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BUILDING ACT 1993


TABLE OF PROVISIONS

   PART 1--PRELIMINARY

   1.      Purposes  
   2.      Commencement  
   3.      Definitions and interpretation  
   4.      Objectives of Act  
   5.      Application to Crown and public authorities  

   PART 2--BUILDING STANDARDS

   7.      Building regulations  
   8.       Local laws  
   9.      Incorporation by reference  
   9A.     Regulatory impact statement not required for certain amendments  
   10.     Application of new building regulations or binding determinations to building work  
   11.     Effect of planning schemes  
   12.     Revocation of other regulations relating to building[3]  
   13.     Effect on local laws  
   14.     Accreditation of building products  
   14B.    Authority to keep register of accredited building products  
   15.     Building surveyor must not refuse to approve building work on certain grounds  
   15A.    Building regulations with respect to swimming pools  
   15B.    Maintenance of exits  

   PART 3--BUILDING PERMITS

           Division 1--Building permit required

   16.     Offences relating to carrying out building work  
   16A.    Exception if permit suspended  
   16B.    Indictable offences relating to carrying out building work  

           Division 2--Applications for building permits

   17.     Applications for building permits  
   17A.    Relevant building surveyor must give owner of land or building an information statement  
   18.     Schedule 2 to apply  
   18AA.   Relevant building surveyor must apply for building permit number for building permit  
   18A.    Notice to Development Victoria of application  
   18B.    Notice to Commissioner of State Revenue of application  
   18C.    Further notice to Commissioner of State Revenue  
   18D.    Notice to Secretary to Department of application  

           Division 3--Decisions on building permits and other matters

   19.     Decision on application for building permit  
   20.     Types of permit  
   21.     Requirement for occupancy permit  
   22.     Guarantees and bonds  
   23.     Reporting authority to be notified of permit  
   23A.    Offences relating to the issue of a building permit  
   24.     Refusal of building permit  
   24A.    Further limitations on the issue of building permits  
   24B.    Specification of builders in relation to specific building work  
   25.     Reasons for refusal to be given  
   25AA.   A person may notify relevant building surveyor if becomes owner of land subject to building permit  
   25A.    Notice of ending of engagement of builder  
   25AB.   Notice to relevant building surveyor of subsequent engagement of builder  
   25AC.   Change of builder on building permit  
   25AD.   Relevant building surveyor to notify Authority and relevant council of certain information  
   25AE.   Suspension of building permit  
   25B.    Restrictions on owner-builder  

           Division 3AA--Issue of building permit number by the Authority

   25BA.   Issue of building permit number  
   25BB.   Authority may refuse to issue building permit number  
   25BC.   Authority must decide to issue building permit number within prescribed period  
   25BD.   Authority must notify applicant of refusal to issue building permit number  
   25BE.   Authority must notify council of issue of building permit number  
   25BF.   Review by VCAT of refusal to issue building permit number  

           Division 3A--Certificates of consent for owner‑builders

   25C.    Application for owner-builder certificate of consent  
   25D.    Further particulars  
   25E.    Decision on application for certificate of consent  
   25F.    Applications in relation to land owned by related bodies  
   25G.    Certificate of consent  
   25H.    Register of certificates  
   25J.    Review by VCAT  

           Division 4--Special provisions

   26.     Prescribed places of public entertainment  
   28.     Historic buildings and special buildings  
   29.     Subdivision  
   29A.    Application for building permit for demolition  
   29B.    Suspension of demolition permit pending amendment of planning scheme  

           Division 5--Register and records

   30.     Relevant building surveyor to give copies of permits and documents to council  
   30A.    Authority may approve checklist of documents to be certified  
   30B.    Relevant building surveyor must certify that documents given to council  
   31.     Register of building permits  
   32.     Keeping of records  
   32A.    Council to notify Development Victoria of issue of building permit  

   PART 4--INSPECTION OF BUILDING WORK

           Division 1--Inspections

   33.     Notification during building work  
   34.     Inspections at mandatory notification stages  
   35.     Inspection of building work—general powers  
   35A.    Record of inspection of building work  
   35B.    Persons carrying out inspections must be registered practitioners or prescribed persons  

           Division 2--Directions to fix building work

   37.     Definitions  
   37A.    Direction by relevant building surveyor to fix building work  
   37B.    Direction by authorised person to fix building work  
   37C.    Method of giving directions  
   37D.    Written direction if oral direction not complied with  
   37E.    Requirements of directions to fix building work  
   37F.    Written directions to fix building work  
   37G.    Extension of time to comply with direction  
   37H.    Offences relating to compliance with direction  
   37HA.   Operation of direction may be stayed  
   37I.    Direction may be revoked  
   37J.    Relevant building surveyor or authorised person must give copies of directions and other notices to owner  
   37K.    Notice to owner and Authority of non‑compliance with direction  

           Division 3--Certificates of final inspection

   38.     Certificate of final inspection  

   PART 5--OCCUPATION OF BUILDINGS AND PLACES OF PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT

           Division 1--Occupancy permits (building work)

