This list is does not cover all projects that require a building permit. You should contact the Shire's Building Department if you are planning any building projects to check whether the works will require a permit.
Buildings
- New homes, bungalows, outbuildings or studios
- Re-locatable buildings
- Commercial buildings
- Additions to an existing dwelling or other building
- Structural alterations to an existing dwelling or other building, including adding or removing structural or load bearing parts of a building. Also covers installation of 'bay' or 'corner' type windows where structural alterations are required.
- Re-blocking or re-stumping
- Alterations to a commercial building including layout changes
- Alterations to, or introduction of, an Essential Safety Measure including fire hose reels, fire hydrants, exit doors,fire extinguishers, exit signs, emergency lights, sprinklers.
- Verandahs attached to any building new or existing.
- Construction of a Pergola (unroofed structure) associated with any other building
- New pergolas with a floor area greater than 20m²
- Impermeable shade sails
- Permeable shade sails with a floor area greater than 20m²
Conversions
- Converting a garage or shed into a habitable room
Swimming pools and spas
- New swimming pools or spas capable of a water depth greater than 30cm
- Pool or spa safety barriers
Fences
- On corner blocks, front and side timber fences greater than 1.5m in height, within 3m of the front or side street boundary.
- On corner blocks, front and side masonry/brick fences greater than 1.2m in height, within 3m of the front or side street boundary.
- On corner blocks, any fence greater than 1m in height within 9m of the street corner point, measured in both directions along the boundary line of the block.
- Any side fence, between properties that is greater than 2m in height.
- Front and side timber fences greater than 1.5m in height, within 3m of the front boundary.
- Front and side masonry/brick fences greater than 1.2m in height, within 3m of the front boundary.
Decks and landings
Sheds, garages and carports
- All garages, sheds and carports more than 10m2 in area, more than 3m high or constructed of masonry.
Retaining walls
- A retaining wall within 1m of a boundary or another building
- A retaining wall greater than 1m in height
Masts and Antennas
- Greater than 3m above the building to which it’s attached
- Greater than 8m above the ground (if not attached to a building).
Demolition
- Demolition/removal of any building with masonry features
- Demolition of a building with a floor area greater than 40m²
Roofing
- Replacing corrugated iron roofing with concrete or terracotta roofing tiles.
Building permits and Planning permits are different and require separate approvals. Some projects will require both Planning and Building whilst others may only require a Building Permit. You should find out if a Planning permit is required prior to applying for your Building Permit. A Planning Permit must be issued before a Building Permit can be obtained. Find out whether you need a Planning Permit here.
If you live in an area that is not connected to mains sewerage then you must obtain a Septic Tank permit if you are planning to build anything that will have any toilet, kitchen or bathroom fixtures. A Septic Tank permit can be issued after a Planning Permit but before a Building Permit issued. Find out more information about obtaining a Septic tank permit here.