What permits do I need to build or renovate?

So you are building. You know you need a permit (or few). Which ones do you actually need, and what exactly is the difference between them?

In most cases, you will require some form of permit to build. There can sometimes be confusion as to when to get particular ones, why, and what triggers the need for them.

Most residential or small commercial projects will come across two main ones - a planning permit and a building permit. These are separate processes you must go through in order to get permission to complete your project. Not all projects require a planning permit, but almost all will require a building permit. Here are the differences explained: