THINKING OF BUILDING

Applying for a Building Licence

If you intend to construct any building or other structure, you need to submit an application for a Building Licence. A Building Licence must be obtained before commencing the construction of a house or other building; extensions to an existing building (including patios and other open-sided additions); a garage, garden shed, cubby house or other outbuilding; a pergola; swimming pool or spa; a front fence; a brick, stone or concrete boundary fence; a retaining wall; or a sign.

Building Licence applications are checked to determine structure adequacy, compliance with relevant legislation, and to ensure that there will not be undue pressure (loading) on an adjoining property.

In some cases, planning approval is required prior to obtaining a Building Licence. The drawings and other documents submitted in support of a Building Licence Application must demonstrate compliance with all conditions of Planning Approval.

APPLICATION

When applying for a Building Licence, the following need to be submitted:

Application form

Checklist

Two sets of drawings on paper not less than A4 size (scale of 1:100 for architectural and structural; 1:200 for site plan; and 1:50, 1:20 or 1:10 for details)

The architectural drawings are to include a site and floor plan of every storey, with all elevations and a section that provide all dimensions, levels, heights of each storey and the construction details of walls and roof. Structural details must be signed by a qualified structural engineer in pen of a colour other than black.

The site plan is to include all setbacks from boundaries, contour levels, floor levels, lot number, house number, street name, north point, existing and proposed buildings, existing wall heights, sewer and stormwater lines and easements, position of street trees, light poles, crossovers and street drainage.

Accompanying the drawings shall be the specifications, an addendum and other information such as termite treatment and energy efficiency compliance checklist. For detailed information, Part 4 of the Building Regulations 1989 can be consulted.

It is important to submit all information required for assessment as this will ensure that your application is processed promptly and without undue delay.

Building Licence fees are calculated on the estimated value of work to be carries out. Refer to the City’s Fee Schedule. The City also collects the Builders’ Registration Board (BRB) fee of $40.00 and the Building and Constructions Industry Training Fund (BCITF) Levy of 0.2% for all work over $20,000.

A Registered Builder is required to be engaged if the value of the work is in excess of $20,000. Alternatively, if you wish to be an Owner-Builder for residential work only, an approval from the Builders’ Registration Board must be obtained before the Building Licence is issued. Owner-Builder application forms are available from www.brb.org.au or from the City’s Civic Centre offices.

If Planning Approval is also required, this must be obtained prior to the Building Licence being issued.

ASSESSMENT

When a Building Licence application is received, it is checked by the Planning Department to see if a Planning Application is required. Your consultant should ensure that any plans then submitted for a Planning Approval match those submitted with the Building Licence Application.

Building then completes a full check of design and structural requirements. Your application will be assessed for compliance with the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1960, the Building Regulations 1989, as amended, and the Building Code of Australia 2008 (BCA), as amended. Depending on the nature of the proposed development, other Acts and / or legislation may apply as well as Australian and New Zealand Standards.

During this process, a site inspection is often carried out to determine the accuracy of the drawing sand the position of new and existing retaining walls

DETERMINATION

Each Building Licence is issued with relevant conditions, or in some cases, the Building Licence is refused for stated reasons.
In the case of applications supported by all relevant information, the performance target for a first response is six weeks.
When the Building Licence has been issued by Building Services, an officer advises the builder that the licence is ready for collection. The Building Licence remains valid for 12 months from the date of issue and can be extended for a further period of up to 12 months. The Building Licence is declared void should the work not be substantially commenced within 12 months.

APPEAL RIGHTS

Should you be aggrieved by any of the conditions or by the refusal, an appeal may be lodged with the State Administration Tribunal (SAT) within 28 days. Information on the SAT can be found at www.sat.justice.wa.gov.au

RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS

All of the City’s forms and fee schedules can be obtained from the City’s offices on Cathedral Avenue or can be viewed and downloaded from the City’s website.

The State Government’s Department of Housing and Works website, look under Policy and Planning) provides useful information and links regarding the Building Codes and Regulations.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Further information can be found on the City’s website, alternatively an officer can be contacted on 9956 6000 or at the Civic Centre on Cathedral Avenue.