Building in Beverley

Building Permits

What Needs a Building Permit?

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

• Dwellings and Additions
• Commercial and Industrial
• Carports and Patios
• Sheds and Garages
• Front fences
• Retaining Walls
• Decking
• Rainwater Tanks
• Swimming Pools and Spas

Some forms of development, including new houses outside the Beverley townsite may also require separate Planning Consent (see under Town Planning).  The planning approval process must be completed before you can submit your application for a Building Permit.  A fee for Planning Approval in addition to the Building Permit application fees will be payable.

Applying for a Building Permit

When you apply for a building permit, you must consider whether to lodge a certified application or choose to lodge an uncertified application.  In either case, a signed certificate of design compliance (CDC) is required before approval can be given.  A CDC confirms that a building’s design complies with the applicable building standards.

Certified and Uncertified Applications

A certified application is where you engage a registered building surveyor to complete a CDC before the application for a building permit is submitted.  The CDC will need to accompany the application for a building permit certified Form BA1.  If all other required approvals have been obtained, the permit authority has ten business days to approve or reject your application.  Applications for Class 1b and Class 2 to 9 must be lodged as certified applications.  Applications for Class 1a and 10 may be lodged as certified applications or uncertified.

An uncertified application can only be lodged for Class 1a and 10 residential buildings using a Form BA2.  Once your application is submitted the permit authority will assess compliance with the Building Code of Australia and complete the relevant certification (CDC) before it can grant a building permit.  The permit authority has 25 business days to approve or reject your application.  For a timely approval it is important to ensure plans and specifications, including engineering certification, submitted with your application demonstrate compliance with the Building Code of Australia and all other relevant approvals have been obtained before your application is submitted.

Application Fees

Certified Application for a Building Permit (s. 16(1))

For building work for a Class 1 or Class 10 Building or incidental structure the fee is 0.19% of the estimated value of the building work as determined by the relevant permit authority, but not less than $105.00.

For building work for a Class 2 to Class 9 building or incidental structure the fee is 0.09% of the estimated value of the building work as determined by the relevant permit authority, but not less than $105.00.

Uncertified Application for a Building Permit (s. 16(1))

The fee is 0.32% of the estimated value of the building work as determined by the relevant permit authority, but not less than $105.00.

Application for a Demolition Permit (s. 16(1))

For demolition work in respect of a Class 1 or Class 10 building or incidental structure the fee is $105.00.

For demolition work in respect of a Class 2 to Class 9 building the fee is $105.00 for each storey of the building.

Application to Extend the Time During Which a Building or Demolition Permit has effect (s. 32(3)(f))

The fee is $105.00.

Inspection of Pool Enclosures (regulation 53)

The fee is $58.45.

BSL (Building Services Levy)

The amount of Building Services Levy payable will vary according to the type of application and, where applicable, the value of building works undertaken. The table below shows the application types that attract BSL and how much should be paid to the local government permit authority.

For more information on the Building Services Levy visit: https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-and-energy/building-services-levy

BCITF Levy

The Building and Construction Industry Training Fund (BCITF) Levy applies to all residential, commercial and civil engineering projects undertaken in Western Australia where the total value of construction is estimated to be more than $20,000.

It’s the revenue generated from the BCITF Levy that enables CTF to help build the skills required in the contemporary construction industry.

The rate of the levy is 0.2% of the total value of construction (inclusive of GST) or $200 in every $100,000 worth of project value.

For further information visit : https://ctf.wa.gov.au/industry/bcitf-levy/ or contact the Building Surveyor who is available on Thursdays.

Building Application Forms

Application Forms

Application forms can be collected from the Shire Office, by telephoning the Office on 9646 1200 or can be downloaded from https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-and-energy/building-approval-forms-0.

Application forms must be signed by the Applicant, Builder and Landowner before being submitted.

If you are unsure which is the correct application form, please contact the Shire’s Building Surveyor for advice.

Builder's License or Owner Builder's Requirements

Any domestic work with a value exceeding $20,001 must be carried out by a registered builder or under an owner builder’s permit.  Details of your builder or a copy of your owner builder’s permit must be provided at the time of lodging your application for a building permit. 

Information on how to obtain an owner builder’s permit is available from the Building Commission’s website at http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-commission/owner-builder-application.

Notice of Completion

A new requirement under the Building Act 2011 (for all classes of building) is that the Builder must submit a Notice of Completion within 7 days of finishing the work listed under the permit.

The purpose of this Notice of Completion is to establish an end date for the Building Permit, for compliance and record keeping purposes. It also defines the date that the Builder has fulfilled his compliance obligations under the Building Act 2011.

On site sewerage disposal (septic tanks)

To install a new system or carry out alterations to an existing onsite sewerage disposal system, such as a septic tank and leach drain, Aerobic Treatment Unit or other systems approval from the Shire’s Environmental Health Officer must be first obtained.  In some circumstances approval from the WA Department of Health is also required.

The WA Department of Health has a list of approved systems and it is advised that you discuss your needs with your local plumber to determine the most appropriate system to cater for your development and site.  Further information is available from the WA Department of Health’s website at Wastewater systems (health.wa.gov.au). 

An application can be made by completing the form available from the Shire Office. This must be submitted with a fee of $236.00 and a site plan showing the proposed systems location and details of the system to be installed or altered.

Building Demolition

A demolition permit is required for the demolition, dismantling or removal of a building or incidental structure.  Under regulation 42 of the Building Regulations 2012, any Class 10 building that does not exceed 40m2 may be exempt.

Application must be accompanied by:

• copies of all plans and specifications;
• copy of any planning approvals and/or notifications to the Heritage Council that are required;
• appropriate consent forms or court orders where work encroaches onto or adversely affects other land;
• details of the contractor where asbestos is present; and
• payment of the prescribed fee of $110.00