Do I need a Building Permit?
Common Projects Requiring a Building Permit
This list is does not cover all projects that require a building permit. You should contact the Shire's Building Department if you are planning any building projects to check whether the works will require a permit.
Buildings
- New homes, bungalows, outbuildings or studios
- Re-locatable buildings
- Commercial buildings
- Additions to an existing dwelling or other building
- Structural alterations to an existing dwelling or other building, including adding or removing structural or load bearing parts of a building. Also covers installation of 'bay' or 'corner' type windows where structural alterations are required.
- Re-blocking or re-stumping
- Alterations to a commercial building including layout changes
- Alterations to, or introduction of, an Essential Safety Measure including fire hose reels, fire hydrants, exit doors,fire extinguishers, exit signs, emergency lights, sprinklers.
- Verandahs attached to any building new or existing.
- Construction of a Pergola (unroofed structure) associated with any other building
- New pergolas with a floor area greater than 20m²
- Impermeable shade sails
- Permeable shade sails with a floor area greater than 20m²
Conversions
- Converting a garage or shed into a habitable room
Swimming pools and spas
- New swimming pools or spas capable of a water depth greater than 30cm
- Pool or spa safety barriers
Fences
- On corner blocks, front and side timber fences greater than 1.5m in height, within 3m of the front or side street boundary.
- On corner blocks, front and side masonry/brick fences greater than 1.2m in height, within 3m of the front or side street boundary.
- On corner blocks, any fence greater than 1m in height within 9m of the street corner point, measured in both directions along the boundary line of the block.
- Any side fence, between properties that is greater than 2m in height.
- Front and side timber fences greater than 1.5m in height, within 3m of the front boundary.
- Front and side masonry/brick fences greater than 1.2m in height, within 3m of the front boundary.
Decks and landings
Sheds, garages and carports
- All garages, sheds and carports more than 10m2 in area, more than 3m high or constructed of masonry.
Retaining walls
- A retaining wall within 1m of a boundary or another building
- A retaining wall greater than 1m in height
Masts and Antennas
- Greater than 3m above the building to which it’s attached
- Greater than 8m above the ground (if not attached to a building).
Demolition
- Demolition/removal of any building with masonry features
- Demolition of a building with a floor area greater than 40m²
Roofing
- Replacing corrugated iron roofing with concrete or terracotta roofing tiles.
Do I also need a Planning Permit?
Building permits and Planning permits are different and require separate approvals. Some projects will require both Planning and Building whilst others may only require a Building Permit. You should find out if a Planning permit is required prior to applying for your Building Permit. A Planning Permit must be issued before a Building Permit can be obtained. Find out whether you need a Planning Permit here.
Do I need a Septic Tank permit?
If you live in an area that is not connected to mains sewerage then you must obtain a Septic Tank permit if you are planning to build anything that will have any toilet, kitchen or bathroom fixtures. A Septic Tank permit can be issued after a Planning Permit but before a Building Permit issued. Find out more information about obtaining a Septic tank permit here.