This page gives an overview of the building requirements for building a carport, patio, pergola or shade sail.
You may require development (planning) approval, or building approval, or both. The following information will help you determine what approvals you need and how to lodge an application.
Building approval
Where the proposed works do not meet any of the following exemptions, a building permit is required.
Is a building permit required for a patio, carport or shade sail?
A building permit is not required where the construction, erection, assembly or placement of a freestanding Class 10a building:
- has a floor area of 10m2 or less
- is no more than 2.4 metres in height
- is not located in a wind region C or D as defined in Australian Standard AS 1170.2.
Is a building permit required for a pergola?
A building permit is not required for a pergola as stated in Schedule 4 clause 2 of the Building Regulations 2012 where the construction, erection, assembly or placement of a pergola associated with a class 1 building:
- is no more than 2.4 metres in height
- is not located in a wind region C or D as defined in Australian Standard AS 1170.2
- covers an area not exceeding 20m2.
Do I need a structural engineer’s certification?
Yes, you will need to have the proposed Carport, Patio, Shade Sail or the like, checked, certified and signed by a practicing, professional Structural Engineer.
You will also need to let us know when the building work is complete by lodging a BA7 – Notice of Completion, or if the responsible person changes by lodging a BA8 – Notice of Cessation. For more information, refer to the Section 6: Notices of Completion and Cessation page on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website.
Lodging a building application
Building applications can be lodged online by emailing admin@mosmanpark.wa.gov.au
The following application forms and checklists provide more information about what to include in your application.
Timeframes
We process all certified applications (BA1 forms) within 10 working days, and all uncertified applications (BA2 forms) within 25 working days.
You should apply for a certified application (BA1) when you have had the plans, specifications and technical documents assessed by a registered private building surveyor and have been issued a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3).
You should apply for an uncertified application (BA2) when your plans, specifications and technical documents have not been assessed by a private building surveyor and they will need to be assessed by our building surveyors.
Regardless of the type of application, you will need an engineer to certify your plans.
If we need further information to assess your application, you will have up to 21 calendar days to provide any outstanding information. We then have the balance of the remaining 10 working days to provide a determination.
If you do not provide the outstanding information within the 21 days, we may refuse your application.
Fees and charges
The building permit fees for a residential dwelling with a contract value greater than $20,000 is calculated at the following percentages of the total contract price:
- application fee: 0.19%
- building service levy: 0.137%
You may also need to pay a verge bond fee and the CTF Levy. Use our online fee calculator to estimate your building fees.
Infrastructure protection bond
For building projects over $20,000, you will also need to pay an infrastructure protection bond. An infrastructure protection bond is held by us to ensure that any damage caused to the Town’s verge infrastructure during construction works is rectified to pre-works condition.
To find out more and apply, visit our infrastructure protection bond page.
CTF levy
If your project has a construction value of more than $20,000, you will need to pay the Construction Training Fund (CTF) Levy. The rate of the levy is 0.2% of the total value of construction (inclusive of GST).
Permit for activity on thoroughfare (PAT)
If you need to use the Town’s verges or reserves for construction related activities (e.g. storage of building materials, skip bin, deliveries, cranes, etc.) you will need to apply for a Permit for Activity on Thoroughfare.
Other agencies to consult
It is important to check with our Technical Services team and other service providers (e.g. Water Corp and Western Power) to ensure your proposed development does not affect any existing assets (e.g. drainage infrastructure, sewer easements, power poles).
- Contact us to speak to our engineering team
- Utilise the Dial Before You Dig website
Noisy construction work
If you plan on doing noisy work outside the hours of 7:00am to 7:00pm Monday to Saturday, except for Sundays and public holidays when no noisy work can occur, you must get approval from our Environmental Health Services team by submitting a Noise Management Plan.
Building or renovating as an owner-builder
An owner-builder is someone who has the skill or capacity to build or alter their own house or small commercial building or supervise construction work.
If the construction value of the work is over $20,000, you will need to apply to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) for an owner-builder certificate. You must have an owner-builder certificate before we will grant you a building permit.
Demolition
If your building project involves demolition, you will need to obtain a demolition permit. For more information, see our demolitions page.
Planning approval is only required to demolish a building if it is listed as a heritage place on the Town’s Municipal Inventory of Heritage Places or the State Heritage Register (inHerit).
Works affecting other land
You must get consent from the owner/s of adjoining land prior to work starting, if any of your works may be reasonably likely to affect their land. For more information, including links to the consent forms, visit the Section 11: Works Affecting Other Land page on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website.
Safe asbestos removal
If you are altering part of your house that contains asbestos, or you think may contain asbestos, it’s important you follow appropriate safety precautions. Visit our asbestos page for more information.