Types of Renovation Approvals in a Body Corporate
Published:
Modified:
Renovating in a body corporate can involve more than one type of approval. Depending on the work, you could need body corporate approval, approval under your scheme’s by-laws, or separate building, planning or regulatory approval.
Here are the main types of renovation approvals to be aware of.
Body Corporate Approval
Body corporate approval may be required where renovation work affects common property.
This could include work involving common property walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, balconies, structural elements or shared utility infrastructure, depending on the boundaries shown on the scheme’s survey plan.
For schemes operating under the Standard, Accommodation and Small Schemes modules, an owner’s improvement to common property for the benefit of their lot will generally require an ordinary resolution at a general meeting.
However, the committee can approve an improvement where:
- the installed value is $3,000 or less
- it does not detract from the appearance of any lot or the common property
- its use and enjoyment are not likely to promote a breach of the owner’s duties as an occupier.
The $3,000 amount relates specifically to an owner’s improvement to common property. It is not a general threshold for renovation approval.
By-law requirements and approvals
A scheme’s by-laws can include requirements that apply when renovation work is carried out.
For example, by-laws can deal with:
- hard flooring and noise
- changes that affect the external appearance of a lot
- air-conditioning installations
- contractor access to common property
- hours when noisy work can be carried out
- use and protection of common property during the renovation.
Some by-laws also require owners to obtain approval before carrying out particular types of work.
Owners should check the scheme’s Community Management Statement before starting a renovation to identify any by-laws that apply to the proposed work.
Approval for exclusive use areas
Some renovations involve common property that has been allocated for the exclusive use of a particular lot, such as a courtyard, balcony or car space.
The exclusive-use by-law should be checked first, as it may already authorise certain improvements or set out requirements for making alterations. If the proposed work is not authorised by the by-law, body corporate approval may be required.
Council and building approvals
Body corporate approval is separate from any building, planning or certification requirements.
Depending on the renovation, an owner may also need approval or documentation from a local council, building certifier or another relevant authority.
Separate requirements can apply to work involving structural changes, plumbing, building alterations or other regulated building work.
Receiving body corporate approval does not replace these requirements, and receiving building or council approval does not replace any approval required from the body corporate.
More than one approval may apply
A renovation may require more than one type of approval.
For example, an owner installing an external air-conditioning unit may need to consider the body corporate’s approval for the use of common property, any relevant by-laws and separate building or installation requirements.
Before work begins, owners should identify which approvals apply to the particular renovation and obtain each separately.
Related content
Share This Post
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
More To Explore
Can a body corporate refuse renovations based on appearance?
Can a body corporate refuse renovations based on appearance? Learn when appearance is a valid reason and what can help your renovation application.
Who can approve significant body corporate spending?
Who can approve significant body corporate spending? Learn how the committee spending limit works, when owners must vote and when two quotes are needed.