Building Documentation Search
Building Permit Documents
A building document search is an application to obtain documents associated with building permits. These include:
- architectural and structural plans
- computations
- specifications
- soil reports
- building permits
- occupancy permits
- certificates of final inspection
- warranty insurance certificates.
While we can advise on what years of works we may have records for, we cannot guarantee the availability of specific documents.
Owners Consent Requirments
Victorian Building Regulation 50 states that building permit information can only be applied for by the owner or mortgagee or someone with written authorisation from the owner or mortgagee. If you are a lot owner in a building with multiple lots you may be required to provide Owners Corporation approval to access documents. Without this authorisation you may receive redacted or limited documentation.
If you are applying as an owner, you must upload a proof of ownership document such as a driver’s licence, recent rates notice or utility bill.
If you are applying on behalf of an owner, you must provide signed authorisation and a proof of ownership document.
If you're acting on behalf of an Owners Corporation, you must provide signed written authorisation on their letterhead or provide a copy of the minutes appointing you to act on the Owners Corporation's behalf.
Fees
The application fee is for the retrieval and search of documentation. The fee is non-refundable even if the requested documents cannot be retrieved. If you’re paying by card, a card payment fee applies.
| Fee details | Fee |
|---|---|
| Residential dwelling (also includes certificates if selected) | $108.80 |
| Apartments or Commercial property (also includes certificates if selected) | $388.70 |
| Individual Permits or Certificates | $64.30 each |
Extra fees may be applied if large amounts of hardcopy records are required to be digitised. These fees will be based on the below schedule.
| Scanning and photocopying size | Fee per page |
| First 6 pages (A4 or A3) | Free |
| A4 | $2.30 |
| A3 | $3.10 |
| A2 | $6.20 |
| A1 and A0 | $9.40 |
If the volume of documents requires extra charges, we will contact you with fee estimates before making copies or scans.
How to apply for a search
You can apply for a building documentation search via My Port Phillip.
- Register or log in to My Port Phillip
- Add your address to your account details
- Select ‘apply for a permit'
- Scroll down until you find ‘Planning and Building Documentation Search’ and select ‘Start’
- In the drop-down select ‘Building File Search’
- To begin your application, start by entering the property address
- Apply
Please note, incomplete applications without the required attachments will not be accepted.
After your application is received and lodged, you will be emailed a tax invoice.
Searches are usually completed within 20 business days from the time of lodgement. Complex searches may take longer.
Help and support
Our Planning and Building Records team is here to help. Get in touch if you have questions or need a hardcopy form.
Send us a message on My Port Phillip
Phone: 03 9209 6424
Email: filesearch@portphillip.vic.gov.au
In person: visit the Planning and Building Counter at St Kilda Town Hall during opening hours (8.30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday).