What needs a building License?

A building License is needed for most types of construction in the shire. This includes most alterations/additions to dwellings and associated outbuildings/fencing within town sites and in the rural districts. Constructions such as farm sheds, all swimming pools, and most retaining walls are caught also. All commercial/industrial work also requires building approval and may also require council's planning consent (see under Town Planning).

The only exceptions to the above are minor non-structural housing/outbuilding works. This includes prefabricated rear yard garden sheds no greater than 10m², 2.1m high, and 1m from the side boundary. Advice from the shire should be sought if any doubt exists.

Building Application Form

Click here to download Council's Building License Application form

How to Apply for a Building License

To apply for a Building License an application form must be completed and submitted with 2 sets of scaled plans and written specifications, and the appropriate fees to council's building surveyor for consideration. The fees are based on the value of the works. The minimum fee for works with a value of $12,000 or less is currently $70.

A separate Planning approval may also be needed if the work involves commercial/industrial development, more than one dwelling, or is otherwise required to by Council's Town Planning Scheme.

Any domestic work with a value exceeding $12,000 must be carried out by a licensed builder or under an owners builders permit (farm sheds are exempt from this requirement). Information on how to obtain an owner builders permit may be found by going to www.brb.org.au/OwnerBuilder.htm

Any work involving plumbing where town sewer is not available may also require a septic approval (see under septic tank application).

Appeals against Building License Conditions or a Building License Refusal

There is a right of appeal against any conditions placed on a building license or if an application is refused Please visit www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au/reg.html for more information.

Building Control Policies

Council's policies relating to building control can be found in Council's Policy Manual by double clicking on the link below.

Septic Tank Approval

Any new or alterations to an existing onsite sewerage disposal system (such as a septic tank/ leach drain or ATU system) requires the approval of Council's Building Surveyor.

An application can be made by completing the form which can be downloaded below. This must be submitted with a fee of $125.00 a site plan showing the proposed system's location and details of the system to be installed.

Click here to download a copy of the Septic Tank Approval Form

Demolition of Buildings

A Demolition approval is required prior to demolishing any building. An application form must be completed with a fee of $50.00 per storey and a site plan showing the building's location.

Click here to download a copy of the Demolition Application Form

Public Building Approval

Any building of a public nature is required to have a Public Building approval which sets out the maximum number of persons allowed at any time and other requirements. Further information on this can obtained by contacting councils Building Control officer.

Swimming Pools

Council is responsible for the approval and inspection of both public and private swimming pools.

Council's Environmental Officer carries out monthly water tests of the Shire pool and testing of private pools can be done for a fee.

All private swimming pools require a building License prior to installation (see Building application requirements). All pools must be properly fenced with a child resistant barrier which must meet council's standards. An inspection of all private swimming pool fencing is carried out at least once every 4 years.

Contact Details

Council's shared Building Surveyor Mr. Graeme Bissett can be contacted at the Shire on Tuesdays and alternate Mondays. A calendar link of where he can be contacted outside these dates is displayed below.