Before You Apply
Most building work requires a building permit unless a specific exemption applies.
Your project may also need development (planning) approval, environmental health approval or another consent.
Check what applies before you buy materials, sign a contract or start work.
Check Which Approvals You Need
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Approval
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What it covers
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When to check
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Building Bermit
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Building standards and the approved construction documents for work such as new buildings, additions, alterations, sheds, patios, pools and retaining walls.
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Before construction. Limited exemptions apply under the Building Regulations 2012.
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Development (Planning) Approval
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Land use, setbacks, design, parking, access, vegetation and other planning matters.
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Early in the design stage. It may be required before a building application.
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Environmental Health Approval
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Onsite wastewater systems and some food, accommodation or public-building activities.
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Before installation, occupation or the regulated activity starts.
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Other approval or consent
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Crossovers, bushfire information, native vegetation clearing, heritage, utilities, easements and impacts on adjoining land.
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As early as possible, because these matters can change the design.
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Development (Planning) Approval and a building permit serve different purposes.
Needing one does not automatically mean you need, or do not need, the other.
Project value, height or floor area on its own is not a reliable test for whether a building permit is required.
Before You Apply
- Describe the whole project, including earthworks, retaining walls, services and any change of use.
- Confirm the property address, lot details, zoning, easements, covenants and existing approvals.
- Check site constraints, including boundaries, levels, existing buildings and services, soil and engineering information, stormwater, vegetation, watercourses, heritage and environmental matters.
- Make sure every approval condition is reflected in the plans for the next stage.
Checks that Commonly Affect an Application
- Onsite wastewater — if the property is not connected to sewer, a new or altered system needs Shire approval. A site and soil evaluation may be required. Approval to construct is needed before installation, followed by the required inspection and a permit to use before occupation or use.
- Bushfire prone land — check the State Map of Bush Fire Prone Areas. Depending on the proposal, you may need a Bushfire Attack Level assessment, Bushfire Management Plan or other bushfire information.
- Vehicle access and Shire assets — a new or changed crossover may need approval. Record the condition of nearby roads, kerbs, drainage, paths and verges before work. An infrastructure bond may apply to eligible projects.
- Utilities, easements and adjoining land — check service locations before design and excavation. Obtain any required utility or adjoining-owner consent. Work must not encroach on or adversely affect other land without the required process and consent.
Prepare Your Application
- Use the current form and checklist for the approval you need.
- Plans should be complete, consistent and detailed enough to assess.
- Engage qualified designers, engineers, surveyors, bushfire practitioners or building surveyors where required.
If you are unsure, contact the Shire before lodging.
Provide the property address or lot details, a short description of the complete project, a sketch with dimensions, photographs and any existing approval reference.
The team can help identify the approvals and the order in which to apply.
Do not start work until every required approval has been granted and you understand the approval conditions.
Contact the Shire
Phone (08) 9892 1111
Email [email protected]
Visit 22–24 Lowood Road, Mount Barker WA 6324
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