VPRS 11200 Building Application Plans

Full description

This series contains building plans submitted to the Council as part of a building application made by an owner.

The series includes building plans on paper and on aperture cards (microform):

BA 1 - 33840 (1916 - 1959): paper plans; and
BA 33841 - 46563 (1960 - 1974): aperture cards and so on as plans are filmed.

Building plans are related to and form part of Building Application Files. Individuals or bodies were required to seek the approval of the Council to build a new building or to renovate an existing building. Building plans are part of the documentation that is submitted by the owner for the approval of the Council.

Prior to 1916 it was sufficient for an owner to notify the Council Building Surveyor of his or her intention to build. The notification consisted of a one page document. In 1915 building regulations were changed and subsequently owners were required to submit building plans and specifications which had to be approved by the Council.

Legislation
Municipalities were empowered under the Local Government Act 1915, s.198 and Thirteenth Schedule, Part V, to make by-laws regulating buildings, hoardings, etc. Under this legislation regulations could be made by councils in respect to the size of the buildings, the siting of buildings, the materials used in construction, and so on. Building regulations were covered in ensuing local government acts.

By-laws and regulations made by the Melbourne City Council may be found in VPRS 8911 Proceedings of Council Meetings, VPRS 9445 (now VPRS 16940) By-Laws, and VPRS 9446 Rules and Regulations (Records Not Transferred).