What can I build?

Ancillary dwellings are limited to a maximum area of 70m²; this does not include associated open structures such as a verandah or carport. This may be varied with a submission of a Development Application to the City for its approval in certain circumstances. In some circumstances, ancillary dwellings may require planning approval within certain zonings.

A maximum of one ancillary dwelling can be built on a property. Building an ancillary dwelling does not allow you to subdivide your property, unless it is already permitted under the local planning scheme.

Ancillary dwellings are permitted to be rented out to non-family members.

Do I need a building permit?

Yes. The Building Act 2011 states that a Building Permit is required for ancillary dwellings. You must obtain a Building Permit from the City of Vincent before commencing building work.

How long does it take to get a permit?

The Building Act 2011 sets time frames in which the City has to assess and determine an application for a Building Permit. The applicable timeframe depends on whether the building application is Uncertified or Certified.

It is important that you are aware of allowed time frames prior to lodging your application and that your application documentation is complete.

Should further information be required by the City in order to assess the building application, the applicant may be given up to 21 calendar days in which to provide the outstanding information. If the information is not received within the 21 days, the application may be refused unless a mutual consent has been granted for a further 21 days.

Uncertified building applications

An Uncertified Building Application (BA2) can be submitted for Class 1 structures such as an ancillary dwelling.

The City has up to 25 business days from the date of lodgement to assess the application and issue a Building Permit. The required Certificate of Design Compliance will be issued by the City as part of the application process.

Certified building applications

A Certified Building Application can be submitted for all Class of structures.

Prior to lodging a Certified Building Application to the City, a private Building Surveying Practitioner would need to be engaged to issue a Certificate of Design Compliance.

The City has up to 10 business days from the date of lodgment to assess the application and issue a Building Permit.

How long until my permit expires?

A Building Permit is generally valid for two years from the date on which it was granted.

If more time is required to complete the building works, you can apply for an extension of time of up to a further six months by making a formal application and paying the prescribed fee.

What happens when I have completed my building works?

The nominated builder on the Building Permit must submit a Notice of Completion BA7 form to the City within seven days of completing the prescribed building works.

Apply

If you would like to submit an application to build an Ancillary Dwelling, you will need to include the following information in your application:

• A complete BA1 (certified) or BA2 (uncertified) application form
  • Including all owner's details, construction materials and costings
  • Signed by a registered builder, including the builder's registration number or owner-builder approval where the value of works is greater than $20,000
  • Applicant's contact details

BA1 or BA2 application forms are available from the City's website, Building and Energy or from the front counter of the City's Administration Centre.

• A Certificate of Design Compliance.

This must be issued by a registered Building Surveying Practitioner and include all documentation as referenced on the Certificate of Design Compliance

• Home Indemnity Insurance Certificate from an approved insurer
  • Required for residential works with a construction value of greater than $20,000
  • Not required for owner-builder

• Payment of fees

Refer to the City's Fees and Charges for full fee details (here). Fee details are also available from the front counter of the City's Administration Centre.

• CTF payment receipt

   NOTE: From 1 July 2024, the City of Vincent will no longer be collecting the CTF Levy.

  Prior to lodging your building permit application, please make sure you pay your CTF levy directly to the Construction Training Fund via their online portal. Please provide a copy of the payment receipt with your building permit application.

• Site plan drawn to scale (1:200), showing:
  • Location of the new structure
  • Location of all existing structures on the property
  • Measurement from the boundaries to the proposed structure
  • Location of any septic tanks and leach drains (if applicable)

• Construction details drawn to scale (1:100), showing:
  • Detailed floor plan and elevations
  • Cross-section details

• Structural Engineer's certification
• Specifications
• Energy Efficiency Report
• Termite Treatment detail
• Bushfire Attack Level Assessment (if applicable)

What is classed as a habitable room?

