Building Licences
Under State legislation a building licence is required before commencement of most building work. In many cases the builder or architect/draftsperson obtains the licence on behalf of the property owner.
Formal approval (a building licence) is required for any building work involving the development of new structures, alterations or extensions and changes in ground levels. These include:
- Fences
- Swimming Pools & Spas
- Garden Sheds/Verandahs/Gazebos/Garages/Workshops/Pergolas
- Dwellings
- Commercial Buildings including fitouts and refurbishments
- Industrial Buildings
- Changes to levels (i.e., cut and/or fill)
- Retaining Walls
If the total value of the work exceed $20,000 a licence is issued to a registered builder, or in some circumstances, an owner builder.
The building licence issued for the particular work is void if the work is not commenced within the first 12 months of the date of issue, and the work shall be completed within 24 months of the issue of the licence.
TURN AROUND TIME FOR BUILDING APPROVAL IS A MINIMUM OF FOUR (4) WEEKS
(Ensure sufficient time for assessment, no work is to commence without the Building Licence).
Supporting Documentation for a Building Licence Application
Building Licence Applications are required to have two (2) copies of all plans. If you are considering a submission for building ensure you have satisfied all the document requirements listed in the Building Licence Support Checklist.
If you are planning to build any of the structures above, you can download the Application Forms Online.
Development of Commercial and Industrial lots or for 3 or more group dwellings etc., requires, prior to the issue of a Building Licence, the submission, assessment and approval of a Development Application by the City’s Planning Services.
Town Planning consent is not required for any 'Permitted Development' on 'Special Residential' and 'Special Rural' zoned land if the proposal is within the approved Building Envelope or where no building envelope exists, is compliant with the setbacks prescribed by TPS2, except for any development within the Warnbro Dunes and Singleton ridgeline lots.
Fees are set by State government via Statute. Download Building Fees PDF File.
