Outbuilding
An outbuilding is defined as a detached, non-habitable, partially or fully-walled and roofed structure. This could include a shed, garage or workshop. Please note, outbuildings are
not to be used for habitable or commercial purposes.
Before you construct most types of outbuilding, you will need a building permit and may also need development approval from the City of Belmont.
When is development approval required?
You will need to apply for development approval if the proposed outbuilding:
- Does not comply with the ‘Deemed-to-Comply’ provisions of the Residential Design Codes of Western Australia;
- Is included in a Heritage List refer Schedule 2, Part 3, cl.8 of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015;;
- Is on a lot with an area less than 260m2;
- Is on a lot in a Special Development Precinct;
- Is located on a lot which is within, or joins, the Swan Canning Development Control Area (DCA), or in the opinion of Council is likely to impact the quality of waters in the DCA (generally properties next to the Swan River).
How to apply for development approval
To apply for development approval, you will need to:
What is the development approval process?
How do I know what has been approved for my property?
You can lodge your application:
- Online using the City’s Planning and Building Online Application portal;
- In person at the City of Belmont, 215 Wright Street, Cloverdale;
- By mail to City of Belmont, Locked Bag 379, Cloverdale WA 6985.
Visit the Planning and Building Online Application portal
When is a building permit required?
You will need a building permit for the construction of all outbuildings except if your proposed outbuilding is less than 2.4 metres in height with an area less than 10 square metres.
Please note, even if a building permit is not needed, you may still need to apply for development approval – and your outbuilding will still need to comply with the requirements of the Building Code of Australia 2016 Volume Two or 2019 Volume Two.
If you need apply for both a building permit (uncertified or certified) and development approval, you will need the development approval first.
How to apply for a building permit
To apply for a building permit, you will need to:
- Complete and submit a Form BA1 Application for a Building Permit – Certified* or Form BA2 Application for a Building Permit – Uncertified;
- Submit a Form BA3 Certificate of Design Compliance from a registered building surveying contractor, if you are applying for a certified building permit (Form BA1);
- Provide supporting documentation, including:
- A copy of receipt of payment from the Construction Training Fund for the Construction Training Industry Fund levy if the estimated value of the works exceeds $20,000;
- A copy of your site plan (minimum scale 1:200) showing the location of all existing and proposed structures, proposed setbacks, existing and proposed finished ground levels, easements, etc.;
- A copy of elevations of the proposed structure(s) (minimum scale 1:100);
- A copy of the floor plan (minimum scale 1:100);
- A copy of a sectional detail of the proposed structure(s) (minimum scale 1:50), including details of the type, size, stress grades and spans of all members, all connections and footing details;
- Pay the application fee for an uncertified application and Building Services Levy.
Please note, if the City’s Building Services team are not able to determine the structural adequacy of your proposed structure, your design may need to be certified by a practising registered structural engineer.
You can lodge your application:
- Online using the City’s Planning and Building Online Application portal;
- In person at the City of Belmont, 215 Wright Street, Cloverdale;
- By mail to City of Belmont, Locked Bag 379, Cloverdale WA 6985.
Visit the Planning and Building Online Application portal
Useful links
To learn more about the regulations which apply to outbuildings, you might like to explore these links:
For more information, please email
building@belmont.wa.gov.au or phone the City’s Building Services team on 9477 7222.