We can provide information and safety guidelines about buildings, pools, spas, fences, removal of asbestos, solar panels, basketball rings, smoke alarms and retaining walls. Please call Yarra City Council 9205 5555.
Around the home
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Solar panels
Do I need a Building Permit to install solar panels?
You will need a permit if structural changes are required to your building.
You will need a permit if structural changes are required to your building.
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Asbestos
How do I report and remove asbestos?
Asbestos is present in many homes and buildings throughout Victoria and remains safe if undisturbed. It only becomes a health risk when it is disturbed through activity such as drilling or during cutting, which allows asbestos particles to be released into the air where they can be breathed in.How do I remove asbestos?
You need to be careful when dealing with asbestos. If you are building, asbestos can become dangerous if not removed correctly. You will need to dispose of asbestos at your property correctly . This can be done by a professional asbestos removalist. The following organisations can be contacted about correct asbestos removal.
Environmental Protection Agency: 9695 2722
Worksafe Victoria: 1800 136 089
Asbestos Victoria: 9641 1444
I'm concerned about asbestos, what should I do?
If you are concerned about asbestos that is currently being moved please contact us immediately. Depending on the situation an Environmental Health officer may need to visit the site.
During building and construction asbestos can become airborne from incorrect removal. If you are concerned, call Yarra City Council on 9205 5555.Asbestos is present in many homes and buildings throughout Victoria and remains safe if undisturbed. It only becomes a health risk when it is disturbed through activity such as drilling or during cutting, which allows asbestos particles to be released into the air where they can be breathed in.How do I remove asbestos?
You need to be careful when dealing with asbestos. If you are building, asbestos can become dangerous if not removed correctly. You will need to dispose of asbestos at your property correctly . This can be done by a professional asbestos removalist. The following organisations can be contacted about correct asbestos removal.
Environmental Protection Agency: 9695 2722
Worksafe Victoria: 1800 136 089
Asbestos Victoria: 9641 1444
I'm concerned about asbestos, what should I do?
If you are concerned about asbestos that is currently being moved please contact us immediately. Depending on the situation an Environmental Health officer may need to visit the site.
During building and construction asbestos can become airborne from incorrect removal. If you are concerned, call Yarra City Council on 9205 5555.
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Retaining walls
Do I need a building permit to build a retaining wall?
You need a building permit for a retaining wall when:
- you are building a retaining wall that is associated with other work (for example alterations to a dwelling).
- you need to provide protection for the adjoining property.
- the retaining wall is 1m or greater in height.
You need a building permit for a retaining wall when:
- you are building a retaining wall that is associated with other work (for example alterations to a dwelling).
- you need to provide protection for the adjoining property.
- the retaining wall is 1m or greater in height.
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Smoke alarms
When do I need smoke alarms?
You need working smoke alarms for all dwellings.
Smoke alarms must be:
- cleaned
- checked
- tested
- maintained
It is your responsibility to complete these actions.
Where do I need to place smoke alarms?
Smoke alarms must be located on or near the ceiling.
They must be:- no closer than 30cm from the junction of a ceiling and a wall
- installed on every storey of a building
- located between the bedroom and the remainder of that storey
You need working smoke alarms for all dwellings.
Smoke alarms must be:
- cleaned
- checked
- tested
- maintained
It is your responsibility to complete these actions.
Where do I need to place smoke alarms?
Smoke alarms must be located on or near the ceiling.
They must be:- no closer than 30cm from the junction of a ceiling and a wall
- installed on every storey of a building
- located between the bedroom and the remainder of that storey
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Basketball rings
How do I install basketball rings?
You can find guidelines on basketball ring installation here: Victorian Building AuthorityYou can find guidelines on basketball ring installation here: Victorian Building Authority
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Fences
Do I need a building permit to build a fence?
You may need a planning permit and a building permit when you build a fence. To find out if you need a permit, call us on 9205 5555.
If you need to block the road or footpath in order to build the fence, you will need a Road/Footpath Occupation Permit.Shared fence with neighbours
You may need to discuss the shared fencing between yours and your neighbours property. We have no involvement in shared fences or any costs relating to shared fences. We can provide your neighbours contact details to discuss these matters. You can request these details in writing, by downloading and sending the request form to us at info@yarracity.vic.gov.au.
If you are having a fencing dispute with your neighbour we unfortunately cannot help. You can find out more information and which agencies to contact at Victoria State Government - Fencing law in Victoria.You may need a planning permit and a building permit when you build a fence. To find out if you need a permit, call us on 9205 5555.
If you need to block the road or footpath in order to build the fence, you will need a Road/Footpath Occupation Permit.Shared fence with neighbours
You may need to discuss the shared fencing between yours and your neighbours property. We have no involvement in shared fences or any costs relating to shared fences. We can provide your neighbours contact details to discuss these matters. You can request these details in writing, by downloading and sending the request form to us at info@yarracity.vic.gov.au.
If you are having a fencing dispute with your neighbour we unfortunately cannot help. You can find out more information and which agencies to contact at Victoria State Government - Fencing law in Victoria.
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Pools and spas
Do I need a building permit for a pool or spa?
You need a building permit for new pools and spas capable of containing water exceeding 30cm deep. This also applies to indoor pools and above ground pools.
If you need a permit we can assist you. Find out more information on the Building Permit Application page or call Council on 9205 5555.
Do I need to have a safety barrier for my pool or spa?
You need a childproof safety barrier for all pools and spas containing water exceeding 30cm deep. You will need a building permit for the construction of these barriers.
The safety barrier must have a self-closing gate with a self-latching device located at least 1.5m above the ground.
It is your responsibility to maintain safety barriers on your pool or spa.
More information can be found at the Victoria Building Authority - Swimming pools, spas and their safety barriers and Home Pool Safety on the Royal Life Saving Australia.
You need a building permit for new pools and spas capable of containing water exceeding 30cm deep. This also applies to indoor pools and above ground pools.
If you need a permit we can assist you. Find out more information on the Building Permit Application page or call Council on 9205 5555.
Do I need to have a safety barrier for my pool or spa?
You need a childproof safety barrier for all pools and spas containing water exceeding 30cm deep. You will need a building permit for the construction of these barriers.
The safety barrier must have a self-closing gate with a self-latching device located at least 1.5m above the ground.
It is your responsibility to maintain safety barriers on your pool or spa.
More information can be found at the Victoria Building Authority - Swimming pools, spas and their safety barriers and Home Pool Safety on the Royal Life Saving Australia.