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) defines a habitable room as a room used for normal domestic activities such as:

• Bedroom
• Living or Lounge Room
• Television Room
• Kitchen
• Dining Room
• Study
• Playroom
• Family / Games Room
• Sunroom

A non-habitable area means a space that is occupied neither frequently nor for extended periods. They include:

• Carport
• Garage
• Patio
• Bathroom
• Toilet
• Laundry
• Photographic darkroom

Do I need approval?

A Building Permit is required to convert a non-habitable building or structure into a habitable room. Plans and documentation for the proposed works will need to demonstrate compliance with the Building Code of Australia. Things that you have to consider will include:

• Energy efficiency requirements;
• Method of termite treatment;
• The floor to ceiling height must be a minimum of 2.4m;
• Damp proofing membrane beneath the floor slab;
• How the proposed works will prevent the ingress of moisture into the new room*;
• The provision of natural light and ventilation to the new room i.e. minimum window sizes;
• Certificates of compliance for electrical, plumbing and glazing;
• Structural engineering details;
• Installation of hard-wired smoke alarms may be required if the proposed habitable room is a bedroom.

Mould may grow in wet or moist areas that lack adequate ventilation such as walls, ceilings, carpets, insulation material, bathroom tiles and wood. If moisture accumulates, mould growth will occur on indoor surfaces. Mould produces tiny particles called spores. Spores are carried in the air and may cause health problems if inhaled by people who are sensitive or allergic them.

Apply

You can submit either a certified application or an uncertified application for the proposed building works. The building permit application should include the following, at the least:

• Completed application form with all owner and builder sections completed and signed;
• Applicable fees (see fee schedule);
• Certificate of Design Compliance (Only if submitting a BA1 - Certified Building Application);
• Site plan, minimum scale 1:200 showing:
  • Setbacks from the lot boundaries and all other buildings on the property.
  • Proposed and existing finished floor levels.
  • Dimensions of the proposed structure.
• Floor plan, minimum scale 1:100 showing:
  • Dimensions of walls, rooms, windows and doors of proposed works and existing adjoining rooms.
  • Location of any smoke alarms.
• Elevations, minimum scale 1:100 showing:
  • Roof type (i.e. tiles or colorbond).
  • Roof pitch, wall heights and materials.
  • Locations and dimension of windows and doors.
• Engineering details signed by a structural engineer showing:
  • Footing and slab details, including damp proofing membrane.
  • Construction details.
• Termite treatment details.

This list is not exhaustive and further information may be requested during the approval process prior to a building permit being granted.

You can lodge your building permit application to the City via the following methods:

• In person - City's administration building located at 244 Vincent Street, Leederville.
• Email - mail@vincent.wa.gov.au.
• Post - PO Box 82, Leederville WA 6902

What can I build?

Carports can be attached to a dwelling or freestanding and can be constructed from steel and/or timber.

Generally, in a residential zone:

• Carports less than 9m in length are required to have a 1m setback from a side and rear boundary
• Carports over 9m in length are required to have a 1.5m setback from a side or rear boundary
• Carports on a secondary street boundary require a 1.5m setback regardless of the length of the structure
• Carports attached or detached to a dwelling are included in the front 6m average calculation

Do I need a building permit?

The Building Regulations 2012 states that construction, erection, assembly or placement of a freestanding carport with a floor area of 10m² or less and an overall height of no more than 2.4m does not require a Building Permit.

As a typical carport is generally larger than 10m² it will require a building permit prior to construction.  All carports that are attached to another structure require a Building Permit, regardless of its size or height. 

Uncertified building application (BA2)

An uncertified Building Application can be submitted for Class 10 structures such as a carport.

The City has up to 25 business days from the date of lodgement to assess the application and issue a Building Permit. The required Certificate of Design Compliance will be issued by the City as part of the application process.

Certified building application (BA1)

A Certified Building Application can be submitted for all classes of structures.

Prior to lodging a Certified Building Application to the City, a private Building Surveying Practitioner would need to be engaged to issue a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3).

The City has up to 10 business days from the date of lodgement to assess the application and issue a Building Permit.

