Building Permits

Under Western Australian legislation (Building Act 2011) a building permit is required before commencement of most building work. Formal approval (a building permit) is required for any building work involving the development of new structures, alterations or extensions and changes in ground levels. These include:

Swimming pools, spas and barriers

Fences

Garden sheds

Verandahs

Gazebos

Garages

Workshops

Pergolas

Dwellings

Commercial buildings including fitouts and refurbishments

Industrial buildings

Changes to ground levels (eg, cutting and filling soil)

Retaining walls.

The Building Regulations 2012 details building work for which a Building Permit is not required. Although a building permit may not be required for all works, it does not exempt those works which may require Development Approval. If the total value of the work exceeds $20,000 a permit is issued to a registered builder, or in some circumstances, an owner builder.

Upon issue of a Building Permit, works shall be completed within 24 months of issue date, or other time frame as specified by the Shire. It is important to ensure sufficient time for assessment of your Building Permit.