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Building Permits: Requirements and Process

Under Western Australian Legislation, a Building Permit is required before the commencement of most building work. A Building Permit is required for any work involving the development of new structures, alterations or extensions, and changes in ground levels. This includes:

  • New houses, alterations and additions
  • Sheds, gazebos, outbuildings with floor areas more than 10 square metres and more than 2.4 metres in height
  • Garages and Carports with floor areas more than 10 square metres and more than 2.4 metres in height
  • Patios and Deckings with floor areas more than 10 square metres and more than 2.4 metres in height
  • Swimming Pools and Spas
  • Farm Sheds and Water Tanks (over 5,000 litres)
  • Retaining Walls over 500mm high

The Council's Officers audit building works to ensure compliance with the approved plans and ensure that all work is carried out to the necessary standard.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Shire is currently unable to accept uncertified building permit applications. Therefore, during this time, only Certified Applications will be accepted for processing.

Certified and Uncertified Applications

For Residential (Class 1 and 10 Buildings), you can make the following types of applications to seek a Building Permit:

  • Certified Application
  • Uncertified Application (currently unavailable)

For Class 2-9 Buildings, you can only submit a Certified Application.

Certified Application

A Certified Application may be made after you have obtained a Certificate of Design Compliance from a Registered Building Surveyor.

  • For all classes of buildings, the Shire has 10 business days from the date of lodgement to determine a Certified Application.
  • If further information is required, the applicant may be given up to 21 calendar days to provide the information.
  • After submission of the additional information, the Shire has a further 10 business days to determine the application.

Uncertified Application (Currently Unavailable)

The Uncertified Application was an option for Class 1 and 10 Residential Buildings only, where you could have the permit authority undertake the assessment and issue both the Certificate of Design Compliance and Building Permit. This option is not available at the moment.

Time Limits for Application Assessment

The Shire must assess and determine a building permit application within the following time limits:

  • For Uncertified Applications (when available), the Shire has 25 business days from the date of lodgement to assess and determine the application.
  • For Certified Applications, the Shire has 10 business days from the date of lodgement to assess and determine the application.

Professionals Who Can Assist

A list of professionals who can assist in preparing Certified Applications can be found on the Shire of York’s Contact List or at the Shire Office.

 

Should you need further assistance or clarification regarding the building permit application process, please do not hesitate to contact the Shire of York.