What needs a building License?

A building License is needed for most types of construction in the shire. This includes most alterations/additions to dwellings and associated outbuildings/fencing within town sites. All commercial/industrial work also requires building approval and may also require council’s planning consent (see under Town Planning).

The only exceptions to the above are; minor non- structural housing/outbuilding works, and non commercial/industrial outbuildings outside town sites ( farm sheds, garages, pools etc).

Building Application Form

Council’s Building License Application form can be downloaded by clicking here.

How to Apply for a Building License

To apply for a Building License an application form must be completed and submitted with scaled plans, written specifications, and the appropriate fees to council’s building surveyor for consideration. The fees are based on the value of the works. The minimum fee for works with a value of $12 000.00 or less is currently $75.00. Please contact the office on 9063 2203 to confirm this.

A separate Planning approval may also be needed if the work involves commercial/industrial development, more than one dwelling, or is otherwise required to by Council’s Town Planning Scheme. Any domestic work with a value exceeding $12 000 must be carried out by a licensed builder or under an owners builders permit. Information on how to obtain an owner builders permit may be found by going to www.builders.wa.gov.au
Any work involving plumbing where town sewer is not available may also require a septic approval.

Appeals Against Building License Conditions or a Building License Refusal

There is a right of appeal against any conditions placed on a building license or if an application is refused www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au/reg.html

Building Control Policies

Council’s policies relating to building control can be found by clicking here.

Septic Tank Approval

Any new or alterations to an existing onsite sewerage disposal system (such as a septic tank/ leach drain or ATU system) requires the approval of Council’s Building Surveyor.

An application can be made by completing the form which can be downloaded here. This must be submitted with a fee of $125.00 a site plan showing the proposed systems location and details of the system to be installed.

Click here to download the Septic Tank Application Form

Demolition of Buildings

A Demolition approval is required prior to demolishing any building. An application form must be completed with a fee of $50.00 per storey and a site plan showing the building’s location.

Click here to download the Demolition Licence Application Form

Contact Details

Council’s shared Building Surveyor Mr. Graeme Bissett can be contacted at the shire on Friday’s and alternate Monday’s. For more information or to make an appointment please contact the Shire Office on (08) 9063 2203.

Public Building Approval

Any building of a public nature is required to have a Public Building approval which sets out the maximum number of persons allowed at any time and other requirements. Further information on this can obtained by contacting councils Building Control officer.

Swimming Pools

Council is responsible for the approval and inspection of both public and private swimming pools.

Council’s Environmental Officer carries out monthly water tests of the Shire pool and testing of private pools can be done for a fee.

All private swimming pools require a building License prior to installation (see Building application requirements). All pools must be properly fenced with a child resistant barrier which must meet council’s standards. An inspection of all private swimming pool fencing is carried out at least once every 4 years.

Household Solar Hot Water System Rebate

Rebates of $1,000 are available to install solar hot water systems to replace electric storage hot water systems in existing owned homes. For more information go to
www.environment.gov.au.

Dividing Fences

For legislation, information and guidance regarding dividing fences please visit the department of housing and works website by clicking here.