Greater Shepparton City Council is urging residents to pause before picking up the tools and make sure they have the right permit in place.
To assist with this, a new community awareness campaign has been launched to educate residents about the differences between planning permits and building permits.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, they serve very different purposes.
A planning permit considers how land is used and developed, including zoning, land use, neighbourhood character, heritage and environmental impacts.
This can apply to projects such as changing the use of a property, starting a home-based business, subdividing land or developing rural land.
A building permit, on the other hand, allows construction work to begin and ensures that the project meets safety and structural standards under building regulations.
This may include building or extending a home, constructing a carport or shed, installing a pool or spa, or putting up certain types of fencing.
Council regularly receives incomplete applications or inquiries after building work has already started, which can lead to delays, redesign costs and compliance issues.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said knowing the difference beforehand helped avoid problems later.
“Planning and building permits are not the same, and they exist for different reasons,” he said.
“This campaign is about giving our community clear and simple information so they can make informed decisions before work begins.”
The four-week campaign runs until Monday, March 30, across local advertising, digital platforms and council communication channels.
A dedicated webpage — shepp.city/permits — provides clear explanations, common project examples and instructions on how to lodge an application online.
Residents can also contact council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au for further information.
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