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Residential Building Permits

A building permit is required for all structures (residential, commercial or industrial) including, but not limited to - new works, alterations i.e. removal of internal walls, additions, swimming pools, spas (below and above ground), safety barriers (fencing) for pools and spas, patios and sheds.

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    When is a building permit required? 

    A building permit is required for all structures (residential, commercial or industrial) including, but not limited to:

    • new works
    • alterations and additions
    • swimming pools and spas (below and above ground)
    • safety barriers (fencing) for pools and spas
    • patios and sheds.

    Prior to any works commencing on site, a Building Permit must be issued. To obtain a Building Permit, a Building Permit Application Form together with one set of all plans and specifications must be submitted to Building Services.

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    Building Permit Types

    There are two types of applications that can be submitted:

    1. Uncertified applications - Residential buildings Class 1 and Outbuildings Class10.
    2. Certified applications - Commercial/Industrial buildings Classes 2 –9.

    Important: If the applicant chooses, they may submit applications for Residential/Outbuildings as a certified application, if they have had the proposed plans certified by an independent registered Building Surveyor.

    Where an owner would like to undertake any proposed works over the value of $20,000, the owner needs to complete an Owner Builder Approval Application (OBAA) and submit it to the Department of Building and Energy along with the appropriate application fee. The Owner Builder Approval Application is to be submitted directly to the Department of Building and Energy.

    Assessment Timeframes 

    Uncertified applications
    • 25 business days for the City to assess your application; and
    • 21 calendar days for the applicant to provide further information if requested by the City.
    Certified applications
    • 10 business days for the City to assess your application; and
    • 21 calendar days for the applicant to provide further information if requested by the City.

    The Building Act allows for the Permit Authority to refuse an application if all required information is not provided within the 21 day period mentioned and the City can retain the application fee.

    Permit Application Requirements

    The following requirements are applicable to every building permit application:

    1. All DEMIRS - Department Building and Energy forms i.e. BA1, BA2 and BA7, requiring a registered builder’s signature will only be accepted if signed by the registered builder listed on the Building Commission website. No other signatures or authority to sign on their behalf will be accepted.   
    2. Site plans submitted in support of any type of building approval are to be clear and legible, devoid of any previous approvals or stamps, clearly show all existing structures and define the new proposed works. See Building Application Drawing Requirements
    3. All roofed structures requiring a building permit will require stamped/signed drawings certified by an authorised structural engineer supporting the application regardless of the material, size or span. Gutter size, downpipe location and soakwell capacity should also be shown.     

    How to obtain a building permit

    An application form for approval can be downloaded via the DMIRS - Department Building and Energy website. Once the form has been completed, the building permit application can be submitted online under 'Planning, Building, Health Applications' via our online portal Kwinana Connect. 

    Submit an application via Kwinana Connect 

    Application forms and further information

    Associated Costs

    Associated costs of the submission of a building permit application can be found in the building fees and charges document. 

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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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