PO Box 94
Derby WA 6728

Phone: (08) 9191 0999
Fax: (08) 9191 0998

sdwk@sdwk.wa.gov.au

Building Services

About Building Services

The Shire’s Building Services Team is responsible for ensuring all building works undertaken within the Shire complies with relevant regulations and policies. Building licence applications must be lodged with the Shire for assessment by the Building Services Team to ensure compliance with Building Code of Australia, Australian Standards, Local Laws and various acts and Regulations.

Members of the Building Services Team will liaise with Architects, Town Planners, Environmental Health Officers, Engineers and other design and construction professionals to ensure that appropriate standards are met.

Building Approvals

People intending to build are required to submit plans and specifications of any proposed building to the Council for approval, pay the assessed building fees and obtain a building licence before work commences. The term building means the construction of any structure and includes any residence, pergola, outbuilding, garden shed, carport, garage, patio, swimming pool/spa and any addition or alteration to any building. Plans and specifications must be submitted in duplicate and are to be lodged together with a completed application form and all fees. Building enquiries may be made and application forms obtained at Shire Offices between 8.00am and 4.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Information to be shown on plans includes:

1. Site plan drawn to scale suitable for the proposed development (generally 1:200).
   • A floor plan, at least two elevations and a longitudinal section drawn to a scale of 1:100.
   • Specification of all materials to be used.
   • If not on sewer, position of septic tanks, leach drains, and all drainage lines from house fixtures on the form Application to construct or install and apparatus for the treatment of sewage. (See also Environmental Services)
   • Engineer designed footings and floor slab details.
   • Site assessment report prepared by a Structural Engineer
   • Engineered details of any other major structural components.

Building Licence Fees

Building Licence Fees are calculated at a value of 0.31818% of the construction value for the project with residential and outbuilding work and 0.1818% of the construction value for commercial work and industrial. The minimum fee is $40.00.

Building Construction Industry Training Fund (BCITF)

On behalf of the Building Construction Industry Training Fund, the Shire also collects a levy calculated at 0.2% of the construction cost. This levy is only payable when the project’s estimated value exceeds $20,000.

This levy is paid to the Government and is to fund ongoing industry training.

Builders’ Registration Board Building Licence Levy

A $37.00 levy is payable for each building licence application lodged with the Shire. This levy is collected by the Shire and forwarded on to the Builders’ Registration Board to help fund their compliance and enforcement operations.

Licence Validity

A Building Licence is valid for a period of 24 months. However, if the work has not been substantially commenced within 12 months the licence becomes invalid. Any extension of time beyond these limits will be subject to the Shire’s discretion.

Owner Builders

An owner may apply for an Owner Builder's Licence, in accordance with the Builders' Registration Act, which will enable them to build or sub-contract the building of their own residence. An application form, together with a fee of $115, is to be submitted to the Builders’ Registration Board when the value of the building work is in excess of $20,000. An Owner Builder's Licence will then be issued to the owner by the Builders' Registration Board. This is applicable to Class 1 Buildings (Residences) only.

In determining the estimated value of construction works, allowances must be included for labour and plant regardless of the amount of work proposed to be undertaken by the owner. That is, the estimated value should reflect a contract value and include allowances for labour, plant, materials, overheads and profit margin.

Inspection of Buildings under Construction

Currently in Western Australia there are no legislative provisions requiring buildings to be inspected by the Shire. However in an effort to maintain standards and ensure compliance with the approved plans, Building Services endeavours to undertake inspections.

Generally an inspection will be undertaken at footing excavation stage, prior to concrete being poured, framing inspection (wall and roof) and final inspection. This is to ensure compliance with approved details and plans.

Documents

File Type File Size File Name File Description 192kb BCA Energy Efficiency Provisions Building information sheet and checklist for BCA Energy Efficiency Provisions 328kb Application for Building Licence and/or Planning Consent Building Licence and/or Planning Consent Application and guidelines with the attached 104kb Demolition Licence Application Demolition information sheet and application form for a demolition licence 47kb Fencing Notice Notice to all Derby residents, fencing suppliers and fencing contractors in regard to the construction of any type of fence 550kb Dividing Fences FAQs Dividing fences frequently asked questions and answers 5045kb Dividing Fences Rights & Responsibilities Department of Housing and Works brochure intended to assist with understanding the Dividing Fences Act 1961 642kb Requirements for Fencing of Swimming Pools Design and construction information to assist with satisfying the isolation fencing between any external house windows/doors and the pool.

Shire Fees & Charges

To review a complete listing of fees and charges for Shire services and facilities, download the document below.

File Type File Size File Name File Description 190kb Fees_and_Charges.pdf Document detailing fees and charges for services and facilities within the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley.