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Permits and Applications

A building permit is required for all residential, commercial or industrial structures including new works, alterations, additions, swimming pools, spas (below and above ground), patios, sheds and more. The Building Act 2011 does provide an exemption for certain works from requiring a building permit, however we recommend you contact the City’ Building Services team to confirm prior to commencement of any construction.

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Application for a Building Permit

To apply for a building permit, please follow these rules:

  1. Only the registered builder listed on the WA.gov.au website can sign the builders section of the required forms. No one else can sign for them. A registered builder is required for relevant building work with a value over $20,000. Certain structures are exempt from requiring a registered builder even though the estimated cost of the works exceeds $20,000. We recommend you contact the City to confirm if the works proposed require a registered builder or not.
  2. Site plans must be clear and easy to read, without any old approvals or stamps. They must show all current structures and the new work being proposed. For more details, see Building Application Drawing Requirements.
  3. For any roofed structure, the application must include signed and stamped drawings from an engineer. These drawings should show gutter size, downpipe location, and soak well capacity.

For more information or feedback, email the City's Building ServicesTeam.

Application form

You can download the Building Permit Application form from the DEMIRS - Department of Building and Energy.​ After filling it out, submit it using the City’s online services.

Further Information

Building and Permit Guidelines 

Verge permit

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.​​

Occupancy permits

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?​

Demolition permits

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​​.​

Strata title applications

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?​ ​​

Retrospective approval

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.​

Signs

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.​​

Important Information for Builders

Most building work and some changes in how a building is used need approval. For advice before applying, contact our Building Services team.

Building work includes removing internal walls, installing fittings, replacing windows and doors with glass, building rooms in roof spaces, and constructing garages or extensions.

Fees and Charges

The costs for building permits and applications are listed in the building fees and charges document. 

Building permit fees are set by the State Government and are based on a percentage of the total cost of construction, which includes labour, materials, and other expenses. The fee also depends on whether the work is Certified or Uncertified.

If you submit a paper application by mail or at the City’s office, there will be a $45 scanning fee.

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City of Kwinana kaditj kalyakoorl moondang-ak kaaradj midi boodjar-ak nyininy, yakka wer waabiny, Noongar moort. Ngala kaditj baalap kalyakoorl nidja boodjar wer kep kaaradjiny, baalap moorditj nidja yaakiny-ak wer moorditj moort wer kaditj Birdiya wer yeyi.

The City of Kwinana acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and play, the Nyoongar people. We recognise their connection to the land and local waterways, their resilience and commitment to community and pay our respect to Elders past and present.

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