How to apply for a building permit or approval

Click here for Application Forms (opens Building Commission webpage)

Checklist for Application for Building Permit - Uncertified

Checklist for Application for Building Permit - Certified

Checklist for Unauthorised Building Work - Classes 1, 10A & 10B 

Checklist for Unauthorised Building Work - Classes 2 to 9 

Before the construction of any new building, it's best to check whether you will require a building permit first.

Applications for building permits can be submitted to the Shire of Chittering by landowners if they are less than $20,000. If the building is $20,000 or more you may need to either engage a Registered Builder or become an Owner Builder.

Depending on different factors, buildings may not need a building permit before being constructed.

The following types of building work do not require a building permit:

  • Class 10a buildings (sheds or other non-habitable outbuildings) that are less than 10m2 and 2.4m in height
  • Renovation, alteration, improvement, repair or maintenance of a building or incidental structure that does not affect the structural soundness of the building
  • Retaining walls that are smaller than 0.5m in height
  • Water storage tanks with a capacity of 5,000L or less

The above information is provided for in the Building Regulations 2012. 

If you are still unsure if you will require a building permit or not, you can send us a plan or drawing of what you propose to develop to chatter@chittering.wa.gov.au or call to speak to our Building Surveyor on 9576 4600.

Owner-Builders Beware

Owner-Builder Application (opens Building Commission webpage)

ADVICE NOTE - Owner-Builders Beware

The successful completion of a home you have built yourself is a source of satisfaction and pleasure. But sadly, all too often the anticipated building project that has started with excitement and anticipation can deteriorate into stress and anguish.

 This advice sheet (above) from the Shire of Chittering is to assist Owner-Builders to achieve an enjoyable and successful building experience and to avoid some of the hazards that can cause a building project to fail.

Demolition & renovations

Application for Demolition Permit (redirects to Building Commission webpage)

If you have bought a property in the Shire of Chittering with an existing house that you intend to demolish or renovate, there may be certain things you need to do before you do.

All structures except domestic outbuildings (sheds, patios etc.) require a Demolition Permit before they can be demolished.

Renovations usually only require a Building Permit (when effecting a building structurally) but may require a Demolition Permit should the building be commercial or the renovation involves the removal of asbestos.

Asbestos sheeting: The dangers of demolition and renovations

ADVICE NOTE: The Risks of Asbestos Around Your Home

There have been several instances within the Shire of Chittering of the illegal demolition of asbestos buildings and of illegal dumping of the asbestos waste in reserves.

The Shire of Chittering will not tolerate the illegal demolition or disposal of Asbestos sheeting.

The Building Act 2011 states the penalty for demolition without a Demolition Permit is a fine of up to $50,000.00. The Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992 have a penalty of up to $10,000.00 for illegal dumping of asbestos with on the spot fines of up to $2,000.00 for activities such as breaking or cutting asbestos.

The purpose of a Demolition Permit is to ensure buildings are demolished in a manner that does not cause harm to the owners of the property, the demolition workers and surrounding neighbours. It also ensures all waste is disposed of in a responsible manner.

Owners or demolition contractors that intend to demolish a building must obtain a valid Demolition Permit or a photocopy of such before a demolition can proceed.

Asbestos sheeting has not been manufactured since 1990 yet disease from exposure to asbestos is increasing even among younger ones that have never worked with the product. Each year, around 2,120 people are hospitalised in Australia and 145 people die in WA due to poor safety measures when handling asbestos during demolition and construction.

Buildings are also being vandalised. The resulting broken asbestos sheets or burnt asbestos exposes the vandals and neighbours to the disease causing fibres.

If you are considering renovating, it is imperative for the safety of yourself and family that all applicable safety measures are implemented. Please read the Advice note: The Risks of Asbestos Around Your Home above.

Swimming pools

Rules for Pools and Spas - Department of Building & Energy (DMIRS) - NOTE: This brochure lists rules for pools built PRIOR to May 2016 and rules for pools built POST May 2016.

Rules for Portable Pools - DMIRS - Department of Building & Energy

Removal or Decommissioning of a Swimming Pool or Spa

Swimming Pool Inspections 

The Shire of Chittering undertakes 4 yearly inspections of all swimming pools on properties in gazetted Townsites (Bindoon & Muchea). 

Our Building Surveyor inspects the condition of the following:

  • Swimming pool gate
  • Swimming pool fence
  • Objects around the swimming pool fence
  • Skimmer boxes

To do a self assessment you can use the Home Pool Safety Checklist as provided by Royal Life Saving or visit Home Pool Safety for more information.

If you have further questions, you can contact our Building Surveyor on 9576 4600 or email chatter@chittering.wa.gov.au.