City of Melbourne building plans and permits (1916-1960)

• the address of the building
• the application number

Note: If you think the construction took place before 1916, read the page on Notices of Intention to Build. Records of applications from around 1961 onward are still held by the City of Melbourne. In other words if the date range close date range Definition For series, consignments and items, the date range can refer to the time during which the records were created, or the date range of the contents. on the index close index Definition Often an alphabetised or other sequential list that refers to records arranged in a different, less accessible sequence. Often one index will point you to a number you may need to access an item in a related set of records. (see also nominal index, numerical index and subject index). card is beyond 1961 you will need to contact the City of Melbourne records department.

How to find the Application Number? 

1. Look at the Melbourne Building Application Index (City of Melbourne) 1916-1993 on Ancestry.com.au or
2. Use this link for free Reading Room Access Only  
3. Browse by street name from the drop down menu at the top e.g. 'Beckett - Bourke' 
4. Find your property address (on card tab) and note down the application number.

Tip: View this image to better understand how to read the Melbourne Building Application Index cards. 

(building plans after 1961 are held at Melbourne City Council, contact their Records Department)

How to find the plans?

Type in the application number below.

The Local Government Act 1915 allowed local governments to create by-laws regulating building construction in their municipality. Our collection contains plans and correspondence relating to over 60,000 applications to build in the City of Melbourne between 1916 and 1960.

Once you have found records of interest to you, order close order Definition Physical records can be ordered for viewing in PROV’s reading rooms.  When a user orders a record, it is reserved solely for their use. them online and then view in our Reading Room.