Building Permit

Building Permit Applications

The new Building Act 2011 and supporting Regulations replace Parts VIII, IX and XV of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1960, and came into operation on April 2, 2012.

If you are considering renovations, a new construction or a demolition it's important to consult the permit authority (Shire of Esperance) to ensure you obtain correct advice about the plans and processes you need to follow prior to lodging a permit application.

Building Permits:

PLEASE NOTE: PLANNING APPROVAL MUST BE APPLIED FOR AND ISSUED PRIOR TO A BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION BEING ACCEPTED BY THE SHIRE.

Planning application forms and further information can be obtained by visiting the Planning Applications section of this website.

When applying for a building permit, it is necessary to submit two copies of detailed plans and specifications together with a Building Permit Application Form (available from the Building Commission Website).

Building permits now fall into two categories:

Category 1 - Certified Applications - Must be accompanied by a Certificate of Design Compliance, certified by a registered building surveyor (either in private practice or local government). The Certificate of Design Compliance must be completed prior to the lodgement of a certified permit application.

Category 2 - Uncertified Building Application - Includes Class 1a (single residential housing) and Classes 10a and 10b (non-habitable buildings, fences, retaining or free-standing walls, swimming pools, private garages and sheds). For this category the permit authority (Shire of Esperance) will arrange for a registered building surveyor to sign a certificate of design compliance.

A demolition permit is required for any demolition work, either a full building or any part of a building.

A Building Approval Certificate is issued when an occupancy permit is not applicable for class 1 and 10 buildings or incidental structures. It provides certainty that a building or incidental structure meets the relevant requirements. A Building Approval Certificate can also be used to retrospectively approve unauthorised work, and for registration of strata title plans.

Permit Application Forms

It's important to note that only Building Commission forms can be used when submitting your application for a building permit.

Building Commission permit application forms and guides can be downloaded from the Building Commission website at www.buildingcommission.wa.gov.au.

Owner Builders

If you're considering becoming an owner-builder, approval must be obtained through the Building Services Board before you can apply for a building permit from a local government (permit authority).

You will be allowed to take out an owner-builder licence once every six years.

The restriction from selling as an owner-builder within three years no longer applies under the new Building Act 2011.

Notice of Completion

A new requirement under the Building Act 2011 (for all classes of building) is that the builder must submit a Notice of Completion within 7 days of finishing the work listed under a permit.

The purpose of this Notice of Completion is to establish an end date for the building permit, for compliance and record keeping purposes. It also defines the date that the builder has fulfilled his compliance obligations under the Building Act 2011.

Further Information

For further information including applicable fees for building/demolition permits and building approval certificates refer to the Building Commission's website www.buildingcommission.wa.gov.au.

Building Permit Checklists

Building permit information checklists detail the requirements for lodging applications for a building permit and are available from the Development Services counter located within the Administration Building or can be downloaded by clicking on the following links:

· Minimum Requirements for Caravan Park Homes;

· Minimum Requirements for Class 2-9 Commercial Buildings;

· Minimum Requirements for Demolition;

· Minimum Requirements for New Dwellings; Additions; Group Dwellings; Ancillary & Temporary Accommodation;

· Minimum Requirements for Outbuildings;

· Minimum Requirements for Pools & Spas;

· Minimum Requirements for Sign Licences; and

· Minimum Requirements for Transportable Dwellings

Note that these checklists are provided as a broad guide only and may be subject to change without notice. Additional information may be required following formal assessment of any application, particularly for alternative designs.

To determine the fees payable with your application download our guide to Development Services Fees and Charges. Note all fees and charges are subject to change without notice and that additional fees and charges may apply circumstantially. For assistance in calculating Shire fees, please contact Development Services on (08) 9071 0676.

Contractor Listing

The Shire of Esperance maintains a 'Contractor Listing' which contains local builders, draftsmen, engineers and other assorted contractors within the district. Note the list as linked may not be the most current version as this is frequently updated. For a more current copy of the listing, please contact Development Services on (08) 9071 0676.

If you would like to be added to the list, please forward your request and all relevant details in writing to Development Services, PO Box 507, Esperance WA 6450 or via email to shire@esperance.wa.gov.au.

Designing for the Future

For those looking at buying a new home, building or renovating, www.yourhome.gov.au has many useful tips to guide you through the various processes helping make things a little easier and more sustainable looking forward.

Energy Efficiency

New dwellings and extensions are required to comply with the Energy Efficiency Provisions contained in the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

For further information and a copy of the Energy Efficiency Checksheet and Glazing Calculator (which is required with all building licence applications for dwellings and extensions), please refer to the Building Commission's website.

New Energy Efficiency provisions have been added to the Building Code of Australia (BCA) which require new dwellings and additions to comply with the provisions set out in Part 3.12 of the BCA.

The Shire is required to check compliance against these provisions and the onus is on the builder to demonstrate that new dwellings and / or additions comply with the various elements of Part 3.12 of the BCA. Compliance can be achieved in two different ways, namely:

OPTION 1:

By complying with the provisions of the BCA known as the 'Deemed to Satisfy' (DTS) provisions. These include:

The minimum information that is required to be submitted for compliance against the 'Deemed to Satisfy' provisions of the BCA is a completed Energy Efficiency Checksheet with supporting information in the form of a compliant External Glazing and Ventilation Calculator.

The Building Commission's website provides Energy Efficiency checksheets and an External Glazing and Ventilation Calculator. Please note that the form must be completed electronically rather than by hand as compliance / non-compliance with 'Deemed to Satisfy' provisions is calculated by a program within the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

OR

OPTION 2:

By providing Council with an Energy Efficiency Rating from an accredited assessor using the FirstRate Energy Rating Software. Accredited assessors are now listed on a newly created National Assessor Register. The register and the accreditation of WA assessors is administered by the Association of Building Sustainability Assessors (ABSA) on behalf of the Office of Energy (formerly the 'Sustainable Energy Development Office' or SEDO). For more information about this option please visit the Office of Energy website.

To download a copy of the qualified assessors list for First Rate Assessors, please visit the ABSA website.

Further information on Energy Efficiency can be obtained from the following sites:

• For further information on the Building Code of Australia Energy requirements see www.abcb.gov.au;
• Greensmart is a voluntary government / building industry initiative to look for ways in which new houses can be designed, constructed and maintained in a more environmentally responsible way. The project is being led nationally by the Housing Industry Association and looks at such diverse details as minimising building construction waste, garden design, building materials, components and construction methods for houses. Look for a Greensmart Builder on www.greensmart.com.au;
• Looking to save money on Energy Efficient household equipment and appliances? Check out the Star Rating and how much you could save at www.climatechange.gov.au; and
• The NSW Government has a great site which looks at energy efficiency across many topics including buildings, appliances and products, landscaping and helpful hints to reduce energy consumption, www.energysmart.com.au.

Owner Builders

As of 29 August 2011, builders' registration, owner-builder applications and industry compliance are regulated and administered by the Building Commission, a division of the Department of Commerce. The Builders' Registration Board itself has been abolished and replaced by the Building Services Board. New legislation has come into effect with the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011 and the Building Services (Complaint Resolution and Administration) Act 2011 replacing the Builders' Registration Act 1939.

If you intend to owner-build, whether renovations or a new dwelling altogether, information and the owner-builder licence application can be found at the Building Commission's website, alternatively these are available through Building Services in the Shire of Esperance Administration Building.

For additional information or assistance, please feel free to contact Building Services on (08) 9071 0676 or call in to the Administration Building on Windich Street.