How long does it take to get a building permit for a carport?

The Building Act 2011 sets time frames in which the City has to assess and determine an application for a Building Permit. The applicable timeframe depends on whether the building application is uncertified or certified.

It is important that you are aware of allowed time frames prior to lodging your application and that your application documentation is complete.

Should further information be required by the City in order to assess the building application, the applicant may be given up to 21 calendar days in which to provide the outstanding information. If the information is not received within the 21 days, the application may be refused unless a mutual consent has been granted for a further 21 days.

How long until my permit expires?

A Building Permit is generally valid for two years from the date on which it was granted. If more time is required to complete the building works, you can apply for an extension of time of up to a further six months by making a formal application and paying the prescribed fee.

Can I add a roller/tilt door to my existing carport?

Generally yes, however the carport will need to be assessed by a structural engineer to see if it can support a roller or tilt door.

A building permit will be required to approve the addition of the roller/tilt door to make certain it will be safe structurally. This is because this roller is considered to impose loading that the carport may not have been designed to support.

Application for carport or garage

If you would like to submit an application to build a carport or garage, you will need to include the following information in your application:

• A complete BA1 (certified) or BA2 (uncertified) application form

Including all owner's details, all applicant details, construction materials and costings and a builder's signature.

BA1 and BA2 application forms are available from the City's website, Building and Energy or from the front counter of the City's Administration Centre.

• A Certificate of Design Compliance (for certified applications only).

This must be issued by a registered Building Surveying Practitioner and include all documentation as referenced on the Certificate of Design Compliance

• Payment of fees

Refer to the City's Fees and Charges for full fee details (here).

• Building Construction Industry Training Fund (BCITF) levy payment form (for building works greater than $20,000)

Refer to the City's Fees and Charges for details (here) .

• Site plan drawn to scale (1:200)

Your site plan must show:

• • Location and dimensions of the proposed carport or garage
  • Location of all existing structures on the property
  • Measurement from the boundaries to the proposed carport or garage
  • Location of any septic tanks and leach drains (if applicable)
• Construction details drawn to scale (1:100)

Construction drawings must show:

• • Detailed floor plan and elevations with height dimensions
  • Cross-section details
  • Roller door specifications (where roller doors are proposed for existing carport)

• Structural Engineer's certification
  • Span and material details
  • Specific and signed engineering
  • Engineer certification for the addition of a roller/tilt door 

Do I need a building permit?

The Building Regulations 2012 states that like for like building work where it is not structural could be exempt from requiring a building permit.

For example a tiled roof changing to Colorbond sheet will require a building permit.  Where a tile to tile re-roof may not need a building permit where there is no structural work proposed.

Uncertified Building Applications (BA2)

An Uncertified Building Application can be submitted for Class 1 structures such as a re-roof.

The City has up to 25 business days from the date of lodgement to assess the application and issue a Building Permit. The required Certificate of Design Compliance will be issued by the City as part of the application process.

Certified Building Applications (BA1)

A Certified Building Application can be submitted for all Class of structures.

Prior to lodging a Certified Building Application to the City, a private Building Surveying Practitioner would need to be engaged to issue a BA3 - Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC).

The City has up to 10 business days from the date of lodgement to assess the application and issue a Building Permit.

How long does it take to get a building permit for a re-roof?

The Building Act 2011 sets time frames in which the City has to assess and determine an application for a Building Permit. The applicable timeframe depends on whether the building application is Uncertified or Certified.

It is important that you are aware of allowed time frames prior to lodging your application and that your application documentation is complete.

Should further information be required by the City in order to assess the building application, the applicant may be given up to 21 calendar days in which to provide the outstanding information. If the information is not received within the 21 days, the application may be refused unless a mutual consent has been granted for a further 21 days.

How long until my permit expires?

A Building Permit is generally valid for two years from the date on which it was granted.

If more time is required to complete the building works, you can apply for an extension of time of up to a further six months by making a formal application and paying the prescribed fee.

What happens when I have completed my building works?