   39.     Occupancy permit must be obtained  
   40.     Occupation must be in accordance with permit  
   41.     Applications for occupancy permits  
   41A.    Requirement to provide a draft building manual with an application for an occupancy permit  
   41B.    Approval of building manual  
   42.     Schedule 2 to apply  
   43.     Decision on application for occupancy permit  
   44.     Refusal of occupancy permit  
   44A.    Applicant for occupancy permit must give approved building manual to owners corporation  
   44B.    Owners corporation must update an approved building manual  
   44C.    Owner of building must update an approved building manual  
   44D.    Offence to include false or misleading information in a building manual  
   45.     Form of occupancy permit  
   46.     Effect of occupancy permit  
   47.     Reporting authority to be notified of occupancy permit  
   48.     Reasons for refusal to be given  

           Division 2--Occupancy permits (places of public entertainment)

   49.     Public entertainment not to be conducted at place without occupancy permit  
   50.     Place not to be used for public entertainment without occupancy permit  
   51.     Use of place of public entertainment must be in accordance with permit  
   52.     Use of prescribed temporary structure must be in accordance with permit  
   53.     Applications for occupancy permits  
   54.     Schedule 2 to apply  
   55.     Refusal of occupancy permit  
   56.     Decision on application for occupancy permit  
   57.     Prescribed temporary structures—special provisions  
   58.     Effect of occupancy permit  
   59.     Form of occupancy permit  
   60.     Reporting authority to be notified of occupancy permit  
   61.     Owner to notify others of occupancy permit  
   62.     Reasons for refusal to be given  
   63.     Inspection of places of public entertainment  

           Division 3--Temporary occupation of buildings

   64.     Temporary occupation of buildings  
   65.     Who may apply for approval?  
   66.     Form of application  
   67.     Determination of applications  
   68.     Form of approval  
   69.     Reasons for refusal to be given  

           Division 4--Amendment and cancellation of permits and approvals

   70.     Amendment of permit or approval  
   71.     Cancellation of permit or approval if fraud or misrepresentation  
   72.     Cancellation of occupancy permit on other grounds  

           Division 5--Register and records

   73.     Relevant building surveyor to give copies of documents to council  
   74.     Register of occupancy permits and temporary approvals  
   75.     Keeping of records  

   PART 6--PRIVATE BUILDING SURVEYORS

           Division 1--Appointments of private building surveyors

   76.     Functions of private building surveyor  
   77.     Additional functions  
   78.     When may a private building surveyor be appointed?  
   78A.    Offence to accept appointment of private building surveyor if unregistered  
   78B.    Private building surveyor prohibited from delegating functions unless authorised  
   79.     Circumstances in which private building surveyor may not act  
   80.     Private building surveyor to notify council  
   80A.    Designated building surveyors  
   80B.    Duties of designated building surveyors  

           Division 1A--Transfer of functions of private building surveyor

   80C.    A private building surveyor may transfer functions relating to building work to another building surveyor  
   80D.    Authority may direct transfer of functions of employee building surveyor  

           Division 2--Termination of appointment with consent of Authority

   81.     Termination of appointment  
   82.     Directions of Authority  
   83.     Effect of transfer of functions  

           Division 3--Appointment by Authority of manager of business of private building surveyor

   83A.    Definition  
   83B.    Appointment of manager  
   83C.    Who may be appointed as a manager?  
   83D.    Terms of appointment  
   83E.    Conditions on appointment of manager  
   83F.    Notice of appointment  
   83G.    Effect of service of notice of appointment  
   83H.    Powers of manager  
   83I.    Powers of entry etc.  
   83J.    Acts of manager taken to be acts of private building surveyor  
   83K.    Protection from liability  
   83L.    Payment of expenses of management  
   83M.    Business accounts  
   83N.    Records and accounts of business under management  
   83O.    Reports by manager  
   83P.    Deceased estates  
   83Q.    Termination of manager's appointment  
   83R.    Review of decision to appoint manager  
   83S.    Directions of VCAT  
   83T.    Confidentiality  
   83U.    Offence to obstruct manager  
   83V.    Owner may recover money paid to private building surveyor  

   PART 7--PROTECTION OF ADJOINING PROPERTY

   84.     Notice of building work to be given  
   85.     Adjoining owner must respond to notice  
   86.     Effect of agreement  
   87.     Effect of disagreement or request for further information  
   88.     Work not to be carried out until protection requirements met  
   89.     Emergency procedures  
   90.     Absent or incapable owners  
   91.     Appointment of agent for adjoining owner  
   92.     Adjoining owner may inspect plans  
   93.     Owner to arrange insurance cover  
   94.     Survey of adjoining property  
   95.     Entry on adjoining property  
   96.     Adjoining owner and adjoining occupier not to obstruct owner  
   97.     Expenses of adjoining owner  
   98.     Compensation  
   99.     Liability not affected  
   100.    Saving for easements  
   101.    Lodgment of plans after completion of protection work  

