Applying for a Building Permit

The Western Australian Building Act 2011 and associated Building Regulations 2012 requires a building permit prior to the construction, alteration, extension, repair, demolition or removal of a building or structure.

The Act and Regulations also outlines what building works require building permits and the standards to which works are required to comply. All building works must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC).

These include:

  • Swimming pools, spas and barriers
  • Fences (not masonry) over 1.8m in height
  • Fences (masonry) over 750mm in height
  • Sheds, garages, lean-to and workshops
  • Patios, verandas, gazebos, shade sails and pergolas
  • Retaining walls in excess of 500mm in height
  • Residential dwellings
  • Changes to ground levels
  • Sea Containers (for permanent storage use and will be on the property for greater than one calendar month)
  • Commercial buildings, including fit-outs and refurbishments
  • Industrial buildings
  • Water tanks with a capacity greater than 5000 litres

Application Assessment Timeframes

In accordance with the Building Act 2011, specific timeframes are given to either approve or refuse an application, as per the list below. This timeframe commences 12am the day after payment of the required fees. 

Building Permit - Certified (BA1)

10 working days

Building Permit - Uncertified (BA2)

25 working days

Demolition Permit (BA5)

10 working days

Occupancy Permit (BA9)

10 working days

Building Approval Certificate (BA13)

10 working days

Supporting Documentation and Prior Approvals

To ensure your application can be assessed within these timeframes, it is important to make sure you provide the Shire with a complete application and obtain other required approval first.

Prior to accepting your building application, our planning team will assess the application and determine if a Development Approval is required. Please note that in most instances Development Approval may be required. For further information please contact the Shires Planning Department on 9188 4444.

The Shire have developed a number of checklists to assist you with determining what supporting documentation is required when preparing your application.

Construction Training Fund Levy

Works over $20,000 will require a Construction Training Fund (CTF) Levy payment.

Visit the Construction Training Fund website to pay the levy - Construction Training Fund | Funding Training, Building Skills (ctf.wa.gov.au).

You will be required to include the receipt of payment with your application documentation.

Fees and Charges

The Building Regulations 2012 prescribe set fees for all applications. You can determine the application fee by reviewing the ‘Development Services’ section of our Current Fees and Charges.

Upon receipt of your complete application, you will be issued a tax invoice which will include the payment options.

Checklists

Application Forms

Notices

Information Sheets