VPRS 11201 Building Application Files

Full description

This series contains the application and any correspondence between the owner and the Council generated in the process of a Building Application being approved.

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 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 By-Laws (Now VPRS 16940), and VPRS 9446 Rules and Regulations (Records Not Transferred).