From your first enquiry to moving in, here's every step — explained simply, with no jargon.
What does BPA mean?
BPA means Building Permit Approvable. It describes a cottage pathway designed to provide the drawings, engineering and supporting documentation ordinarily required for a building permit application. It does not mean that a planning permit, building permit or occupancy permit has already been issued for a customer's property.
A cottage cannot be approved in isolation from its site. The final approval depends on the land, proposed use, zoning, overlays, setbacks, foundations, wastewater, bushfire requirements, energy assessment and other site-specific conditions.
Every BPA Cottage project follows the same pathway — from Stage 0 (Initial Enquiry) through to Stage 10 (Inspections and Occupancy). Some stages are quick, some take weeks. Some we handle, some need your input or an independent professional. This page explains what happens at each stage, who's responsible, how long it typically takes, what it costs, and what can slow things down.
Important: The timeframes shown are estimates only. Your project may be faster or slower depending on your property, your council, consultant availability, and the complexity of your site.
Here's a visual guide to how your project progresses through each stage. Every project is different, but this gives you a sense of the journey.
Three types of approval are involved in a BPA Cottage project. Customers often refer to all of them as "council approval", but they are distinct:
Planning permit
Whether you can use or develop the land in this way. Issued by your local council. Not always required.
Building permit
Whether the building work meets construction standards. Issued by a registered building surveyor. Always required.
Occupancy permit
The final approval allowing lawful occupation. Issued after all inspections pass and connections are complete.
Total Estimated Timeline: 16–36 Weeks
From feasibility to occupancy, depending on your site complexity, consultant availability, council processes, and factory schedule.
Estimated duration is not the same as a guaranteed completion date. Your actual timeline depends on factors outside anyone's control — council decisions, consultant availability, weather, shipping, and site conditions. We'll keep you informed at every stage.
| Task | Homes & Domes | Customer | Consultant | Builder/Trade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary site information | ✓ | |||
| Planning assessment | Coordinates | ✓ | ||
| Building permit application | Coordinates | Authorises | ✓ | |
| Site access preparation | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Foundations | Coordinates/quoted | Pays/approves | Engineer | Builder |
| Cottage manufacture | ✓ | Factory | ||
| Delivery | Coordinates | Provides access | Transporter | |
| Crane | Coordinates if included | Site readiness | Crane contractor | |
| Utility connections | May coordinate | ✓ | Licensed trades | |
| Occupancy documentation | Coordinates | Supplies items | Surveyor | Builder/trades |
This responsibility matrix is indicative and must match your written contract precisely. Ask us if you're unsure who is responsible for any stage.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · Applicable jurisdiction: Victoria · General information only — not legal, planning or engineering advice.
Requirements vary by property, local government area, building classification and proposed use. Obtain site-specific advice before making financial commitments.