Building & Planning Lexicon

A practical guide to building design, drafting and residential approval terminology in Western Australia.

Perth Drafting Lexicon

Understanding the language of building design

The Perth Drafting Lexicon explains common terms used in building design, drafting, planning and the residential building approval process in Western Australia.

It is designed to help homeowners, builders and owner-builders understand the terminology they may encounter when preparing plans, lodging applications or undertaking building projects.

Building design plans and architectural drafting

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Building Design

Terms related to building design, drafting and residential projects.

Building Designer A professional who develops building designs and prepares plans and documentation for residential and commercial building projects. Draftsman A qualified professional who converts designs, specifications and calculations into detailed technical drawings. Owner Builder A person who takes legal responsibility for managing domestic building work on their own land. Granny Flat A self-contained secondary dwelling located on the same lot as a principal residence.

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Planning & Approvals

Terms related to planning, development applications and building approvals.

Development Application A formal request submitted to a local council or planning authority for permission to carry out development. Building Permit An approval issued by a permit authority authorising specified building work to proceed. Justification Letter A written statement supporting a proposed design variation from applicable planning provisions. Bushfire Attack Level A classification measuring a site’s potential exposure to bushfire attack and determining construction requirements.

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Construction & Compliance

Terms related to construction standards, regulations and compliance.

National Construction Code Australia’s national set of minimum performance requirements for building design and construction. Building Surveyor A registered professional who assesses building plans and construction work for compliance. R-Codes Western Australia’s Residential Design Codes establishing residential development standards.

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Building design and drafting documentation

Building With Clarity

A more informed building journey

Understanding the terminology used in building design and the approval process can make it easier to plan, communicate and make decisions with confidence.

The Lexicon provides practical information about terminology encountered by homeowners, builders and owner-builders in Western Australia.

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