Skip to Content
Accessibility
York Visitor Centre York Residency Museum York Recreation Centre

New Building Act

The commencement of the Building Act 2011 on 2 April 2012 introduces a new building approval process for Western Australia. The Building Act and the Building Regulations 2012 replace the Building Regulations 1989 and much of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1960, and amends a range of associated acts.

A Building Permit is needed for most types of construction in the Shire. This includes:

  • New houses, alterations and additions;
  • Sheds/gazebo's/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 / Spa's
  • Farm sheds and Water Tanks (over 5,000lts)
  • Retaining Walls over 500mm high

To apply for a Building Permit an application form must be completed and submitted with scaled plans (normally certified by a structural engineer in the case of larger structures), written specifications and the appropriate fees to Council's Building Surveyor for consideration.

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

The Council continues to utilise Town Planning Scheme No. 3 to guide development within the Shire. Some development requires a planning application to be submitted for example new development within a heritage area. If you are unsure about your requirements please contact Council's Administration Office on (08) 9641 2233.

Under the Building Act 2012 a building permit is required before commencement of most building work. In many cases the builder obtains the permit.

If the total value of the work exceeds $20,000 a permit can only be issued to a registered builder or in some circumstances an owner builder. Please refer to the Building Commission website for additional information.