Building Act 2011
The Building Act 2011 replaces much of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1960 and amends a range of associated acts. The key objectives of the new Act are:
- 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.
Building Application Information
For application forms please refer to the following site. http://www.buildingcommission.wa.gov.au/building-approvals/forms-guides
The Building Services Department can be contacted by phoning (08) 9168 4100.