   PART 8--ENFORCEMENT OF SAFETY AND BUILDING STANDARDS

           Division 1--Emergency orders

   102.    Emergency orders  
   103.    Orders to vacate  
   104.    Orders to owners, occupiers or builders  
   105.    Form and service of emergency order  
   105A.   Duration of order  
   105B.   Cancellation of emergency order  

           Division 2--Building notices and building orders

   106.    Building notices  
   107.    Actions by private building surveyors  
   108.    Contents and form of building notice  
   109.    Representations by owner  
   110.    Cancellation of building notice  
   111.    Building orders—general  
   112.    Building orders to stop building work  
   113.    Building orders—minor work  
   114.    Form and service of building order  
   115.    Failure to comply with order by private building surveyor  
   116.    Amendment or cancellation of certain building orders  
   117.    Duration of order  

           Division 3--General

   118.    Contravention of emergency order or building order  
   118A.   Building notices and building orders to be last resort  
   119.    Building permit not required  
   120.    Completion of work required by emergency order or building order  
   121.    Work may be carried out by municipal building surveyor  
   122.    Minister may authorise action where immediate danger  
   123.    Recovery of costs  
   124.    Police assistance  
   125.    Relevant building surveyor to notify council  
   126.    Register of orders  

   PART 9--LIABILITY

           Division 1--Immunity

   127.    Immunity for Commissioners and staff  
   127AA.  Immunity for Building Monitor and acting Building Monitor  
   127A.   Immunity for members of public authorities and staff  
   128.    Immunity for building surveyor relying on certificate  
   128A.   Immunity for building surveyor in relation to approving a draft building manual  

           Division 2--Limitation of actions

   129.    Definitions  
   130.    Division not to affect certain matters  
   134.    Limitation on time when building action may be brought  
   134A.   Limitation on time when plumbing action may be brought  

           Division 3--Insurance

   135.    Order requiring insurance  
   136.    Offence to work as building practitioner or engineer without required insurance  
   137.    Offence to claim to be insured when uninsured  
   137AA.  Insurance for domestic building work to be provided by designated insurers  
   137A.   Insurance for domestic building work  
   137B.   Offence for owner-builder to sell building without report or insurance  
   137C.   Warranties for purposes of homes under section 137B  
   137D.   Insurance requirements for the purposes of homes under section 137B  
   137E.   Insurance requirements for home sold before completion  

           Division 4--Cladding rectification subrogation

   137F.   Subrogation  
   137G.   Repayment of financial assistance  

   PART 10--THE BUILDING APPEALS BOARD AND ITS JURISDICTION

           Division 1--Rights of appeal

   138.    Building and occupancy permits  
   138A.   Directions to fix building work  
   139.    Temporary occupation of buildings  
   140.    Private building surveyors  
   141.    Protection work  
   142.    Building notices and orders  
   144.    Appeals—Building regulations  
   144A.    Appeals—Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002  

           Division 2--Appeals

   145.    Division additional to other powers  
   146.    Effect of decisions under appeal  
   147.    Fast track appeals  
   148.    Nature of an appeal  
   149.    What action can be taken on appeal?  

           Division 3--Disputes

   150.    Disputes about inspections  
   151.    Emergency protection work  
   152.    Insurance  
   153.    Surveys of adjoining property  
   154.    Cost of supervising protection work  
   155.    Other disputes between owners and adjoining owners  
   156.    Disputes about the building permit levy  
   157.    Application and effect of building regulations  
   158.     Party walls  

           Division 4--Other proceedings

   159.    Compensation—protection work  
   160.    Modification of building regulations  
   160A.    Application for determination in respect of building design  
   160B.   Application for modification of building regulations relating to access for persons with disabilities  

           Division 5--Powers concerning disputes and other proceedings

   161.    General powers  
   162.    Special powers—modification of regulations  
   163.     Agreements  
   164.    Termination and variation of agreements  
   165.    Lodging and recording of agreements  

           Division 6--The Building Appeals Board

   166.    Establishment and membership of Building Appeals Board  
   168.    Register  

   PART 11--REGISTRATION OF BUILDING PRACTITIONERS

           Division 1--Offences

   169.    Representation in relation to registration  
   169AA.  Certain registered builders must not act as head builders  
   169A.   Representation in relation to domestic building work  
   169B.   Representation in relation to work as a building surveyor  
   169C.   Representation in relation to work as a building inspector  
   169D.   Offence to carry out work as a building practitioner unless registered  
   169EA.  Offence to carry out certain types of building work unless registered or licensed  
   169EB.  Authority may grant exemption from offence against section 169EA(1)  
   169F.   Offence to carry out domestic building work under a major domestic building contract  
   169FA.  Offence to engage an unregistered subcontractor  
   169FB.  Offence to direct or require a person to carry out certain building work  
   169G.   Building practitioner body corporate must have at least one nominee director  
   169H.   Advertisements or written statements by registered building practitioners  
   169I.   Advertisements or written statements by partnerships  
   169J.   Exception for certain organisations  
   169K.   Offences for unregistered engineers  

