Do You Need a Licence or Permit to Renovate in the ACT?
For most structural renovations, additions and wet-area work in the ACT, yes. Building approval (BA) is required for most building work, and some projects also need development approval (DA) first. Small cosmetic jobs like painting, tiling or replacing fixtures usually do not need approval. Plumbing, drainage, gasfitting and electrical work must always be done by a licensed practitioner. When in doubt, a licensed building certifier can tell you exactly what your project needs.
This guide explains the ACT rules in plain English, so you know what applies before you start. It is general information, not formal advice, so always confirm your specific project with a certifier or Access Canberra.
Building approval and development approval
The ACT uses two separate approvals, and it helps to know the difference.
Development approval (DA) is about whether you are allowed to do the work on that block. It looks at planning rules, zoning and the impact on neighbours. Some renovations need a DA, and some are exempt.
Building approval (BA) is about whether the work meets the building code and safety standards. Most building work in the ACT that involves new builds, alterations, additions or demolition needs a BA. Where a DA is required, you get the DA before the BA.
According to ACT Planning, most projects involving alterations, additions and demolition require building approval. The BA confirms your work complies with the National Construction Code.
What usually needs approval
You are more likely to need approval when the work is structural or changes the building. That includes:
- Removing or moving internal walls
- Adding a room or extending the home
- Changing the roofline or external appearance
- New wet areas, or moving plumbing and drainage
- Demolition
If your renovation touches the structure or the footprint of the home, assume approval is likely and confirm early.
What is usually exempt
Minor, cosmetic work that does not change the structure often does not need building approval. That typically includes painting, replacing tapware or fixtures, re-tiling a splashback, and like-for-like updates that keep everything where it is.
Exemptions have conditions, though. A job that looks cosmetic can cross into approval territory once plumbing moves or a wall comes out. The ACT has an exemption process, and a certifier can confirm whether your project qualifies.
Who has to be licensed
This is where the ACT is strict, and for good reason. It protects you.
In the ACT, the following work must be done by a licensed practitioner: building work that needs approval, electrical work, plumbing, drainage and gasfitting, and private certification. Builders, including owner-builders, must be licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004.
Some trades, such as carpenters and bricklayers, do not currently need a licence in the ACT. But the trades that carry the most risk if done wrong, electrical and plumbing especially, always do. Never accept unlicensed plumbing or electrical work, no matter how good the price looks.
The approval process, step by step
When your project needs building approval, the path looks like this:
- Appoint a licensed building surveyor to act as your certifier.
- Prepare detailed plans that meet the relevant codes. Architects, building designers and engineers can help here.
- Get development approval first, if your project needs it.
- Lodge the building approval application, including an estimate of the cost of work, and pay the fees.
- Your licensed builder, or a licensed owner-builder, applies for a commencement notice.
- Once the certifier issues the commencement notice, work can start.
A good builder manages most of this with you, so it is far less daunting than the list suggests.
Why this protects you, not just the paperwork
Approvals and licensing can feel like red tape. They are actually your safety net.
A building approval means an independent certifier has checked that the work meets the code. Licensed trades mean the people in your home are qualified and accountable. If something goes wrong later, proper approvals and licensed work protect your insurance, your resale, and your peace of mind. Skipping them to save time or money is a risk you carry for years.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need council approval to renovate a bathroom in Canberra? The ACT does not use councils, it uses ACT Planning and building certifiers. A like-for-like bathroom update may be exempt, but new wet areas or moved plumbing usually need building approval. A certifier can confirm.
Can I do my own renovation work as an owner-builder? You can apply for an owner-builder licence for work on your own home. Even then, electrical, plumbing, drainage and gasfitting must be carried out by licensed practitioners.
What happens if I renovate without approval? Unapproved building work can cause problems with insurance and when you sell, and you may be required to rectify or remove it. It is far cheaper to get approval upfront than to fix it later.
Who arranges the approvals, me or the builder? A good builder guides the process and works with your certifier. You appoint the certifier, but you should not have to navigate the system alone.
Talk to a licensed Canberra renovator
We are a licensed Canberra renovation team, and we handle the approvals and coordination so you do not have to. Book a showroom consultation or call 0405 386 594.
This article is general information based on ACT Planning guidance current in 2026, not formal advice. Requirements change and depend on your specific project. Always confirm with a licensed ACT building certifier or Access Canberra.
