A typical town planing definition:
Building means houses, extensions and alterations, garages, carports, pergolas, sheds, fences, screen and retaining walls, radio and television masts and aerials, advertising signs, swimming pools or any other structures.
Some buildings are exempt from the plan approval and inspection process. Construction of all types of permanent buildings (except minor work as specified in the appropriate act) must not commence until plans are approved and a permit to build is granted.