           Division 1A--Registration

   170.    Who may apply for registration?  
   170A.   Application for registration—general  
   170AB.  Proof of insurance for persons intending to rely on automatic deemed registration  
   170B.   Authority may conduct inquiries and require further information  
   170C.   Consent to disclosure of information  
   170D.   Change to information in application  
   171.    Registration  
   171A.   Additional requirements for registration—bodies corporate—general  
   171B.   Additional requirements for registration—nominee directors  
   171C.   Additional requirements for applicant who is member of partnership  
   171D.   Personal probity requirements  
   171E.   Financial probity requirements  
   171F.   Excluded persons  
   171G.   Issue of certificate of registration  
   171GA.  Issue of registration card  
   171H.   Conditions on registration  
   171I.   Period of registration  
   171J.   Issue of replacement certificate of registration or registration card  
   172.    Annual fee, proof of insurance and training plan report  
   173.    Renewal of registration  
   173A.   Authority may permit late renewals  
   173B.   Surrender of registration  
   174.    General duty of nominee director  
   175AA.  Definitions  
   175.    The Register of Building Practitioners  
   175A.   Time for inclusion of information in the Register of Building Practitioners  
   175AB.  Registered building practitioner must give information to the Authority for the Register of Building Practitioners  
   175B.   Changes to information on the Register of Building Practitioners  
   175C.   Authority to be advised of nominee director changes  
   175D.   Publication of information on Register of Building Practitioners  
   176.    Certificate of registration to be returned to Authority  
   176A.   Registered building practitioner or endorsed building engineer to produce certificate of registration for inspection  

           Division 2--Codes of conduct for building practitioners

   177.    Authority may approve codes of conduct for building practitioners  
   177A.   Code of conduct prepared by Authority or industry  
   177B.   Code of conduct must be published  
   177C.   Commencement of code of conduct  
   177D.   Building practitioners must comply with approved code of conduct  

           Division 3--Disciplinary proceedings and action

   177E.   Application of Division to endorsed building engineers  
   178.    Meaning of disciplinary action  
   178A.   Division applies to suspended practitioners  
   179.    Grounds for disciplinary action  
   179A.   Conduct of body corporate or partnership to be conduct of building practitioner director or partner  
   179B.   Mandatory cancellation of registration if practitioner is not a fit and proper person  
   180.    Grounds for immediate suspension  
   180A.   Immediate suspension of registration  
   180B.   Period of suspension  
   180C.   Period of grace where director dies or resigns or is removed or disqualified  
   181.    Ability to practise  
   181A.   Revocation of suspension  
   182.    Show cause notice  
   182A.   Representations about show cause notice  
   182B.   Decision about whether to take disciplinary action  
   182C.   Ending show cause process without further action  
   182D.   Disciplinary or other action by Authority on giving of undertaking  
   182E.   Taking disciplinary action after show cause notice  
   183.    Notice of decisions  
   183A.   Building practitioner to give notice  
   183B.   Complaint privileged  
   183C.   Consequences of suspension of registration  
   183D.   Revocation of suspension  
   183E.   Authority may recover penalties  

           Division 4--Review of decisions relating to building practitioners

   184.    Definitions  
   184A.   Application of Division to endorsed building engineers  
   185.    Applying for internal review  
   185A.   Who may conduct an internal review?  
   185B.   Internal review  
   185C.   Review decisions  
   185D.   Notice of review decision  
   186.    Application for review by VCAT of reviewable decision  
   187.    Proceedings and decision  

   PART 11A--LICENSING OF BUILDING EMPLOYEES

           Division 1--Building employee licence

   187A.   Natural person may apply for a licence  
   187B.   Application to be licensed  
   187C.   Authority may conduct inquiries and require further information  
   187D.   Consent to disclosure of information  
   187E.   Change to information in application  
   187F.   Grant of licence other than provisional licence  
   187G.   Grant of provisional licence  
   187H.   Conditions of licence  
   187I.   Period of licence granted under this Part  
   187J.   Issue or return of licence certificate  
   187K.   Issue of replacement licence certificate  
   187L.   Periodic licence fee, statement and training plan report  
   187M.   Surrender of licence  
   187N.   Register of Building Employees  
   187NA.  Licensed building employees must give information to the Authority for the Register of Building Employees  
   187NB.  Licensed building employee must notify Authority of changes to information on the Register of Building Employees  
   187O.   Licensed building employee to produce licence certificate for inspection  

           Division 2--Disciplinary proceedings and actions

   187P.   Meaning of disciplinary action  
   187Q.   Division applies to suspended building employees  
   187R.   Grounds for disciplinary action  
   187S.   Show cause notice  
   187T.   Representations about show cause notice  
   187U.   Decision about whether to take disciplinary action  
   187V.   Ending show cause process without further action  
   187W.   Disciplinary or other action by Authority on giving of undertaking  
   187X.   Taking disciplinary action after show cause notice  
   187Y.   Notice of decisions  
   187Z.   Complaint privileged  
   187ZA.  Consequences of suspension of licence  
   187ZB.  Revocation of suspension  

