If you’re building, renovating, or even considering buying land, understanding a property’s building envelope is essential. It defines where and how you can build.

A building envelope can set limits on things like;

• building placement,
• wall height or number of storeys allowed,
• relative size of building to the property, and
• proximity to boundaries.

Note this is a high level and not exhaustive list of the items that could be detailed in the building envelope.

Where can you find the building envelope for a property?

Not all properties have a building envelope. But if one exists, it’s typically included in:

• Your Copy of Plan, and/or
• A Memorandum of Common Provisions (MCP) which will be reference within the plan

What does a building envelope tell you?

The building envelope acts as a guide to the approved area and building constraints within a property where construction can occur. This has several implications depending on your situation:

• Planning a new build – it shows where on the property you’re allowed to construct a building and how many stories you can build.
• Considering an extension – it helps define how far you can extend (out and up), and which areas are off-limits.
• Buying vacant land – the envelope provides early insight into development potential and limitations.

Who needs to understand the building envelope?

From professional builders to owner-builders doing a home extension and property developers, if you’re involved in or planning any kind of building project, this document is vital.  Building surveyors also require it as part of the process to issue a building permit.

Can you get your building envelope altered?

In some rare circumstances building envelopes may be varied by council consent.  Reach out to your local council to find out what the process and requirements are to apply for an alteration to your building envelope.