Wattle Road SDA Apartments – Mount Duneed
Second Floor Apartments – Spring Street, Geelong West
First Floor Apartments – Spring Street, Geelong West
Ground Floor Apartments – Spring Street, Geelong West
Great Ocean Road Apartments – Apollo Bay
Point Lonsdale Residential Complex – Point Lonsdale
Belmont Residential Units – Belmont
Queenscliff Mixed-Use Development – Queenscliff
Lara Townhouse Development – Lara
Newtown Apartments – Newtown
Highton Residential Complex – Highton
Torquay Coastal Apartments – Torquay
Why Commercial Clients Choose BSA

Quality You Can Rely On

With over 4,000 commercial building permits issued and more than $3.8 billion in project value supported across Victoria, BSA Building Surveyors is the trusted partner for developers, architects, and asset owners delivering complex, high-impact commercial projects. From multi-storey residential towers and retail precincts to industrial facilities and healthcare campuses, our team brings the technical depth, regulatory insight, and delivery capacity required to keep commercial developments compliant, efficient, and on track

Need a customised performance solution for your building project?

Find out more about our Performance Solution consulting services

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BSA Building Surveyors

Specialist knowledge for any challenge.

contact us

Address: 126 Torquay Road, Grovedale VIC 3216

Call Us: 03 5241 2559

Mail: admin@bsabs.com.au

Open Hours: Monday – Friday: 8.30am – 17.00pm

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