           Division 3--Review of decisions relating to licensed employees

   187ZC.  Definitions  
   187ZD.  Applying for internal review  
   187ZE.  Persons who may conduct an internal review  
   187ZF.  Internal review  
   187ZG.  Review decisions  
   187ZH.  Notice of review decision  
   187ZI.  Application for review by VCAT of reviewable decision  
   187ZJ.  Proceedings and decision  

   PART 12--BUILDING ADMINISTRATION

           Division 1--Role of Minister

   188.    Guidelines  
   188AA.  Ministerial directions to building surveyors  
   188A.   Decision guidelines on design and siting of single dwellings[7]  
   189.    Delegation of Minister's functions  
   190.    Minister may require Authority to act as building surveyor  
   191.    Administration and enforcement outside municipal district  
   192.    Alpine resorts  
   192A.   Designated bushfire prone areas  
   192B.   Declaration prohibiting use of high risk external wall cladding products  

           Division 2--Victorian Building Authority

   193.    Establishment of Authority  
   194.    Authority is a body corporate  
   195.    Authority accountable to Minister  
   196.    Authority to comply with certain directions by gas safety Minister  
   197.    Functions of the Authority  
   198.    General powers of the Authority  
   199.    Delegation by the Authority  
   200.    Victorian Building Authority Board  
   201.    Appointment of Commissioners to VBA Board  
   202.    Application of Schedule 3  
   203.    Chief executive officer  
   204.    Authority staff  
   204A.   Appointment of inspectors  
   204B.   VBA inspector's identification  
   204C.   Production of identification  
   205.    Establishment and structure  
   205A.   Payments into Building account  
   205B.   Payments out of the Building account  
   205C.   Payments into the Plumbing account  
   205D.   Payments out of the Plumbing account  
   205DA.  Payments into the Cladding Safety Victoria account  
   205DB.  Payments out of the Cladding Safety Victoria account  
   205E.   Authority may invest funds  
   205F.   Authority may engage agent in administering Victorian Building Authority Fund  
   205G.   Building permit levy must be paid  
   205GA.  Applicant must pay building permit levy  
   205H.   Building permit application must contain information about cost of building work  
   205HA.  Relevant building surveyor must refuse permit in certain circumstances  
   205I.   Calculation and notification of levy  
   205J.   Offence for person not to remit levy to Authority  
   205K.   Authority may recover unpaid levy  
   205KA.  Authority must be notified of increased building costs  
   205L.   Authority may reassess levy after building permit issued  
   205LA.  Authority must take into account matters in reassessing levy  
   205LB.  Authority to give notice of additional levy to be paid  
   205LBA. Authority to give notice of refund  
   205LC.  Authority may impose amount of penalty levy  
   205LD.  Person given notice must pay any additional levy and penalty levy  
   205LE.  Authority may recover additional levy assessed by Authority and penalty levy  
   205LF.  Review by VCAT  
   205LG.  Levy may be payable for work carried out without a permit  
   205LH.  Assessment of levy  
   205LI.  Authority may impose amount of penalty levy  
   205LJ.  Authority may charge costs of assessing levy  
   205LK.  Authority to give notice of assessment  
   205LL.  Person given notice must pay levy, penalty levy and costs of Authority  
   205LM.  Authority may recover levy assessed by Authority, penalty levy and costs  
   205LN.  Review by VCAT  
   205LO.  Review of cladding rectification levy  
   205M.   Directions and recommendations in relation to building surveyors  
   205N.   Authority may act as municipal building surveyor—general  
   205O.   Effect of Authority acting as municipal building surveyor  
   205P.   Authority as relevant building surveyor for certain occupancy permits  
   205Q.   Building surveyor not to carry out function  
   205R.   Minister's guidelines apply to applications to Authority  

           Division 3--State Building Surveyor

   206.    Appointment of State Building Surveyor  
   206A.   Objectives of the State Building Surveyor  
   206B.   Functions of the State Building Surveyor  
   206C.   Powers of the State Building Surveyor  
   206D.   Delegation powers of the State Building Surveyor  
   206E.   State Building Surveyor may issue binding determinations  

           Division 3A--Building Monitor

   207.    Definition  
   208.    Appointment of Building Monitor  
   208A.   Vacancy in office of Building Monitor  
   208B.   Removal from office of Building Monitor  
   208C.   Acting Building Monitor  
   208D.   Validity of decisions of Building Monitor  
   208E.   Objectives of the Building Monitor  
   208F.   Functions of the Building Monitor  
   208G.   General powers of the Building Monitor  
   208H.   Staff  
   208I.   Delegation  
   208J.   Building Monitor must implement a strategic plan  
   208K.   Building Monitor may request information or data from certain persons or bodies  
   208L.   Building Monitor must not publish certain information or data  
   208M.   Improper disclosure or use of information or data  
   208N.   Minister may establish a Building Monitor Reference Group  
   208O.   Review of Building Monitor Reference Group  
   208P.   Building Monitor Issues Report  
   208Q.   Review of office of Building Monitor  

