Building Permit in Western Australia

What Documents Do You Need to Submit a Building Permit in Western Australia?

Whether you're building a new home or undertaking a major renovation, navigating the building approval process in WA can feel daunting. Here's a clear breakdown of exactly what you'll need to get your application over the line.

If you're planning to build in Western Australia, you'll need a building permit before a single sod is turned. Governed by the Building Act 2011 and Building Regulations 2012, the permit process ensures your project is safe, compliant, and built to last. But getting it right the first time means having all your documents in order — and there are more than most people expect.

First, Choose Your Permit Type

There are two types of building permit applications in WA:

• BA1 – Certified Building Permit: You engage a private registered building surveyor to assess and certify your plans before lodging. Council then has just 10 business days to process it.
• BA2 – Uncertified Building Permit: You lodge directly with your local council, who carries out the assessment themselves. This takes 25 business days or more, council depending.

For most new builds, the certified route (BA1) is faster and the preferred approach.

The Core Documents You'll Need

1. Certificate of Title

Proof that you own — or have the right to build on — the land in question.

2. Detailed Plans & Specifications

Your plans must be drawn up by a building practitioner and show full site layout, floor plans, elevations, and construction specifications. These must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC), which is part of the Building Code of Australia.

3. Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3)

Required for Certified (BA1) applications, this is issued by a registered private building surveyor after they've assessed your plans against the NCC. Think of it as a pre-approval tick before council even sees your paperwork.

Technical Reports & Assessments

This is where things get detailed — and where many applicants are caught short.

Structural Engineering Calculations

A professional engineer must certify that your structural design, materials, and construction methods comply with the Building Code. For the City of Perth and most other councils, this comes in the form of a Certificate of Structural Sufficiency.

Energy Efficiency Rating (NatHERS)

All new homes must meet minimum energy performance standards under the NCC. An accredited energy assessor will assess your plans and provide a NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) star rating. Your building surveyor or engineer can't sign off without it.

Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment

If your property is in a designated bushfire-prone area — which covers a significant portion of WA — you'll need a BAL assessment. This determines the level of risk and the construction standards your home must meet to withstand ember attack, radiant heat, and direct flame contact.

Termite Management Plan

Often overlooked, termite management is actually a legal requirement in WA. Whether it's a chemical slab treatment or a physical barrier system, you'll need a certification from the installer to include with your application.

Site-Specific Requirements

Site Plan (1:200 scale)

A scaled site plan showing the proposed building footprint, setbacks from all boundaries, and the location of any existing structures on the lot.

Development (Planning) Approval

Many councils require you to obtain planning approval before you can lodge a building permit. Planning approval is assessed under local planning schemes and the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) and looks at things like building height, setbacks, and visual impact on neighbours. This is a separate process and can take up to 60–90 days, so factor it into your timeline early. For ancillary buildings and granny flats, zoning dependant, you may be exempt from requiring planning approval under the 2024 changes. 

Adjoining Owner Consent (BA20)

If your build encroaches over a boundary, or if construction will affect the stability or drainage of a neighbouring property, you'll need written consent from the adjoining landowner. This must be submitted with your application.

Other Items That May Apply

Depending on your site and project type, you may also need:

• Geotechnical/soils report — used by engineers to design your slab
• Septic/effluent disposal approval — if you're not connecting to mains sewerage
• Heritage approval — if the property is subject to a Heritage Agreement
• Verge/road reserve bond — some councils require a refundable infrastructure bond for projects to cover any damage to council assets during construction
• Australian Standards compliance documents — for example, AS 1684 for timber framing, or higher wind load specifications if building in cyclone-prone northern WA

A Word on Fees

Building permit fees are generally calculated as a percentage of your estimated construction value, plus a Building Services Levy payable to the state government. The levy amount varies depending on the permit type and project value — your building surveyor or council's building services team can give you an accurate estimate.

Summary 

Getting a building permit in WA isn't just about having plans drawn up. It involves a coordinated effort between your designer, building surveyor, structural engineer, energy assessor, and sometimes a geotechnical consultant — all before council sees a single page.

The best advice? Start early, talk to your council first, and engage a registered building practitioner who knows your local area. Requirements can vary between councils, and a specialist familiar with your local government's expectations can save you weeks of delays.

For the most up-to-date information, always check with your local council's building services team or visit the WA Building and Energy website.