The City of Armadale acknowledge the Traditional Owners and the Custodians of the land upon which we stand, work and play.
We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the First Peoples of this land and their connection to the lands and the waters, as they are part of them spiritually and culturally.
We acknowledge their ancestors, the Elders past and present, who have led the way for us to follow.
Find information about approvals you may need before commencing any building work on your property.
Listed below are some of the various types of structures that may require building approval.
For detailed information regarding structure sizes, heights and whether a building permit is required, please review the related 'Building Information Sheet' below. Information relating to swimming pools or spas is located on the Swimming Pools, Spas and Safety Barrier Fencing webpage.
The Building Information Sheets also include a comprehensive application checklist, to assist you in collating the documents you need to apply for building approval.
Residences - New Homes or Renovations
A dwelling, or commonly referred to as a house or residence, is a building or portion of a building being used for the purpose of human habitation on a permanent basis by a single person, a single family or no more than six persons who do not comprise a single family.
A dwelling is a class 1 structure. There are various types of dwellings, including:
A single house,
Grouped dwellings, commonly referred to as units or town houses,
Apartments,
Ancillary accommodation, commonly referred to as a ‘granny flat’,
Converting an existing shed, garage, carport or the like into a habitable room, such as an additional bedroom or family room.
Energy Efficient Homes
Before designing your new home or planning renovations, the below information and checklists provides helpful tips in making sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. Further information can also be found on the Switch Your Thinking webpage.
For application requirements, application fees and how to apply, please visit the Apply for Building Approval webpage.
Residential Design Codes
If your proposed building works do not comply with what is allowable in the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes), you may apply to vary the R-Codes to potentially obtain approval for your proposed design.
Please note, if your application is approved, you will still require a Building Permit before commencing any works.
For information about the Residential Design Codes, how to apply for a variation and what application documents are required, please seethe Residential Design Code Variation Application section on the Apply for Building Approval webpage.
For information regarding constructing or applying for a new crossover, please visit the crossovers webpage.
Should you require further information, please contact our Civil Works team via info@armadale.wa.gov.au or on 9394 5000.
Patios, Pergolas or Shade Sails
Patios, pergolas and shade sails are outdoor structures. They can be free-standing or attached to another structure. Patios, pergolas and shade sails are all Class 10a structures, defined as:
Patio: is an open sided structure, enclosed on no more than two sides, with a roof that is waterproof.
Pergola: is an open sided structure and has an open weave permeable roof, for example shade cloth or lattice.
Shade Sail: also has an open weave permeable roof that is only tensioned between several anchor points.
Do I need a building permit?
A building permit may be required for the construction of a patio, pergola or shade sail. For detailed information about patios, pergolas and shade sails and what application documents are required, please see the Building Information Sheets and Checklists below.
For application requirements, application fees and how to apply, please visit the Apply for Building Approval webpage.
Residential Design Codes
If your proposed building works do not comply with what is allowable in the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes), you may apply to vary the R-Codes to potentially obtain approval for your proposed design.
Please note, if your application is approved, you will still require a Building Permit before commencing any works.
For information about the Residential Design Codes, how to apply for a variation and what application documents are required, please seethe Residential Design Code Variation Application section on the Apply for Building Approval webpage.
Sheds, Carports and Garages
Sheds and garages may be referred to as outbuildings. Sheds are not permitted in a property’s front setback area (front yard forward of the house line). Carports and garages are structures used to accommodate motor vehicles.
Sheds, garages and carports are all Class 10a structures, defined as:
Shed: is an enclosed non-habitable structure that is detached from any dwelling.
Garage: is any roofed structure, other than a carport, designed to accommodate one or more motor vehicle.
Carport: is an unenclosed roofed structure designed to accommodate one or more motor vehicles.
Do I need a building permit?
A building permit may be required for the construction of a shed, garage or carport. For detailed information about sheds, garages or carports and what application documents are required, please see the Building Information Sheets and Checklists below.
For application requirements, application fees and how to apply, please visit the Apply for Building Approval webpage.
Residential Design Codes
If your proposed building works do not comply with what is allowable in the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes), you may apply to vary the R-Codes to potentially obtain approval for your proposed design.
Please note, if your application is approved, you will still require a Building Permit before commencing any works.
For information about the Residential Design Codes, how to apply for a variation and what application documents are required, please seethe Residential Design Code Variation Application section on the Apply for Building Approval webpage.