           Division 4--The Building Regulations Advisory Committee

   209.    Establishment of Committee  
   210.    Membership and procedure  
   211.    Functions of Committee  

           Division 4A--Plumbing Advisory Council

   211A.   Establishment of Council  
   211B.   Membership and procedure  
   211C.   Functions  

           Division 5--Role of councils

   212.    Council to administer building provisions in its municipal district  
   213.    Appointment of municipal building surveyor  
   214.    Agreements with councils or the Authority  
   215.    Agreement with private building surveyor  
   216.    Council to charge commercial rates for work outside municipal district  
   216A.   Exemption from functions in relation to certain permits  
   216B.   Delegation by municipal building surveyor  
   216C.   Role of municipal building surveyor outside municipal district  
   216D.   Register of swimming pools  

           Division 6--The Crown and public authorities

   217.    Application of Act to the Crown and public authorities  
   219.    Municipal building surveyor not required to inspect building work  
   220.    Guidelines for Crown and public authority buildings  
   221.    Authorised building surveyor  

   PART 12A--PLUMBING WORK

           Division 1--Preliminary matters

   221A.   Purpose of this Part  
   221B.   Definitions applying to this Part  
   221C.   Meaning of plumbing work  

           Division 2--Restrictions concerning the carrying out of plumbing work

   221D.   Plumbing work only to be carried out by licensed or registered plumbers  
   221E.   Restrictions concerning work for which compliance certificate required  
   221F.   Restriction concerning specialised plumbing work  
   221FA.  Plumbing work must comply with this Part and regulations  
   221G.    Obligations on licensed plumbers concerning their agents  
   221H.   People involved in a plumbing business need not be licensed or registered  
   221HA.  No entitlement to consideration under contract  
   221I.   Person must not use the title "plumber" or "plumbing practitioner" unless licensed or registered  
   221J.   Person must not use the title "drainer" unless licensed or registered  
   221K.   Person must not use the title "gasfitter" unless licensed or registered  
   221L.   Exceptions to sections 221I221K  

           Division 3--The licensing and registration of plumbers

   221M.   Licensing as a plumber  
   221N.   Endorsement to carry out specialised plumbing work  
   221O.   Registration as a plumber  
   221OA.  Endorsement to carry out specialised plumbing work—registered plumbers  
   221P.   Provisional registration  
   221Q.   Restricted licences  
   221R.   Restricted registration  
   221S.   Authority may refuse to license or register certain persons  
   221T.   Application for licensing or registration as a plumber  
   221U.   Authority may conduct inquiries and require further information  
   221UA.  Consent to disclosure of information  
   221V.   Offence to give false information  
   221VA.  Police record check on applicant  
   221W.   Temporary licence or registration  
   221X.   Authority may impose conditions on licensing or registering person  
   221Y.   Duplicate licences and registration documents  
   221Z.   How long licensing and registration last  
   221ZA.  Plumbers must notify Authority of change of contact details  
   221ZB.  Application for renewal of licence or registration as a plumber  
   221ZC.  Authority may require further information  
   221ZD.  Renewal of licence or registration  
   221ZE.  Authority may permit late renewals  
   221ZF.  Information to be given to unsuccessful applicants  
   221ZFA. Licence and registration document to be returned to Registrar  
   221ZFB. Licensed plumber to produce licence for inspection  
   221ZFC. Registered plumber to produce registration document for inspection  

           Division 4--Compliance certificates

   221ZG.  This Division does not apply to complex gasfitting work  
   221ZH.  Compliance certificate must be given for most plumbing work  
   221ZI.  Details that must appear on a compliance certificate  
   221ZJ.  Details on certificates must be accurate  
   221ZK.  Only licensed plumbers may sign certificates  
   221ZKA. Issue of certificates by the Authority  
   221ZL.  Meaning of the total value of plumbing work  
   221ZLA. Building practitioner must transfer compliance certificate to owner  
   221ZLB. Other people must also transfer compliance certificate to owner  
   221ZM.  Copies of certificates must be kept for 10 years  
   221ZN.  Provisions concerning the supply of certificate forms  
   221ZO.  Further obligation for compliance certificates for sanitary drains  

           Division 5--Provisions applying to particular plumbing work

   221ZP.  Sanitary drainage and other work must be made available for inspection before being covered  
   221ZPA. Information to be provided before work starts  

           Division 6--Insurance orders

   221ZQ.  Order requiring insurance  
   221ZR.  Offence to work as plumber without required insurance  
   221ZS.  Offence to claim to be insured when uninsured  
   221ZT.  Further provisions concerning required insurance  
   221ZU.  Suspension of licence if insurance ceases  
   221ZV.  Suspension of licence where failure to comply with insurer's direction  

