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Building
A Building Licence is required for any "works" involving the:
- construction
- alteration
- addition to
- repair of or underpinning of a building
- any earthworks necessary for, or incidental to, the above
- any "works" which impact on the requirements of the Building Code of Australia require an application for a building licence.
Building works should be substantially commenced within 12 months of licence issue and completed within 24 months, or such time as approved by local government.
Process for assessing applications
Step 1 Lodgement
The lodgement of Application & Payment of fees
Step 2 Compliance with Legislation
Applications are checked for compliance with relevant codes, standards and Local Laws.
Step 3 Consultation
Consultation occurs with the WA Fire and Emergency Services. The assessing Building Surveyor may also discuss aspects of design with the applicant and consultants
Step 4 Engineering Certificate
The consultants are also requested to identify any areas of their submissions which do not meet the building regulations prescriptive rules and to submit an alternative detail for approval.
Step 5 Licence Issued
When the City is satisfied with all documentation, a Building Licence is issued.
The time taken to assess an application will depend upon the complexity of the work and the standard of the submission.
In general terms:
- sign licence 3 to 5 working days (if no planning approval is required)
- partition licence 3 to 10 working days (depending on liaison with FESA)
- a dwelling 5 to 10 working days (once planning clearance of working drawings has been obtained)
- major developments 25 to 30 working days.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Building licences are seldom refused but may be referred back to the applicant for more detail or alteration to meet the requirements of the regulations.
Common omissions include:-
- Accessibility and facilities for people with disabilities
- fire isolated stairs
- fire detection systems
- fire protection of openings adjacent to lot boundaries
- hose reels and hydrants
- fire doors
- smoke hazard management systems
- balustrade detail
- emergency lights and exit signs
- excessive distance of travel to exits
- number of exits
When submitting a Building Application we will need the following information:
Documentation:
Preliminary Building Appraisal Application Form
Building License Application Form,
3 sets of plans,
2 specifications (class 1 and 10 applications require only 2 sets of plans and 2 specifications) owner/builder BRB confirmation(where applicable).
Click here for information on fees.
For further information about Building Applications contact us