FORMS & GUIDES 

Residential Dwelling or Dwelling Addition

A building permit is always required for dwellings and /or additions to a dwelling within a Cyclone Area (Carnarvon is Wind Region D Category 2) exceptions do apply please see Building Regulations 2012; Schedule 4 – Building work that does not require a building permit. Planning approval or clearance along with any Health approvals if needed must be sought.

• The Residential Design Codes of Western Australia (R-Codes) also apply to the construction of the residential dwelling.
• Setbacks, height, maximum size, site cover etc. are determined by R-Codes and applicable local planning policy based on the zoning of the land.
• Development approval should be obtained prior to submitting a building permit application.

Residential Dwelling or Dwelling Addition Information & Checklist

Shed & Outbuilding

An outbuilding is defined as an enclosed non-habitable structure that is detached from any dwelling such as a shed, free-standing garage, or sea container, which is required to meet the standards of the Building Codes of Australia (BCA).

A building permit is always required for sheds & outbuildings within a Cyclone Area (Carnarvon is Wind Region D Category 2) exceptions do apply please see Building Regulations 2012; Schedule 4 – Building work that does not require a building permit. Planning approval or clearance along with any Health approvals if needed must be sought.

• The Residential Design Codes of Western Australia (R-Codes) also apply to the construction of outbuildings.
• Setbacks, height, maximum size, site cover etc. are determined by R-Codes and applicable local planning policy based on the zoning of the land.
• Development approval should be obtained prior to submitting a building permit application.

Shed & Outbuilding Information & Checklist

Patio & Carport

Patio / Verandah: An open-sided structure designed for outdoor living/entertainment or providing shade for outdoor areas with a roof cover that is impermeable to water. It may or may not be attached to a dwelling.

Carport: A roofed structure designed to accommodate one or more motor vehicles unenclosed except to the extent that it abuts a dwelling or a property boundary on one side, and is without a door unless that door is visually permeable. It has two or more sides open and not less than 1/3 of its perimeter open.

A building permit is always required for patio & carports within a Cyclone Area (Carnarvon is Wind Region D Category 2) exceptions do apply please see Building Regulations 2012; Schedule 4 – Building work that does not require a building permit. Planning approval or clearance along with any Health approvals if needed must be sought.

Patio & Carport Information & Checklist

Pergola & Shade Sail

Pergola: An unroofed, open-framed structure used for shading and screening which may be covered in a water-permeable material. It may or may not be attached to a dwelling. The Building Regulations 2012, Schedule 4 Part 2 – Item 7 states that the “Construction, erection, assembly or placement of a pergola associated with a Class 1 building that:
a) is not more than 2.4 m in height: and
b) is not located in wind region C or D as defined in AS1170.2; and
c) covers an area not exceeding 20m2.” does not require a building permit.

(Note: Shire of Carnarvon is located in wind region D.)
Any pergola proposal that does not meet the above requirements will require a building permit prior to construction.

Shade Sail: An area designed to provide shading that is covered by a shade cloth or permeable material supported by posts or the roof of a building. Shade sail that is exceeding 10m2 in area and/or is more than 2.4m in height will require a building permit prior to construction. Engineer details are required for most of the proposed shade sails.

Please note:
• The Residential Design Codes of Western Australia (R-Codes) also apply to the construction of pergola and shade sail.
• Setbacks, height, maximum size, site cover etc. are determined by R-Codes and applicable local planning policy based on the zoning of the land.
• Development approval may be required even if the proposed building work does not require a building permit.
• Development approval should be obtained prior to submitting a building permit application.

Pergola & Shade Sail Information & Checklist

Retaining Wall

A retaining wall is a wall or structure designed and constructed to support soil at a slope steeper than can naturally be supported. While retaining walls are primarily designed to support soil, they may also be placed under a stress from other factors such as buildings, footings, driveways, swimming pools, vehicle loads and/or wind loads on dividing fences. Some retaining walls are designed to support soil only and no other contributing stress factors, these walls are termed “non-surcharged”. It is very important to ensure the wall you intend to construct is designed to support any surcharge that may be placed upon it.

A fence should not be used to retain soil unless it is designed to do so.

A dividing fence can be positioned on the higher side of a retaining wall which abuts a common boundary. Retaining walls abutting a common boundary shall be constructed entirely within one property. They are not permitted to straddle the boundary.

Responsibility for Construction: The landowner who alters the natural lie of the land is responsible to retain soil where necessary by providing a suitable retaining wall or durable embankment to ensure the natural ground level and any existing surcharge load at the boundary is maintained.

When both adjoining landowners have undertaken earthworks and altered the ground levels, they would be jointly responsible and may need to proportionately share the cost for the construction of a retaining wall.

A building permit is required where a proposed retaining wall is: 
• 500mm or greater in height and/ or
• addition to an existing retaining wall and/or
• In the case of tiered walls, the walls exceed 500mm in total height.

Please note:
• Development approval is required for retaining walls over 500mm and should be obtained prior to submitting a building permit application.

Retailing Wall Information & Checklist

Decking 

A building permit is required for the construction of all decking. The Residential Design Codes of Western Australia (R-Codes) also apply to the construction of decking.

Where the proposed decking does not meet the acceptable development provisions of the R-Codes e.g. privacy, setbacks, height, streetscape, site cover etc. a planning application for variation to the RCodes is to be lodged. Development approval (where applicable) should be obtained prior to submitting a building permit application.

It is recommended that an applicant should refer to the Certificate of Title to confirm there are no easements or restrictive covenants prior to submitting a building permit application.

Decking Information & Checklist

Swimming Pool & Spa 

This checklist should be read in conjunction with the Rules for Pools and Spas publication by the Building Commission and AS 1926.1—2012.

A building permit is required under the Building Act 2011 and the Building Regulations 2012 prior to installing, constructing or altering swimming and spa pool barriers, including windows, doors and gates that provide access to a swimming or spa pool area. A building permit is also required for the construction of swimming and spa pools.

Swimming Pool & Spa Information & Checklist

Unauthorised Building Works

In general, a person must not carry out building work without a building permit where one is required. However, a person can apply under Section 51 (3) of the Building Act 2011 for a ‘Building Approval Certificate’ to obtain retrospective approval for any building work completed without a building permit is issued, or to confirm an existing building complies with the applicable building standards.

Building approval certificates are voluntary, however, if you have unauthorised building work on your property you may be required to demolish it if you do not have one.

To apply for a Building Approval Certificate, the applicant will need to complete an ‘Application for Building Approval Certificate (BA13)’ submit a Certificate of Building Compliance (BA18) together with any relevant supporting documents.

A Certificate of Building Compliance is issued by a registered building surveyor as defined in Section 3 of the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011. This certificate may be issued by an independent building surveyor or by the Shire of Carnarvon and provide a Certifying Service, who certifies that an existing building complies with the relevant building standards.

Unauthorised Building Works Information & Checklist