           Division 7--Rectification of defective plumbing work

   221ZW.  Inspector or auditor may require plumber to rectify faulty work  
   221ZX.  Right to apply to VCAT to have a rectification notice cancelled  
   221ZY.  Plumbing notice to owner/occupier to rectify defective plumbing work  
   221ZZ.  Owner/occupier may dispute a plumbing notice  
   221ZZA. Inspector may cancel plumbing notice  
   221ZZB. Plumbing order to rectify defective plumbing work  
   221ZZC. Owner/occupier must comply with plumbing order  
   221ZZD. Inspector may cancel plumbing order  
   221ZZE. Right to apply to the VCAT to have a plumbing order cancelled  
   221ZZF. Emergency plumbing order to rectify dangerous plumbing work  
   221ZZG. Offence to not comply with emergency plumbing order  
   221ZZH. Inspector may cancel emergency plumbing order  
   221ZZI. Plumbing notices and orders to be last resort  
   221ZZJ. Owner/occupier must report the completion of required work  
   221ZZK. Work may be carried out by Authority or plumbing inspector  
   221ZZL. Police assistance  

           Division 8--Interpretation and modification of plumbing regulations

   221ZZM. Meaning of plumbing regulations  
   221ZZN.  Authority may resolve disputes concerning interpretation of plumbing regulations  
   221ZZO.  Modification of plumbing regulations  
   221ZZP.  Matters Authority must consider before making a modification declaration  
   221ZZQ. Procedure applying to hearings under this Part  

           Division 10--Enforcement

   221ZZY. Enforcement staff  
   221ZZZC.Additional powers of plumbing inspectors  
   221ZZZD.Compulsory inspections  

           Division 10A--Plumbing infringements

   221ZZZDA.Definitions  
   221ZZZE.Plumbing infringement notices  
   221ZZZEA.Additional steps required by infringement notice  
   221ZZZEB.Proceedings where plumbing infringement notice requiring additional steps is served  

           Division 11--Inquiries and disciplinary action

   221ZZZF.Inquiry by Authority  
   221ZZZFA.Immediate suspension of registration or licence of plumber  
   221ZZZG.Grounds on which disciplinary action may be taken  
   221ZZZH.Procedure concerning inquiries  
   221ZZZI.How inquiry to be conducted  
   221ZZZJ.Disciplinary powers of Authority  
   221ZZZK.Presumption of suspension for repeated offences concerning compliance notices  
   221ZZZKA.Person to give notice of cancellation or suspension of licence or registration  
   221ZZZKB.Consequences of suspension of licence or registration  
   221ZZZL.Revocation of cancellation or suspension of licence or registration  
   221ZZZM.Authority may compensate persons suffering loss from unsatisfactory plumbing work  
   221ZZZN.Procedures of Authority sub-committee conducting inquiry or taking disciplinary action  

           Division 12--Review of decisions

   221ZZZP.Review by VCAT  

           Division 13--Administrative matters

   221ZZZR.Licensed and registered plumbers must give information to the Authority for the Register of Plumbers  
   221ZZZS.Licensed and registered plumbers must notify Authority of changes to information on the Register of Plumbers  
   221ZZZT.Register of Plumbers  
   221ZZZTA.Publication of information on Register of Plumbers  
   221ZZZU.Minister may specify work to be specialised plumbing work  
   221ZZZV.Regulations  
   221ZZZW. Incorporation by reference of Plumbing Code of Australia or other document by regulations  

   PART 13--GENERAL ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS

           Division 1--Powers of Minister in relation to councils

   222.    Order of Minister  
   223.    Hearing of council  
   224.    Effect of failure to comply with order  
   225.    Powers of Minister and authorised persons  
   226.    Minister may seek administrative order  
   227.    Other powers not affected  

           Division 1B--Inspections of safety and emergency equipment

   227E.   Powers of inspection of chief officer and municipal building surveyor  

           Division 2--Information gathering and entry powers

   227EA.  Definition of municipal building surveyor for the purposes of this Division  
   227EB.  Warning about giving information that may incriminate a person  
   227F.   Meaning of authorised person in this Subdivision  
   227G.   Power to obtain information or documents  
   227H.   Documents or information may be provided by post  
   227I.   Meaning of authorised person in this Subdivision and interpretation  
   227J.   Authorised person may seek court order  
   227K.   Inspection of documents under court order  
   227L.   Notification of execution of court order  
   228.    Authorised persons under this Subdivision  
   228A.   Authorisation of persons as authorised persons  
   228B.   Authorised person's identification  
   228C.   Production of identification  
   228D.   Power of entry—inspections required or authorised by this Act or regulations  
   228E.    Entry for monitoring and other purposes  
   228F.   Notice before entry and search under section 228E with consent  
   228G.   Acknowledgement of consent to entry and search under section 228E  
   228H.   Use or seizure of electronic equipment during search under section 228E  
   228I.   Entry of building or land open to the public  
   228J.   Entry in emergency  
   228K.   Entry with warrant for monitoring buildings or land used for residential purposes  
   228L.   Form and content of warrant  
   228M.   Entry with search warrant to find evidence of contravention  
   228N.   Form and content of search warrants  
   228O.   Seizure of things not mentioned in the warrant  
   228P.   Warrant may authorise the giving of a direction requiring assistance from person with knowledge of a computer or other electronic device  
   228Q.   Announcement before entry  
   228R.   Copy of warrant to be given to occupier  
   229.    Powers of authorised person to require information when exercising power of entry  
   229A.   Receipt must be given for any thing seized  
   229B.   Certified copies of seized documents  
   229C.   Retention and return of seized documents or things  
   229D.   Magistrates' Court may extend 3 month period for retention of document or thing  
   229E.   Taking samples  
   229F.   Refusal or failure to comply with requirement  
   229G.   Protection against self-incrimination  
   229H.   Police to assist authorised persons  
   229I.   Impersonation of authorised person  
   229J.   Confidentiality  
   230.    Register of exercise of powers of entry  
   231.    Complaints to the Authority  
   232.    Complaints to a council  
   233.    Complaints to Energy Safe Victoria  
   234.    Complaints relating to the chief officer  
   234A.   Investigation and report  

