Unauthorised Building Works
Acknowledgement of unauthorised building work may be given for all structures if they comply with all current regulations.
When is it required?
A Building Approval Certificate (BA18) is used to retrospectively approve any building work completed without a building permit being issued, or certifies an existing building complies with the relevant standards. A Building Approval Certificate will only be given to the owner of the property.
Are there exemptions?
Building Approval Certificates are voluntary, however if you have unauthorised building work you may be required to demolish it if you do not have one.
Building Approval Certificate
Building Approval Certificates (BA18) is issued by a registered building surveyor, as defined in section 3 of the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011. A Register of Building Surveying Contractors and Practitioners is available on the Building Commission Website.
Documentation Needed
The following information may be requested after an inspection of the unauthorised works:
One copy of plans will be retained by the Shire. The other copy is returned to the owner with a covering letter to confirm the unauthorised works have been acknowledged.
It is an offence to construct a building without first obtaining a building licence. The maximum penalty is up to $50,000. Owners or Builders who undertake unauthorised building work may still be prosecuted by the Shire or the Builders Registration Board.
The Shire of Gingin, where it is of the opinion an owner did not intentionally build without first obtaining a building licence, may issue a letter of acknowledgement following an application from the owner.
Please note that lodgement of an application does not guarantee approval.
If you have any queries, please contact Building Services on (08) 9575 2211.