A building permit is a formal approval issued by a government authority that authorises proposed construction, alteration or demolition work to proceed, confirming that the plans comply with applicable building codes and regulations.
What Is a Building Permit?
A building permit is part of the regulatory process that allows certain building work to proceed.
In Western Australia, building permits are generally required before building work covered by the building legislation can commence. The requirements depend on the type and scope of the proposed work, and some work may be exempt from requiring a permit.
What Does a Building Permit Authorise?
A building permit provides formal approval for building work covered by the permit.
Depending on the project, this can include the construction of new buildings, alterations, extensions and other types of building work. The relevant permit authority assesses the application and determines whether the permit can be granted.
A building permit should not be confused with planning or development approval. These are separate parts of the broader approval process and may both be relevant to a project.
Building Permits in Western Australia
In Western Australia, building permits operate under the Building Act 2011 and Building Regulations 2012.
Applications are submitted to the relevant permit authority. Depending on the application pathway, a building permit application may be certified or uncertified. The WA Government currently provides separate application forms for certified and uncertified building permit applications.
For a certified application, a Certificate of Design Compliance is part of the process. This certificate confirms that the proposed building design complies with the applicable building standards.
Building Permits and Building Documentation
Building permit applications rely on documentation that allows the proposed work to be assessed.
This can include building plans, specifications, certificates and other information relevant to the proposed work. The documentation needs to communicate the proposed building work clearly and demonstrate compliance with the applicable requirements.
The exact documentation required depends on the type of application and the building work being proposed.
Building Permits and Building Surveyors
Building surveyors can have an important role in the building approval process.
For certified building permit applications, a registered building surveyor can assess the proposed design and issue a Certificate of Design Compliance where the applicable requirements are satisfied. The permit authority then considers the building permit application and required documentation before deciding whether to grant the permit.
This distinction matters: the building surveyor’s certification and the permit authority’s building permit are not the same thing.
Kyle Standing’s Perspective on Building Permits
Kyle Standing’s work involves preparing building design and drafting documentation that may form part of a project’s approval process.
Clear and coordinated drawings help communicate the proposed work and provide the information required by the relevant approval process.
Understanding what a building permit requires is therefore important when preparing building documentation for residential and other building projects.
Related Terms
Building permits are closely connected with several terms used throughout the building and approval process:
- Building Designer
- Draftsman
- Building Surveyor
- Development Application
- National Construction Code
- R-Codes
- Owner Builder
- Granny Flat