The nominated builder on the Building Permit must submit a Notice of Completion BA7 form to the City within seven days of completing the prescribed building works.

Apply

If you would like to submit an application to undertake a re-roof, you will need to include the following information in your application:

• A complete BA1 (certified) or BA2 (uncertified) application form

Including all owner's details, all applicant details, construction materials and costings and a builder's signature.

BA1 and BA2 application forms are available from the City's website, Building and Energy or from the front counter of the City's Library Centre

• A Certificate of Design Compliance (for certified applications only).

This must be issued by a registered Building Surveying Practitioner and include all documentation as referenced on the Certificate of Design Compliance

• Payment of fees

Refer to the City's Fees and Charges for full fee details (here).

• Building Construction Industry Training Fund (BCITF) levy payment form (for building works greater than $20,000)

Refer to the City's Fees and Charges for details (here) .

• Site plan drawn to scale (1:200)

Your site plan must show:

• • Location and dimensions of the proposed area of roof to be replaced

• Construction details drawn to scale (1:100)

Construction drawings must show:

• • Detailed elevations

• Structural Engineer's certification
  • Specific and signed engineering required
  • Roof tie down system to be utilised (specifically when proposing tile to sheet metal)

Patio

A patio is an unenclosed structure with a roof that is impervious (i.e. impenetrable) to water. A patio may or may not be attached to a dwelling.

What can I build?

• Can be attached to a dwelling or be freestanding;
• Can be constructed from timber or metal;
• Maximum height of posts is 2.4m;
• Maximum roof height for flat roof patio is 2.7m, and for a gable roof is 4.2m;
• Posts can be built up to the lot boundary with the roof and gutters no closer than 900mm from the boundary;
• On a corner property, a patio must be setback a minimum of 1.5m from the secondary street boundary - may be reduced with a Development Approval application; and
• Check if an easement exists on your property as generally, no permanent structures are to be built over an easement.

Important note: If you are looking to build a patio with a roofline less than 900mm from the boundary, you will be required to lodge a certified building permit application (BA1) with a Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC) and a Performance Solution. For more information, please consult a registered, independent building surveyor.

Do I need a building permit?

Under the Building Regulations 2012, patios are exempt from requiring a building permit if they are:

• Freestanding;
• Less than 10m²; and
• No greater than 2.4m in height.

A patio attached to another structure, for example a dwelling, will require a Building Permit even if the patio it is less than 10m² and no higher than 2.4m.

Pergola

Pergolas are open-framed structures covered in a water-permeable material or are unroofed. They may or may not be attached to a dwelling.

What can I build?

• Can be freestanding or attached to a dwelling or another structure;
• May be located up to a side or rear boundary but no part of the structure may be attached to a dividing fence or protrude over an adjoining property;
• The permeable roof cover to the pergola is designed and located to avoid stormwater runoff into neighbouring properties. 

Do I need a building permit?

Under the Building Regulations 2012, the construction, erection, assembly or placement of a pergola may be exempt from requiring a building permit if the structure has:

• A floor area of 20m² or less; and
• An overall height of no more than 2.4m.

Shade sail

A shade sail is a piece of open weave permeable fabric tensioned between several suitable anchor points i.e. posts to provide shade to an outdoor area. It should comply with Australian Standard AS 4174:2018 Knitted and Woven Shade Fabrics.

A shade sail made of impervious fabric will be assessed as a patio.

What Can I Build?

• Can be freestanding or attached to a dwelling or another structure;
• No part of the shade sail may be attached to a dividing fence or protrude over an adjoining property;
• The shade sail is to be designed and located to avoid stormwater runoff into neighbouring properties.

Do I Need A Building Permit?

Under the Building Regulations 2012, the construction, erection, assembly or placement of a shade sail may be exempt from requiring a building permit if the structure has:

• A floor area of 20m² or less; and
• An overall height of no more than 2.4m.

If more than one (1) shade sail is to be installed and each has a floor area of less than 20m², a Building Permit is required if the accumulative overall floor area is more than 20m².

