Permits and Applications

The City understands that construction work may need to use the verge area (the space near the road). However, building and demolition work can often cause damage to City property like roads, footpaths, drains, and trees.

For more information, read the ​Verge Permit Brochure​​​​, or submit a Verge Permit Application Form.​​

Some building, other than single residential dwellings and associated works, require an Occupancy Permit.
For more information, see When Do I Need to Obtain an Occupancy Permit?​

A demolition permit must be granted before the demolition of any building or part of a building or structure can take place.

For more information, see When is a Demolition Permit Required?​ and Demolition Information Sheet​​.​

A strata title is a means of dividing up a property title to allow for multiple ownership.

The Local Authority, in this instance the City of Kwinana, only forms a part of the approval process for having a Strata Plan lodged with Landgate for their endorsement and issue of the Strata Titles.​

For more information, see What is a Strata Title?​ ​​

If you have done building work without prior approval, or purchased a property with unauthorised structure/s, you may be able to submit an application to obtain retrospective approval from the City of Kwinana.

For more information, see What is Unauthorised Building Work?​​​ and Retrospective Building Approval Process.​

What type of approval is required?​

Depending on the type of sign/advertising that is proposed, a Building Permit may be required, and in some instances a Planning Approval may be necessary.

Some signs can be constructed without any approvals if they are exempt from the Building and Planning Legislation. Such exemptions depend on size, location, sign face of the proposed sign/advertising device and the zoning of the land where the sign will be erected.

For further information, please contact the City's Building Services on 9439 0472.​​

When Is Build Permit Required?

A Building Permit is required before starting any construction work, including:

• New buildings (homes, commercial, or industrial)
• Alterations and extensions
• Sheds, patios, and carports
• Swimming pools and spas (above or below ground)
• Pool and spa safety barriers (fences)
• How to Apply for a Building Permit

To apply, you need to submit a Building Permit Application Form along with your building plans and details.

There are two types of applications:

• Uncertified Applications – For houses (Class 1) and outbuildings (Class 10). These take up to 25 business days to process.
• Certified Applications – For commercial and industrial buildings (Class 2–9). These take up to 10 business days to process.

If you have a house or outbuilding, you can also submit a certified application if a registered Building Surveyor has approved your plans.

Owner Builders

If the total building cost is over $20,000, you must apply for Owner Builder Approval from the Building Commission before lodging your permit application.

Important Timeframes

If extra information is needed, you have 21 days to provide it.

If missing information is not provided in time, your application may be refused, and fees may not be refunded.

How to Apply

Submit your Building Permit Application online through the City of Kwinana's Online Lodgement Portal.

Submit your building application online under 'Planning, Building, Health Applications' via our online portal Kwinana Connect.

Who Issues Your Building Permit?

When you apply for a Building Permit, the City of Kwinana – Building Services becomes the official Permit Authority. This means we check that your plans meet Building Act and Regulations requirements. However, we do not check the quality or safety of the construction itself.

What’s Included in the Permit Fee?

• Assessment of your application (with one request for extra information if needed).
• Mandatory inspections (if required for your project).
• Issuing or refusing the permit.

Extra Services That Cost More

Some services are not included in the standard fee and will cost extra:

• More than one request for extra information.
• Help getting property details, legal advice, or planning information.
• Comments on special design requests or alternative building solutions.
• Changes or extensions to an existing permit.
• Extra inspections outside business hours or for non-required checks.

Your Responsibilities as the Applicant, Builder, or Owner

• Provide accurate and complete information.
• Follow the conditions of the Building Permit.
• Book and pass all required inspections before moving to the next stage of construction.
• Do not use or live in the building until an Occupancy Permit is issued (if required).
• Pay all fees when submitting your application.

Applying for a Building Permit

• You must provide all required documents to show your plans follow the Building Act 2011 and Building Regulations 2012.
• Pay the application fee and government levy when you apply.
• The City will review your application and either:
  • Approve it,
  • Approve it with conditions, or
  • Refuse it (if refused, you must submit a new application with a new fee).
• You can apply to change or extend your permit, but this also requires a new application and fee.

Inspections

• Some projects must have inspections before work can continue. These will be listed on your Building Permit.
• You must book inspections at least 24 hours in advance.
• Inspections check for compliance with the law but do not assess the quality of work.
• Extra inspections or inspections outside business hours cost more and must be arranged with the City.

For more information, contact City of Kwinana Building Services at 9439 0472 or building@kwinana.wa.gov.au.