Building

• to provide a comprehensive system of building control in Western Australia
• reduce building approval times
• set standards for building and demolition work in Western Australia
• deal with building or demolition work that effects other land.

The Building Act brings some significant changes to the building approvals process, from the design stage right through to occupation of a building. The most important changes include:

Permit Authorities (Local Government)

Permit Authorities issue building, demolition and occupancy permits (and other associated certificates, requirements and orders).

Private Sector Registered Building Surveyors

The Building Act 2011 allows for private sector registered building surveyors. This means that an applicant has a choice to go to the relevant local government to obtain the services of a registered building surveyor, but will have the option to engage an independent registered building surveyor or any local government that offers building surveyor services. However, only a local government can issue building, demolition and occupancy permit.

Occupancy Requirements

Occupancy permits are required before commercial and industrial developments are occupied. The Building Act 2011 makes it an offence to occupy a building, other than class 1 (single house) and associated class 10 buildings (garage, shed etc) without an appropriate occupancy permit.