Example:

Shade Sail A = 10m²

Shade Sail B = 15m²

Total floor area = 25m²

Apply

Submitting A Building Permit Application

The following documents would need to be submitted for a building permit application:

• Completed BA1 or BA2 application form with all owner details provided, and builder and applicant sections completed and signed.
• Applicable fees (see fee schedule).
• Certificate of Design Compliance (only if submitting a BA1 - Certified Building Application).
• Location of easements and distance to the proposed structure (if applicable).
• Site plan, minimum scale of 1:200 showing:
  • Location of the proposed structure(s);
  • All existing structures;
  • Setbacks from the lot boundaries and all other buildings / structures on the property;
  • Dimensions of the proposed(s).

• Elevations, minimum scale of 1:100 showing:
  • Height of the proposed structure(s);
  • Finished ground levels.
• Engineering details signed by a structural engineer (required for all steel-framed structures and shade sails) showing:
  • Footing details;
  • Constructions and connection details;
  • Span tables specific to the project;
  • NOTE: if part of the shade sail is to be attached to the roof or side of the dwelling, an inspection report is required from the structural engineer.
• Proposed method of stormwater management such as soak wells or a rainwater tank.

What Earthworks can I undertake?

Depending on the zoning of your property, there may be restrictions regarding what or where earthworks can be carried out on site, such as how much vegetation can be cleared.

If you are unsure if there are restrictions associated with your property, consult with the City’s Planning Services on 9273 6000.

Do I need a building permit?

The Building Act 2011 states that a Building Permit is required for earthworks that involve changing the natural ground level by more than 0.5m by either excavating or filling.

A Building Permit is also required for any retaining walls associated with earthworks.

The removal of trees or vegetation is classed as site clearing, not earthworks, and does not require a Building Permit.

Uncertified Building Applications (BA2)

An Uncertified Building Application can be submitted for earthworks.

The City has up to 25 business days from the date of lodgement to assess the application and issue a Building Permit. The required Certificate of Design Compliance will be issued by the City as part of the application process.

Certified Building Applications (BA1)

A Certified Building Application can be submitted for all class of structures.

Prior to lodging a Certified Building Application to the City, a private Building Surveying Practitioner would need to be engaged to issue a Certificate of Design Compliance.

The City has up to 10 business days from the date of lodgement to assess the application and issue a Building Permit.

How long does it take to get a building permit for Earthworks?

The Building Act 2011 sets time frames in which the City has to assess and determine an application for a Building Permit. The applicable timeframe depends on whether the building application is Uncertified or Certified.

It is important that you are aware of allowed time frames prior to lodging your application and that your application documentation is complete.

Should further information be required by the City in order to assess the building application, the applicant may be given up to 21 calendar days in which to provide the outstanding information. If the information is not received within the 21 days, the application may be refused unless mutual consent has been granted for a further 21 days.

How long until my permit expires?

A Building Permit is generally valid for two years from the date on which it was granted.

If more time is required to complete the building works, you can apply for an extension of time of up to a further six months by making a formal application and paying the prescribed fee.

What happens when I have completed my building works?

The nominated builder on the Building Permit must submit a Notice of Completion BA7 form to the City within seven days of completing the prescribed building works.

Apply

If you would like to submit an application to build a carport, you will need to include the following information in your application:

• A complete BA1 (certified) or BA2 (uncertified) application form
  • Including all owner's details, construction materials and costings
  • Signed by a registered builder, including the builder's registration number or owner-builder approval where the value of works is greater than $20,000
  • Include applicant's contact details

BA1 application forms are available from the City's website, Building and Energy or from the front counter of the City's Administration Centre

• A Certificate of Design Compliance (certified applications only)

This must be issued by a registered Building Surveying Practitioner and include all documentation as referenced on the Certificate of Design Compliance

• Payment of fees

Refer to the City's Fees and Charges for full fee details (here). Fee details are also available from the front counter of the City's Administration Centre.