Earthworks, Retaining Walls, Decking and Water Tanks
Earthworks, retaining walls, decking and water tanks are all outdoor building works and Class 10b structures, defined as:
Earthworks: is the process of excavating soil or providing full on a site lot to change ground levels for the preparation of associated construction, alteration, demolition or removal of a building.
Retaining wall: is a wall or structure designed and constructed to support soil and a slope steeper than can naturally be supported.
Deck: is a flat surface capable of supporting weight. It is similar to a floor, but typically constructed outdoors, connected to a building and often elevated from the ground.
Water tank: is a container for storing water for domestic and industrial purposes. Water tanks provide storage of water for use in many applications, such as drinking water, irrigation, fire suppression and agricultural farming with livestock and crops.
Do I need a building permit?
A building permit may be required for earthworks, retaining walls, decks or water tanks. For detailed information about earthworks, retaining walls, decks or water tanks and what application documents are required, please see the Building Information Sheets and Checklists below.
For application requirements, application fees and how to apply, please visit the Apply for Building Approval webpage.
Residential Design Codes
If your proposed building works do not comply with what is allowable in the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes), you may apply to vary the R-Codes to potentially obtain approval for your proposed design.
Please note, if your application is approved, you will still require a Building Permit before commencing any works.
For information about the Residential Design Codes, how to apply for a variation and what application documents are required, please seethe Residential Design Code Variation Application section on the Apply for Building Approval webpage.
Solar Panels
Solar panels can be installed on a residential or commercial structure. They can be free-standing or attached to another structure and are Class 10b structures.
Do I need a building permit?
A building permit is required for solar panels being installed on a commercial Class 2 - 9 structure. Generally, solar panels on a residential structure are exempt from needing a building permit, unless the structure they are being installed on requires alteration to support the additional weight.
For detailed information about solar panels and what application documents are required, please see the Building Information Sheet & Checklist below.
For application requirements, application fees and how to apply, please visit the Apply for Building Approval webpage.
Commercial Buildings
Commercial buildings have various uses, including factories, warehouses, shops, schools and sporting venues. The Building Code of Australia (BCA) classes these types of buildings as Classes 2 to 9, depending on the proposed use. Commercial building work includes, but is not limited to, the following:
New structures,
Structural alterations or additions,
Fitouts of existing structures.
Do I need a building permit?
Yes, a building permit is required for all new commercial buildings. Renovation, repair and improvement to an existing commercial building also requires a building permit, if the proposed work affects how the building complies with each applicable standard or alters the structural integrity of the building.
Do I need an occupancy permit?
Some commercial buildings may require an occupancy permit to be granted before you’re able to occupy the building in any way.
For detailed information about commercial buildings or occupancy permits and what application documents are required, please see the Building Information Sheets & Checklists below.
For application requirements, application fees and how to apply, please visit the Apply for Building Approval webpage.
Fencing
Dividing Fences
A dividing fence is a fence that can be erected around the adjoining perimeter of your property and neighbouring properties. The installation and maintenance costs of a dividing fence is a civil matter between property owners of the neighbouring properties.
The City of Armadale cannot act on dividing fence complaints. For further information regarding dividing fence matters, please see the WA Government website.
Front Fences
A front fence can be erected across the front of your property, however, it must be located on your property’s front boundary line and not within the Council’s street verge area.
A property’s zoning dictates what type of fencing is allowed. The City of Armadale’s Fencing Local Law 2011 outlines fencing material options for your property’s zoning.
Do I need a building permit?
No, a building permit is not required for a front fence that complies with the Fencing Local Law 2011. Should you wish to erect a front fence that doesn’t comply with your property’s zoning requirements, you may apply to vary the Fencing Local Law 2011.
For detailed information about front fences, please see the below information sheet and checklist:
If your proposed fencing design does not meet the requirements outlined in the Fencing Local Law 2011 , you may submit an application to vary the local law requirements, outlining justification for your proposed fencing design.
Should your Fencing Local Law Variation application be approved, you do not require any further approvals and can commence construction.
Application Requirements
The City of Armadale may be able to issue a Residential Design Code Variation approval, upon application and payment of the application fee. Minimum application requirements include:
Payment must be made when your application is lodged.
A Building Services officer will contact you for credit card details via phone for fee payment.
Please do not enclose credit card information with emailed applications for security reasons.
Alternatively, you can submit your application in person at the City's Administration office located at 7 Orchard Avenue Armadale or via Australia Post.
For further information or assistance with your application, please contact Building Services via info@armadale.wa.gov.au or on 9394 5000.
