Building Permits
The Building Act (WA) 2011 prescribes that a Building Permit is required before the commencement of most building work. Proponents are obligated to undertake their own due diligence and ascertain what local government approvals are required for construction work before commencing. Construction works may require both Development (Planning) Approval and a Building Permit.
Once the duration of a building permit has lapsed [typically two (2) years], the permit is no longer in effect and continuation of the building work may be unlawful – unless the duration of the permit is extended. The time extension process involves completing a BA22 Form. An application can be made either before or after the expiry day of a permit. The Shire may refuse to accept an application if the delay in making the application is deemed unreasonable or made more than twelve (12) months after the expiry date.
BA19 applications are lodged to substitute a replacement builder where the nominated builder is unable to continue the building work, generally due to insolvency, death or disappearance. If a homeowner enters into a new contract with a replacement builder, that contract will require a Home Indemnity Insurance (HII) Certificate. A copy of the new HII Certificate should be provided with the application. Please allow ten (10) working days for the application to be processed.
A BA7 Notification of Completion form is required to be lodged upon practical completion of construction works that are subject to a Building Permit.
Further explanation of building application processes and requirements is contained in the Information Sheet - Building Applications
A Building Permit is typically required for any building work involving the development of new structures, alterations/extensions, refurbishments, and changes in ground levels requiring retaining walls. These structures include:
Should the total value of work exceed $20,000 a permit is issued to a registered builder, or in some circumstances, an owner builder.
Owner Builder
To become an owner-builder, you must first obtain owner-builder approval from the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (DLGIRS).
The process and related form to become an owner-builder was amended in February 2019 to streamline determination of approvals.
When applying you must show that you have sufficient knowledge of the duties and responsibilities involved in being an owner-builder. This can be done by completing an owner-builder course or being registered as a building practitioner.
Further information on lodging an application to become an owner-builder and owner-builder responsibilities can be found on the DLGIRS website
Licensing and registration and owner-builder approval | Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
Requirements for Lodging a Building Permit
S20(1)(n)(o) and S21(1)(n)(o) of the Building Act (Act) requires in relation to building work and demolition work (respectively) that an applicant obtains each authority under a written law and has complied or is complying with each of these authorities. In lay persons terms this means that should development (planning) approval be required it must be obtained prior to the issuance of a building permit and any conditional requirement for the approval to have force or effect must be satisfied prior to the Shire granting your building permit.
In accordance with S21(1)(l) of the Act a building permit cannot be granted until any applicable Construction Training Fund (CTF) Levy has been paid.
Should development approval not first be obtained your building application may be refused.
The Shire has prepared an Information Sheet - Building Applications to assist proponents to navigate the building approvals process and understand the mandatory information required to accompany individual applications for them to be accepted. It includes a Checklist for lodging BA1 (Certified) applications.
Certified
Plans and documents for the proposed building structure are supplied to an independent, registered Building Surveying Contractor.
A Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC) is produced and signed by the Building Surveying Contractor. An application form (BA1) is completed and signed by the applicant, builder and owner. The application form along with relevant supporting documentation referenced in the CDC and specific to the activity, planning controls affecting the land, and informed by whether a Deemed-to-Comply Check to confirm whether Development Approval is required or the conditions and plans endorsed as part of a Development Approval, are then submitted to the Shire.
A complete application will be assessed, and a Building Permit will be issued within 10 working days (commencing the day after receipt). If the application is incomplete, an official request for further information will be sent to the applicant.
Uncertified
Plans and documents for the proposed building structure are supplied to the City of Nedlands to provides contracted building surveyor services. An application form (BA2) is completed and signed by the applicant, builder and owner. The Application form along with plans and documents for the proposed building structure is submitted to the Shire.
A complete application will be assessed, and a Building Permit will be issued within 25 working days (commencing the day after receipt). If the application is incomplete, an official request for further information will be sent to the applicant.
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Please note that every Building Application with a value of works greater than $20,000 will need to be accompanied by a levy payment receipt issued by the Construction Training Fund.
Payment can be made in the CTF Levy Portal.
For further information please refer to the Construction Training Fund's website.
Submission of Building Applications
Building Applications can be submitted to the Shire in one of three ways.
- Email of all documentation to admin@peppermintgrove.wa.gov.au In the case of needing to transfer large files, an online file drop can be arranged.
- In-person either by submitting hard copies or providing the application digitally on a USB drive.
- By post either by submitting hard copies or providing the application digitally on a USB drive.
Guide to lodging Building Permit Applications
All Building and Demolition Permit Application Forms
Please refer to the Building Commision website for more information or contact them directly.
Building and Energy general queries
Tel: 1300 489 099
Fax: (+618) 6251 1501
be.info@dmirs.wa.gov.au
Building Guidelines Brochures
The following building information brochures and websites can assist you with your building projects:
Asbestos Building Information
Asbestos Disposal Instructions
Energy Efficiency Provisions
Owner Builder - Apply for an Owner Builder
Home Fire Safety Advice
Residential Design Codes
Dividing Fence Matters - Overview