Offline application

Generally, a Building Permit is required for all residential, commercial or industrial structures. Some exemptions apply, so check the exemption list(open in new window) before progressing an application.

If your proposed building work requires a Health or Planning Approval, you should obtain these approvals before submitting your building permit application.

A Demolition Permit is required for the demolition, dismantling or removal of a building or incidental structure. Some exemptions apply, so check the exemption list(open in new window) before progressing an application

An Occupancy Permit must be obtained from the City before a Class 2 to 9 building can be occupied and must be displayed at the entrance of the building. Occupancy permits cover:

• occupying a completed new building or a new part of an existing building
• temporarily occupying an incomplete building
• changing an existing building’s use or classification
• authorising and occupying an unauthorised building.

Exemptions

Occupancy permits are not needed for:

• existing buildings, unless the use or classification is to be changed
• Class 1a and 10 (single residential) buildings.

This is used to:

• approve any unauthorised building work associated with a Class 1 or 10 building or incidental structure, or
• certify an existing building’s compliance with the applicable building standards.

Building Approval Certificates are voluntary, however if you have unauthorised buildings or incidental structures you may be required to demolish these if your application is unsuccessful.

A Notice of Completion is required within seven (7) days of completing the building or demolition work. The builder or demolition contractors named on the Permit is responsible for submitting the Notice of Completion.

A Notice of Cessation is provided when the person named as the builder or demolition contractor on a Building or Demolition Permit does not wish to be responsible for the building or demolition works.

The Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) is a State Planning Policy that provides the minimum performance requirements (compliance standards) for single, grouped and special purpose dwelling planning assessment in low to medium density coding in Western Australia.

If a building's design doesn't meet the R-Codes, a variation can be applied for. Where a proposed design impacts a neighbour, they may need to be consulted. The consultation is for a minimum of calendar 14 days.

Building and demolition permits are valid for two years, unless otherwise stated on the permit, and the work must be completed within that time. 

If work has not been completed when the permit expires you need to apply to extend the time on the permit.

An Applicant can submit a BA23 to extend the duration that an Occupancy Permit or Building Approval Certificate is in effect. 

A BA20 is required when part of a building or incidental structure will encroach beyond the boundaries of the work land, or if the building work may adversely affect other land.

Evidence of consent or a court order must be submitted as part of the relevant building or demolition permit application. The Builder/person responsible for the work has an ongoing responsibility to ensure that no other land is adversely affected without consent.

The BA20A is necessary where a neighbour must give permission to allow a fence to be removed, to allow access to their land during construction, to erect a party wall, or to erect protection structures on adjoining land.