Building Licence Applications
A building licence must be obtained before work commences on any building project including, but not limited to, housing, commercial and industrial development, garages, carports, roofed and unroofed patios, aviaries, garden sheds and swimming pools.
AS AT 1 FEBRUARY 2011 PLANNING APPROVAL MUST BE ISSUED PRIOR TO A BUILDING LICENCE APPLICATION BEING ACCEPTED.
Planning application forms and further information can be obtained by visiting the planning applications section of this web site.
When applying for a building licence it is necessary to submit four copies of detailed plans and specifications together with a building licence application form (also available from Development Services in the Shire's Administration Building).
Building Licence Checklists
Building licence information checklists detail the requirements for lodging applications for a building licence 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
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.
If you are intending to amend a building licence that has already been issued then an amendment to a building licence application form must be completed and lodged with Development Services. Forms are available from the Development Services counter within the Administration Building or can be downloaded from HERE. Please note that fees apply to amending an approval, consult Building Services for further information. Applicants are advised that some amendments will also require planning approval. For further clarification in this regard, please check with the Shire's Planning Services department before making your submission to Building Services.
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.
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.
New dwellings and extensions are required to comply with the Energy Efficiency Provisions contained in the Building Codes 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.
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.
