Advice Notes & FAQ's

Permit Types

Certified

A certified application is assessed by a private Building Surveyor Contractor prior to being received by the Shire. The Building Surveyor prepares a Certificate of Design Compliance (CBC) for the proposed works, confirming the works complies with the applicable building standards.

Certified applications can be submitted for any building classification. Once lodged, the Shire has ten (10) business days to process the application. This process is much quicker and more effective.

Uncertified

Uncertified applications are those for which a Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC) is yet to be issued. This application requires the Shire to undertake the assessment of the proposed works and issue the CDC. The plans and documentation required to assess the proposed works need to be submitted to the Shire with along with the application form.

Uncertified applications can only be submitted for Class 1 & 10 buildings. The Shire has twenty-five (25) business days to process the application.

Demolition

A demolition application is required for the demolition, dismantling or removals of a building or incidental structure.

The Shire has ten (10) business days to process this application.

Under regulation 42 of the Building Regulation 2012, any Class 10 building that does not exceed 40m2 may be exempt from requiring a permit.

Occupancy

An occupancy application must be obtained before a building can be occupied. Only Class 2 to 9 buildings require an occupancy permit. This permit covers a number of different scenarios, including:

• occupying a completed new building;
• changing an existing building’s use or classification;
• retrospectively authorising an unauthorised building; or
• temporarily occupying an incomplete building.

Occupancy permits are not required for existing buildings, unless the use or classification is to be changed. The Shire can determine if an occupancy permit is required for minor alterations or where a building permit is not required.

Building Approval Certificate

A building approval certificate is used to retrospectively approve building works that were completed prior to receiving a building permit