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Moonee Valley City Council
PO Box 126
9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds, VIC 3039
Tel: 9243 8888
Fax: 9377 2100
council@mvcc.vic.gov.au
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Page Last Updated:
Monday, 2 November 2009
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HOME>News and Public Notices>Media releases>2009 media releases>November 2009>Blitz on illegal building works
| Moonee Valley home owners could face hefty fines and be forced to remove structures as part of a Council’s blitz on illegal building works.
The blitz, designed to deter property owners who don’t obtain the necessary building and planning permits prior to carrying out any building work, will also help prevent injuries caused by dodgy construction.
Moonee valley City Council Mayor, Cr Paul Guiliano said, the number of illegal building works in the municipality has soared to an alarming level and Council’s Municipal Building Surveyor is concerned.
“Council is willing to work with people to help them achieve compliance rather than take legal action. Under current legislation Council does have the ability to take people to court over most illegal building work – still we feel this is not the solution.”
Common illegal building works detected in the municipality included pergolas, fences, sheds, verandas, carports, garages and additions to dwelling.
In the last financial year, Council issued approximately 50 building notices on home owners relating to illegal building work.
“Council has already issued 23 notices in the first quarter of this financial year which is an increase of approximately 50 per cent in illegal activity compared to last year,” Cr Guiliano said.
“A building permit is generally required for all forms of building work and in some cases a planning permit is also required.
“Even if a planning permit is not required for the building work, a building permit will most likely be required. Hence, there is very little you can actually do without requiring a permit.”
He said the permit system is there to ensure buildings and structures are constructed in accordance with the state government regulations in order to provide public safety and to improve the health and amenity of our community.
“Approximately 90 per cent of all illegal works do not comply with the building regulations which affect the health, safety and amenity of the community,” Cr Guiliano said.
All registered builders have a duty of care to obtain the relevant permits but the onus is ultimately on property owners.
“There are some exemptions to permits but you should contact your local council or relevant body to discuss areas of exemption,” Cr Guiliano said.
Council offers a free information booklet for the community which provides general building regulatory information and outlines when a building permit is required. This can be downloaded from Council’s website www.mvcc.vic.gov.au or a hard copy can be obtained by contacting Council on 9243 8888.
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