The Shire Approval Process

Before any building works at your home can commence, a building permit is required from your local shire. We cannot start building your patio until we have been granted a building permit.

The difficult part here is that each and every shire has their own internal policies and procedures, which means there is no fixed standard process and the time frames for determination can be long, 25 days for a BA2, 10 days for a BA1, 60 days for planning, and 90 days for planning if neighbour consultation is required. Thus, the council approval process for a patio can be quite confusing.

Here we will break down what you should know when seeking building approval from your local council for a patio, carport, gazebo, or pergola or for your next major outdoor renovation.

Why is approval needed from the local council?

In Western Australia, a building permit is always required for any new building or structure, as well as for renovations or extensions to existing buildings. In some cases, planning approval will also be required.

The purpose of building approval is to ensure that all buildings and structures are safe, compliant with relevant building codes and regulations, and appropriately designed for their intended use.

If you don't get building approval from your local council in Western Australia, it can lead to legal and financial consequences. Firstly, if you commence construction without obtaining building approval, you may be issued with a stop work order or penalty notice by the local council. In some cases, the council may also require you to remove any unapproved work, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Furthermore, if you proceed with construction without obtaining approval, you may not be able to obtain the necessary insurance or financing for the building or structure. This can make it difficult to sell the property in the future, as potential buyers may be deterred by the lack of approval and the associated risks.

In the worst-case scenario, you may also face legal action from the local council or other authorities, which can result in fines, legal fees, and other penalties. It's essential to obtain building approval before commencing any construction work to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and avoid these potential issues.

Planning Approval vs Building Approval

The purpose of planning approval is to ensure that the proposed development is appropriate for its intended location and does not have any adverse impacts on the surrounding environment or community.

Building approval, on the other hand, is required to ensure that the proposed building or structure complies with the relevant building codes and regulations, including safety, structural integrity, and access requirements. Building approval is typically obtained after planning approval, as the proposed development must first be approved from a planning perspective before the building or structure can be approved.

It's important to note that the process for obtaining planning and building approval can vary depending on the location and type of development. In some cases, planning and building approval may be obtained together, or they may require separate applications and approvals. At Great Aussie Patios, our team is here to take care of all the necessary approvals.

The Patio Building Approval Process

In general, if the patio is a minor development and meets certain size and setback requirements, it may be exempt from planning approval. However, if the patio is considered a major development or does not meet the exemption criteria, you will need to submit a planning application to the local council for approval prior to obtaining a building permit.

The planning approval process varies from council to council. In most cases you will require the following to apply for planning approval:

• The completed planning application form from your local council
• Payment of the planning permit fee
• Site plans that are drawn at a scale of 1:200, including the whole property including boundaries, shows the location of the house and shows the adjoining properties if in a strata complex.

Once you have planning approval, you can apply for a building permit. In which generally the following is required:

• The completed building permit application form from your local council
• Structural engineering plans
• Payment of the building permit fee
• Site plans that are drawn at a scale of 1:200
• Elevations and section plans. These are detailed drawings or elevations showing the height and design of the proposed patio
• Details of the proposed construction methods, materials, and structural design
• Planning approval

Please note requirements will also vary depending on whether you are seeking certified or uncertified building approval.

Uncertified building approval

An uncertified building permit application is where the building surveyor appointed by the applicant will carry out the building permit assessment and certify that the proposed building work complies with the Building Code of Australia and other relevant standards.

Certified building approval

A certified building permit application is where a registered building surveyor certifies that the proposed building work complies with the Building Code of Australia and other relevant standards before the application is submitted to the local council.

How long does the patio approval process take?

We bet you can't wait to start enjoying those balmy summer nights under your patio. A question we hear all the time is how long does the patio approval process take? The patio approval process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on several factors.

In Western Australia, the time it takes to obtain patio building approval from the council can vary depending on the complexity of the project, the workload of the council, and the completeness of the application. To ensure a smooth and fast development approval process, it’s best to engage help from professionals. Contact Great Aussie Patios before embarking on creating your new outdoor entertainment area.

Let the Team at Great Aussie Patios Handle Your Patio Design, Approvals & Installation

Are you looking to create an outdoor living space that's perfect for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying? To make sure your patio design dreams can become a reality, we've got every angle covered in the approval process.

Our team of professionals understand what it takes to get planning and building approvals so you don't have to. Put plans into motion by letting us handle all paperwork while you relax knowing that everything necessary is being taken care of. Chat with the team at Great Aussie Patios to get your new patio project started.