What is the difference between certified and an uncertified building permit application?
There are two types of building permits:
BA1 – Application for building permit – certified: Requires a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3 Form) to be completed by a Private Building Surveyor prior to being submitted to the Shire
BA2 – Application for building permit – uncertified: Certified by the Shire.
For more information please visit the Shire’s Building Permit Requirements page.
How much does a building a permit application cost?
The minimum building permit fees for estimated value of works under $20,000 is $171.65. For current fees for estimated value of works over $20,000 please refer to the Building schedule of fees and charges.
The Building and Construction Industry Training Fund levy is also payable where the total value of construction is estimated to be more than $20,000. (See below What is the BCTI Levy?).
What is the BCITF Levy?
Note: this payment is only required for construction estimated to be over $20,000.
The Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Levy applies to all residential, commercial and civil engineering projects undertaken in Western Australia, where the total value of construction is estimated to be more than $20,000.
A copy of the receipt will need to be provided to the Shire with your application.
Do I need a registered builder?
If a property owner intends to undertake building works over the value of $20,000, they must apply for Owner-Builders Approval. An owner builder certificate is required to be obtained from the Building Commission directly.
The Owner-Builder Approval must be submitted with the Building Permit application or must engage a registered builder to complete the works.
For more information about when a registered builder is required please click here.
Do I need health approval?
Applying for a building permit, development approval, or health approval are separate processes, controlled under different legislation.
- A building permit ensures that the building is structurally safe and complies with the relevant building Fore more information about building permits please visit the Shire’s Building Permit Requirements page.
- A Health approval may be required for matters such as food and liquor premises, beauty therapy as well as noise generating premises such as gyms.
If you are unsure if your proposal requires further approval or would like further information on the Building Permit process or Health requirements contact the Shire Development Services team.
When do I need development approval?
Prior to submitting a building application and before commencing your development you may also be required to seek planning approval from the Shire to comply with the Shire of Coolgardie’s Local Planning Scheme.
Development (or planning) approval is required when you are proposing to establish or change the use of a property.
There are exemptions that apply to residential development, such as new dwellings, extensions to dwellings and ancillary development.
It is always best to check if you require development approval prior to applying for a building permit and commencing works. For more information, please contact the Shire Development Services team.
Can I submit my application electronically?
Yes, you can email you application to the shire via the mail@coolgardie.wa.gov.au . Please include the address in the subject line.
Can I get development and building approval at the same time?
If you require development approval for your proposal, then this must be obtained before submitting your application for a building permit due to the statutory processing time frames associated with issuing building permits.
Dividing boundary fencing provisions and liaison with your neighbour
Neighbour agreement may be required prior to making any changes to a dividing fence.
Dividing fences are covered by the Dividing Fences Act 1961 (the Act) which deals with the construction and maintenance of dividing fences in Western Australia. The Act provides a process for sharing costs between neighbours, the determination of boundaries and a mechanism for courts to deal with disputes over dividing fences in specific instances.
Dividing fence matters and the above legislation are administered by Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) which provide details on owner responsibilities. It is suggested you liaise with your neighbour verbally and follow up any agreements in writing relating to a dividing fence dispute. Example letters are available from DMIRS.
The Shire is unable to direct your neighbour to construct a sufficient fence and has no statutory ability within the Dividing Fences Act 1961 to direct or provide adjudication of costs or repairs.
If you do not know the name of the owner of the property next door, you may be able to get neighbours details by:
- Checking with the tenants or property manager if the property is rented or leased.
- Performing a land title search through Landgate
Further information can be obtained by visiting Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) website.