           Division 2A--Remedies

   234B.   Undertakings  
   234C.   Copy of undertaking  
   234D.   Register of undertakings  
   234DA.  Interpretation  
   234E.   Injunctions  
   234F.   Consent injunctions  
   234G.   Interim injunctions  
   234H.   Variation and discharge of injunctions  
   234I.   Injunction may be granted during offence proceedings  
   234J.   Undertakings as to damages and costs  

           Division 3--Evidence and notices

   235.    Evidence of ownership or occupation  
   236.    Service of documents—generally  
   237.    Service on Boards  
   238.    Building surveyor may rely on certificate by other registered building practitioner or endorsed building engineer  
   239.    Certificate of Registrar  
   239A.   No proof required  
   240.    Appointment of agents  

           Division 4--Offences and penalties

   241.    Proceedings for offences  
   241A.   Ineligibility for registration  
   242.    Application of penalties  
   242A.   Offences by partners  
   243.    Offences by bodies corporate  
   243A.   Conduct by officers, employees or agents of bodies corporate  
   244.    Offence to hinder or obstruct  
   245.    Offences by or relating to registered building practitioners  
   246.    Offence to give false or misleading statements or documents  
   247.    Offence relating to disclosure of pecuniary interest  
   248.    Offence for agent to act without authority  
   250.    Right of owner to carry out required work on occupied building or land  
   251.    Occupier or registered mortgagee may carry out work  
   251A.   Owners corporation may carry out work  
   252.    Vacation of building or land  
   253.    Powers of court if requirement of authorised person not complied with  

           Division 5--Building infringements

   254.    Definitions  
   255.    Building infringements  
   256.    Additional steps  
   259.    Proceedings where building infringement notice requiring additional steps is served  

   PART 14--GENERAL

   259A.   Improper use of information  
   259AB.  Information sharing arrangements  
   259B.   Authority may provide information to the Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria  
   259BA.  Certificate evidence—decisions of Authority and predecessor bodies  
   259BB.  Certificate of Authority  
   259C.   Authority may disclose cooling tower information  
   260.    Supreme Court—limitation of jurisdiction  
   261.    General regulation-making powers  
   262.    Additional regulation-making powers  
   263.    Transitional provisions  
   264.    Transitional provisions relating to the Building (Plumbing) Act 1998  
   265.    Transitional—Effect of change to Commission's name  
   267.    Transitional—proportionate liability  
   269.    Transitional—owner-builders  
   270.    Transitional—building surveyors  
   271.    Transitionals—Building Amendment Act 2012  
   272.    Transitional and savings provisions—Building and Planning Legislation Amendment (Governance and Other Matters) Act 2013  
   272A.   Schedule 9—House Contracts Guarantee Repeal Act 2016  
   273.    Transitional and savings provisions—Building Legislation Amendment (Consumer Protection) Act 2016  
   274.    Transitional and savings provisions relating to the Building Amendment (Enforcement and Other Measures) Act 2017  
   275.    General transitional and savings provisions—Building Amendment (Registration of Building Trades and Other Matters) Act 2018  
   276.    Transitional regulations  
   277.    Transitional and savings provisions—Building Amendment (Cladding Rectification) Act 2019  
   277A.   Transitional provision relating to the building permit levy  
   279.    Transitional and saving provisions relating to the Building and Environment Protection Legislation Amendment Act 2020  
   280.    Transitional and savings provisions relating to the Building and Environment Protection Legislation Amendment Act 2020  
   281.    Transitional and savings provisions relating to the Building Amendment (Registration and Other Matters) Act 2021  
   282.    Transitional and savings provisions relating to the Building Amendment (Registration and Other Matters) Act 2021  
   283.    Transitional regulations  
   284.    Transitional and saving provision relating to the Building Amendment (Registration and Other Matters) Act 2021  
   285.    Transitional and saving provisions relating to the Building Legislation Amendment Act 2023  
   286.    Transitional regulations  
           SCHEDULE 1
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           SCHEDULE 3
           SCHEDULE 4
           SCHEDULE 5
           SCHEDULE 6
           SCHEDULE 7
           SCHEDULE 8
           SCHEDULE 9
           SCHEDULE 10
           SCHEDULE 11
           ENDNOTES


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