Building Permit

Determine Whether a Building Permit is Required

While a building permit is generally required for building work involving the development of new structures, alterations or extensions and changes in ground levels, certain exceptions apply.

Buildings Exempt from Building Permits

Download an Application Form

Certified BA1

Uncertified BA2

A certified application is mandatory for Class 2-9 buildings e.g. shops, warehouses, offices.

An uncertified application can be used for Class 1 buildings e.g. dwellings and Class 10 structures (non-inhabitable) e.g. sheds, patios, retaining walls, swimming pools and the like.

What is the difference between Certified and Uncertified applications?

Certified application (BA1 Form): The plans and specifications for the proposed structure are assessed for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) by a registered private building surveyor who will also issue a Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC).

You will need to engage a registered private building surveyor to complete a Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC) before the building permit application can be submitted to the Shire.

Uncertified application (BA2): The plans and specifications will be assessed by the Shire’s Registered Building Surveyor for compliance with the NCC and issue a CDC.

An uncertified application is submitted directly to the Shire. The information and documentation lodged with the application will be assessed by a Registered Building Surveyor employed by the Shire.

Prepare Supporting Documents

Our checklists and fact sheets will help you prepare your application:

Checklist Certified Application

Checklist Uncertified Application

Sheds, Garages and Workshops

Patios, Verandahs, Gazebos and Pergolas

Retaining Walls

Swimming Pools, Spas

Rules for Pools and Spas - Department of Mines, Industry, Regulation and Safety

Swimming Pools and Spa Barrier Requirements

Park Homes and Annexes

Conversion to a Habitable Room

Submit Your Application to Us

In Person:

Please visit our Administration Office at 1915 Pinjarra Road, Pinjarra.

Bring along the:

Completed application form and checklist

Supporting documents

Payment - cash, card, cheque and money orders are accepted

Building Permit Fees and Charges

By Email:

Email your application to mailbag@murray.wa.gov.au, including the:

• Completed application form and checklist
• Supporting documents

Payment – once your application has been registered we will contact you to arrange payment.

Building Permit Fees and Charges

By Post:

Post your documents to PO Box 21, Pinjarra WA 6208.

Please ensure you include the:

• Completed application form and checklist
• Supporting documents
• Preferred payment option - cheque or money orders are accepted

Building Permit Fees and Charges

Processing

We determine certified applications in 10 working days. If additional information is required we will contact you and continue to process your application once the information is received. 

Uncertified applications are determined within 25 working days.

If additional information is required we will contact you and continue to process your application once the information is received. 

Permit Issuing

We will return your permit to you via email or post.

Notice of Completion

A notice of completion as well as relevant inspection or test certificates must be provided to us within seven days of completion of building works.

The permit will specify what inspections or tests need to be undertaken.

Occupancy Certificate

For Classes 2 to 9 an occupancy certificate (BA9) is required prior to occupation of the building.

This includes:

• Occupying a completed new building or a new part of an existing building
• Occupying an incomplete building or part of a building on a temporary basis
• Modifying the current occupancy permit for additional use of a building on a temporary basis
• Occupying a building or part of a building that has undergone a permanent change of use or classification
• Authorising and occupying an unauthorised building or an unauthorised part of a building
• Authorising a building with existing approval with a new or replacement occupancy permit – this demonstrates that an existing building complies with the relevant building standards and is safe to occupy

Please submit the following with your application:

• Certificate of construction compliance (BA17) for new buildings including new additions to existing buildings or a certificate of building compliance (BA18) for existing buildings, signed by a building surveyor
• Written evidence of the following as relevant to the building or structure:
  • An approval required under the Health Act 1911 section 107(2)(a) or (b)
  • An approval required under the Planning and Development Act 2005
  • An approval required under the Health (Aquatic Facilities) Regulations 2007 Part 2 Division 1
  • An approval required under the Local Government (Uniform Local Provisions) Regulations 1996 regulation 12(2)
• Evidence of consent(s) from each affected owner where work encroaches onto or adversely impacts other land (if applicable
• Payment of fee and levy (if applicable)

Building Permit Fees and Charges

A copy of the occupancy permit must be displayed at or near the principal entrance to the building so that it is clearly visible to people using the building.

If the building does not require an occupancy permit, you will require a building approval certificate (BA13).

A building approval certificate (BA13) application must be accompanied by:

• A certificate of building compliance (BA18) signed by a building surveyor
• Evidence of any prescribed authorities’ approval
• Written evidence of the following as relevant to the building or structure:
  • An approval required under the Health Act 1911 section 107(2)(a) or (b)
  • An approval required under the Planning and Development Act 2005
  • An approval required under the Health (Aquatic Facilities) Regulations 2007 Part 2 Division 1
  • An approval required under the Local Government (Uniform Local Provisions) Regulations 1996 regulation 12(2)
• Survey plan identifying proposed lots and encroachments
• Where applicable, evidence of consent(s) from each affected owner where work encroaches onto or adversely affects other land
• Payment of fee and levy (if applicable)

Building Permit Fees and Charges