Services Building
Building Surveying
The fundamental role of Building surveyors is to be responsible for making sure that buildings are safe, accessible and energy efficient. They have an impact on the design, planning and functionality of buildings and also detect and diagnose problems with design / compliance issues, construction techniques and materials and they manage the inspection process from the foundations through to completion.
The City of Greater Geraldton is committed to providing a service that adds value to the construction process with regard to ensuring at least a minimum standard is achieved in all approved buildings. The City encourages buildings of higher performance level giving the community buildings that cater for safety, accessibility, energy efficiency etc. above the minimum standards.
Building Surveyors are trained across a number of disciplines that include:
- Accessibility
- Fire safety
- Energy efficiency and sustainable development
- Construction law
- Dispute resolution
- Maintenance of essential services
- Building materials science
- Code development & legislation
- Alternative building solutions
Through Australian legislation, Local Government has statutory duty to process building licence applications and issue building licences for new and altered buildings and structures.
The term ‘building’ includes any housing, commercial or industrial developments, garages, carports, pergolas, swimming pools and spas (either above or below ground), certain fences, garden sheds and other outbuildings, retaining walls and any addition or alteration to any building.
The City’s building surveyors provide advice on building regulations and other property related issues. The building surveyors issue the required licences to construct, alter or demolish buildings.
Difference between Planning and Building
Planning: Town planning is about people and the community and aims to maintain and improve our quality of life. Council takes a great deal of care in planning our community and the Town Planning Services team aims to create a high quality urban and rural environment.
Building Surveying: Building Surveying is about the buildings and structures the people and community are in and around, the City aims to ensure the safety, health and amenity of all users. The council takes great care in checking all aspects and technical details of any structure or building that requires a building license.
Other Statutory Requirements
You may be responsible for other statutory requirements or approvals other than a building license. These include:
- Planning Approval
- Health requirements. (Public buildings and eating establishments)
- Roads and infrastructure requirements
Click on the links on the left hand side of this screen to find out more.
Need More Information?
If you require further information, visit Building Surveying between 8.30am and 5.00pm at the Geraldton Civic Centre on Cathedral Avenue, or contact us on (08) 9956 6900 or alternatively email: council@cgg.wa.gov.au .
