Building Applications and Permits

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Do I Need a Building Permit?

Building permits are required for the construction of new buildings and structures including additions and alterations to existing buildings. 

Did you recently receive a Development Approval (DA) for a structure or building?  You will now be required to submit a Building Permit Application BEFORE you commence construction of any buildings or structures listed below.  When the building permit has been issued to you, only then are you free to construct as per the approved plans and technical documents.

General building work that will require a building permit includes:

  • Swimming pools and spas
  • Swimming pool security/safety barriers
  • Fences (not masonry) over 1.8m in height
  • Fences (masonry) over 750mm in height
  • Sheds, garages, lean-to and workshops (some exemptions apply)
  • Patios, verandahs, gazebos, shade sails and pergolas (some exemptions apply)
  • Retaining walls in excess of 500mm in height
  • Residential dwellings
  • "Tiny" homes
  • Earthworks and sand pads
  • Sea Containers (for permanent storage use and will be on the property for greater than one calendar month)
  • Additions and alterations to residential dwellings, including granny flats and ancillary dwellings.
  • Commercial buildings, including fit-outs and refurbishments
  • Industrial buildings
  • Water tanks with a capacity greater than 5000 litres

In most cases where the total value of the work exceeds $20,000, a permit can only be issued to a registered builder or in some circumstances an owner builder.

More information and standard application forms are available at the Building Commission website.

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety – Building Commission

If submitting a Certified Building Application, you are required to obtain a Certificate of Design Compliance from a Registered Building Surveyor. A list of registered building surveyors in Western Australia can be found here. 

 

Will any other approvals be required?

Fun Fact: Did you know 80-90% of Building Permits are applied for and held up and sometimes refused without proper consideration for the Shire’s planning and health requirements? 

It is important to speak to our planning and health teams about your project before finalising and submitting your building application.  This will ensure a smoother and more efficient building approval experience.

 

How do I lodge a Building Application?

The Shire accepts email applications, as well as postal applications and paperwork submitted over the front counter. You can email your application form and relevant documents to [email protected].

 An Uncertified application form (BA2) can be found here. If you are working with an independent Building Surveyor and have a certificate of design compliance, the Certified application form (BA1) can be found here.

 

Residential Applications

Building permit applications may be lodged with the Shire of Ashburton as either a certified application or an uncertified application. Certified applications will require a Certificate of Design Compliance from a registered independent Building Surveyor contractor. The Shire’s Building Surveyors will be responsible for issuing Certificates of Design Compliance for uncertified applications. The Shire is the authority for issuing Building Permits for proposed building works within its jurisdiction.

Application Form - Uncertified Building Permit (BA2)

Application Form - Certified Building Permit (BA1)

 

Commercial and Industrial Applications

All commercial and industrial applications will need to lodge a certified application and will require a Certificate of Design Compliance from a West Australian Registered Independent Building Surveyor contractor.

Application Form - Certified Building Permit Application for Commercial and Industrial Buildings (BA1)

Application Form - Occupancy Permit (BA9)

Fees and Charges

The Building Regulations 2012 prescribe set fees for all applications to permit authorities. Certification fees for obtaining a certificate of design compliance or other certificates are not regulated and are set by the registered building surveyor engaged.

Click here for current Fees and Charges.

 

Processing Applications

Uncertified Applications

It can take up to 25 business days from the date of lodgment to determine an uncertified application and issue a permit.

During the assessment period, if the Shire determines that further information is required the applicant will be contacted and requested to provide the outstanding information. Where it is determined that a Development Approval is required an applicant may request that their building application is placed on hold pending the outcome of the Development Application.

Building Permits cannot be issued if Development Approval is required.

Certified Applications

It can take up to 10 business days from the date of lodgment to determine a certified application.

During the assessment period, if the Shire determines that further information is required the applicant will be contacted and requested to provide the outstanding information. Where it is determined that a Development Approval is required an applicant may request that their building application is placed on hold pending the outcome of the Development Application.

Building Permits cannot be issued if Development approval is required.

Notices of Completion and Occupancy Permits

Upon the completion of all works for which a building permit has been issued the nominated builder(s) are required to provide the Shire a Notice of Completion within 7 days of construction finishing.

All builders responsible for the construction of commercial works are required to provide the Shire with a Notice of Completion and a Certificate of Construction Compliance before any commercial or industrial building can be occupied. 

Single dwellings and incidental structures (Classes 1a, 10a, 10b and 10c) do not require occupancy permits.

Notice of Completion