On this page
- Building File Search
- Property Information Certificate
- Building and Planning Information Request
- Request adjoining owner details for protection works
Building File Search
A building file search includes available building permits, plans and certificates for a property.
Who can apply
- Property owners (proof of ownership required).
- Non-owners must provide a signed a contract of sale, a letter of consent from the owner and the applicant's driver's licence.
Cost and availability
- Files are available from around 1970 onwards, but there is no guarantee that a file exists.
- A non-refundable fee applies for each search.
How to apply
Complete our online form (credit card payment required)
Apply for a Building File Search
Or you can complete the Building File Search Request Form (PDF) and send it by post or pay in person at:
Knox City Council Civic Centre
511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South, 3152
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm
Processing time: Up to 15 business days from receiving a complete application.
Receiving documents
- Files will be sent by email with a secure link (valid for 6 months).
- Hard copies are available on request.
Property Information Certificate
A Property Information Certificate provides building details for a property. It is often needed when selling a home.
What it includes
- Building permits from the past 10 years.
- Any current building orders or notices issued by the relevant building surveyor.
- Whether the property is in a flood, termite, or bushfire-prone area.
- Risk of snowfall or landslip.
- Required inspections for owner-built properties.
Who can apply
- Property owners.
- Private building surveyors.
- Solicitors.
Cost
- A fee applies for this service.
- You must pay the fee when you make your application.
How to apply
Complete our online form (credit card payment required).
Apply for a Property Information Certificate
Or you can complete the Property Information Certificate Application Form (PDF) and send it by post with a money order, or pay in person at:
Knox City Council Civic Centre
511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South, 3152
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm
Processing time: Up to 15 business days from receiving a complete application.
Building and Planning Information Request
A Building and Planning Information Request provides details about planning and building rules for a property.
This is often needed when building on properties.
What it includes
- If a planning permit is required
- If the property is in an unsewered, flood-prone, termite-prone, alpine area, or bushfire-prone area
- If the property is in designated land or works
- If the property needs a town planning permit under the Knox Planning Scheme
Who can apply
- Private building surveyors
- Solicitors
- Property owners planning to build
Cost
- A fee applies for this service.
- You must pay the fee when you make your application.
How to apply
Complete our online form (credit card payment required).
Apply for a Building and Planning Information Request
Or you can complete the Building and Planning Information Request Form (PDF) and send it by post with a money order, or pay in person at:
Knox City Council Civic Centre
511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South, 3152
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm
Processing time: Up to 15 business days from receiving a complete application.
Request adjoining owner details for protection works
A property owner can apply to Council to request adjoining property owner details for the purpose of serving Protection Works Notices under Section 84 of the Building Act 1993.
Before you apply
This application can only be used if a Relevant Building Surveyor (RBS) has officially determined that protection works are required.
Council cannot release private property details without the following supporting documents:
- Form 1: A copy of your Application for a Building Permit that you submitted to the RBS.
- Form 6: A copy of the Determination that Protection Work is Required issued by your RBS.
How to apply
Complete our online form.
Request Adjoining Owner Details for Protection Works
Or you can complete the Request to Council for Adjoining Property Owner Contact Details to Service Protection Work Notice online form and email to [email protected].
You can also send it by post or deliver it in person to:
Knox City Council Civic Centre
511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South, 3152
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm
Processing time: Up to 5 business days from receiving a complete application.
What happens next
Council will review your request and verify your documents. A fee of $67.20 applies to each application (invoiced upon receipt of application). Applications usually take up to 5 business days to process.
Privacy Law restrictions
Under Victorian law, we can only provide the adjoining neighbour's name and postal address for the strict purpose of serving protection works notices.
Please note: This form cannot be used to request information for siting applications (Part 5 Matters) or for matters falling under the Fencing Act.
Need help?
Contact Building Services and we will get back to you.
Or call our Building Services team on 9298 8125.
