Local Government approval is required for the erection of Commerical and Industrial Buildings, Dwellings or Additions thereto, Decking, Patios, Pergolas, Garages, Carports, above or below ground Swimming Pools, Front Fences, Spas, Retaining Walls, Gazebos, Rainwater Tanks or like structures. The specifications, positioning and the method of construction for the proposed structures must comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations 1989, Building Code of Australia, Residential Design Codes, the Shire's Town Planning Scheme No.3, and the Shire's Local Laws. Guidelines for specific building proposals are available from the Shire.

Once a building approval has been granted the Building Licence is valid for a period of 12 months. If no work on the building has been substantially commenced within this period, the licence is void. The applicant can however seek to obtain an extension to this licence by applying to the Shire. Subject to the payment of any further fees as required. Refer to Building Regulations 1989 Part 4 reg 15 for further information.

Before a Building Licence can be issued, Planning Approval may be required for the proposed development. Planning Application forms and further information can be otained from the Planning section of this website.

See Related Links for Building Licence Application Forms.

Building Licence Fees

The Minimum fee payable with the building application is $85.00. The fees required for the issue of a building licence are as per Part 6 of the "Building Regulations 1989". Building Licence fees are calculated at a value of 0.35% of the estimated construction cost as determined by the local government for residential work and outbuildings, and 0.2% of the estimated construction cost for Commercial and Industrial work. To assist in calculating fee payable for an application, the Building Licence Fee Calculator can be found under the heading Downloads (on the right hand side of this page). 

Building Construction Industry Training Fund Levy (BCITF)

On behalf of the Building Construction Industry Training Fund (BCITF), the Shire also collects a levy calculated at 0.2% of the construction cost (including GST) of a development which is then forwarded to the BCITF Board for funding ongoing industry training. This levy is only payable when the works approved exceeds the value of $20,000.

Builders Licence Levy

Currently a levy of $40 is payable to the local government on all building licences issued and is required to be paid as part of the building application. The Shire is required to take this levy however the levy is used to fund the activities of the Builders' Registration Board and to fund the Building Disputes Tribunal.