• Building Construction Industry Training Fund (BCITF) levy payment form (for building works greater than $20,000)

Required in full and signed for works over $20,000 - refer to the City's Fees and Charges for details click (here).

• Site plan drawn to scale (1:200), showing:
  • Location and dimensions of the proposed earthworks
  • Location of all existing structures on the property (if applicable)
  • Measurement from the boundaries to the proposed earthworks
  • Location of any septic tanks and leach drains (if applicable)

• Construction details drawn to scale (1:100), showing:
  • Cross-section details

• Structural Engineer's certification
  • Footing details and subsoil drainage detail.

What can I build?

A water tank can be constructed out of steel, fiberglass, stone, concrete or plastic. The location of a water tank should be in the rear yard of a property and not be visible from the primary or secondary streets.

The base of the water tank is to be located directly on the ground or supported by a manufacturer designed tank stand not exceeding 300mm in height.

Do I need a building permit?

The Building Regulations 2012 states that a Building Permit is required prior to the construction, erection, assembly or placement of a water tank more than 5000 litres in capacity.

For smaller water tanks less than 5000 litres and not higher than the height of a boundary fence i.e. 1800mm, a Building Permit is not required.

How long does it take to get a building permit for a water tank?

The Building Act 2011 sets time frames in which the City has to assess and determine an application for a Building Permit. The applicable timeframe depends on whether the building application is Uncertified or Certified.

It is important that you are aware of allowed time frames prior to lodging your application and that your application documentation is complete.

Should further information be required by the City in order to assess the building application, the applicant may be given up to 21 calendar days in which to provide the outstanding information. If the information is not received within the 21 days, the application may be refused unless a mutual consent has been granted for a further 21 days.

Uncertified Building Applications (BA2)

An Uncertified Building Application can be submitted for Class 10 structures such as a water tank.

The City has up to 25 business days from the date of lodgment to assess the application and issue a Building Permit. The required Certificate of Design Compliance will be issued by the City as part of the application process.

Certified Building Applications (BA1)

A Certified Building Application can be submitted for all Class of structures.

Prior to lodging a Certified Building Application to the City, a private Building Surveying Practitioner would need to be engaged to issue a Certificate of Design Compliance.

The City has up to 10 business days from the date of lodgment to assess the application and issue a Building Permit.

How long until my permit expires?

A Building Permit is generally valid for two years from the date on which it was granted.

If more time is required to complete the building works, you can apply for an extension of time of up to a further six months by making a formal application and paying the prescribed fee.

What happens when I have completed my building works?

The nominated builder on the Building Permit must submit a Notice of Completion BA7 form to the City within seven days of completing the prescribed building works.

Apply

If you would like to submit an application for a water tank, you will need to include the following information in your application:

• A complete BA1 (certified) or BA2 (uncertified) application form
  • Including all owner's details, construction materials and costings
  • Signed by a registered builder, including the builder's registration number or owner-builder approval where the value of works is greater than $20,000
  • Including applicant's contact details

BA1 application forms are available from the City's website here (link) or from the front counter of the City's Administration Centre

• A Certificate of Design Compliance (for certified application only)

This must be issued by a registered Building Surveying Practitioner and include all documentation as referenced on the Certificate of Design Compliance

• Payment of fees

Refer to the City's Fees and Charges for full fee details (link). Fee details are also available from the front counter of the City's Administration Centre.

• Building Construction Industry Training Fund (BCITF) levy payment form (for building works greater than $20,000)

Required in full and signed for works over $20,000 - refer to the City's Fees and Charges for full free details (link).

• Site plan drawn to scale (1:200), showing:
  • Location and dimensions of the proposed water tank
  • Location of all existing structures on the property
  • Measurement from the boundaries to the proposed water tank
  • Location of any septic tanks and leach drains (if applicable)

• Construction details drawn to scale (1:100), showing:
  • Detailed floor plan and elevations
  • Cross-section details
• Structural Engineer's certificatio