Requirements for building applications

Building permits are crucial for ensuring that any building or renovation is safe and complies with regulations. They confirm your project meets the National Construction Code, relevant Australian Standards and local guidelines, protecting your property's value and legality.

Skipping a permit can lead to fines and the potential need for expensive fixes or even demolition. In Western Australia, these permits are required for a broad range of projects, ensuring they adhere to safety and design standards. Getting a permit is a critical step in any responsible construction or renovation effort.

There are two types of Building Permit applications:

• Certified: an application that has been assessed by a private building surveyor and then lodged with the City for a building permit to be issued. 
• Uncertified: an application where the assessment is carried out by the City for a building permit to be issued.

Find a registered building surveyor 

Begin by consulting the specific checklist for your project type, which details all required documents, such as site plans and drawings. These are crucial for your application and ensure a thorough review of your project.

General application requirements:

• Building permit application forms: BA1 for certified applications, BA2 for uncertified applications (only required if not submitting online).
• Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3): only for certified applications.
• Plans and Specifications: copies of all relevant documents.
• Building Application Fee: if applied online or in person, you'll receive an invoice.
• Compliance Evidence: proof of meeting any related Planning or Health standards.
• Insurance Evidence: ensure compliance with the Home Indemnity provisions under the Home Building Contracts Act 1991, where relevant.
• Payment of BCITF Levy: you must provide evidence of your BCITF levy payment, typically in the form of a receipt, when submitting your application, if applicable.
• Owner-Builder Approval: proof of approval from the Building Service Board, if required.

Refer to the Forms, checklists and lodgement page for further information.

Choose your preferred lodgement method below and remember to include the relevant checklist and supporting documents:

• Online (preferred): Apply through the Online Lodgement Portal for efficiency and convenience.
• Mail: Alternatively, mail your hard copy application to the City at PO Box 21, Joondalup WA 6919.

Apply online

Application forms (for offline lodgement only):

• Download Building Permit – Certified (BA1 form)
• Download Building Permit – Uncertified (BA2 form)

The fee varies depending on the specifics of your application. To ensure you're aware of the exact amount, please refer to the Schedule of Fees (PDF).

Here are the payment options available based on your method of lodgement:

• Online: An invoice with payment instructions will be sent to you via email.
• Postal: If submitting by mail, include a cheque made payable to the City of Joondalup with your application.

After submitting your application, it undergoes a preliminary assessment. If found incomplete, the City will notify you, requesting the necessary additional information. This must be provided within 21 days or another timeframe agreed upon with the City.

Please note: If applications are submitted online and it is identified during the pre-acceptance review that information is missing from the application, the City will return the application with an explanation of what information is missing and it will not be processed until the missing information is provided and the application resubmitted online. This does not negate the above preliminary assessment process.

Once all relevant information is provided, the assessment timeframe is as follows:

• Certified applications: Within 10 working days
• Uncertified applications: Within 25 working days.

Checking the progress of your application

• Online: Monitor your application's status via the City's Online Lodgement Portal.
• In-person or mail: For updates, contact Building Services directly (Note: only the nominated applicant will be able receive updates on the application progress).

The builder must submit a Notice of Completion (BA7 form) within seven days after finishing the works, ensuring all obligations are met and the process is concluded smoothly. The BA7 form can be submitted via email, in person or mail.

Download Notice of Completion (BA7 form)