Outbuilding

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An outbuilding is an enclosed, non-habitable structure that is detached from any dwelling (i.e. a shed, garage, workshop). Outbuildings are not to be used for commercial purposes.

In most cases, you need to apply for development approval and/or a building permit before you can place an outbuilding on your property in the City of Belmont.

When is (Planning) Development Approval required?
Development Approval is required when the outbuilding:

  • Does not comply with the ‘Deemed-to-Comply’ provisions of the Residential Design Codes of Western Australia;
  • Does not comply with the City’s Local Planning Scheme No.15 and Amendments;
  • Is in a heritage area designated in the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 15;
  • Is on a lot in a Special Development Precinct;
  • Is located on a lot which is within, or joins, the Swan River Trust Development Control Area (DCA), or in the opinion of the City, is likely to impact the quality of waters in the DCA (generally properties next to the Swan River/Foreshore).

How to apply for development approval

To apply for development approval, you 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?

A building permit is required for the erection of all outbuildings except where it is freestanding, less than 2.4m in height, and has an area less than 10m2.

While an outbuilding may be exempt from Planning Development Approval, a Building Permit still may be required.

When a Building Permit is not required, it should be noted that the location and construction of the structure still must comply with the applicable building standards of the National Construction Code.

Where an application for a Building Permit is lodged that also requires Planning Development Approval, a Building Permit (where fully compliant) cannot be issued until the Development Approval has been granted and any relevant conditions have been resolved.

How to apply for a building permit

Where a building permit is required, you need to:
 
  • Complete and submit a Form BA1 Application for a Building Permit – Certified or Form BA2 Application for a Building Permit – Uncertified;
  • A Form BA1 must be accompanied with a Form BA3 Certificate of Design Compliance issued by a registered Building Surveying Contractor;
  • Payment of the Statutory fees (please refer to the Building Fee Schedule);
  • If the estimated value of the works exceeds $100,000, provide a receipt issued by CTF demonstrating that the Levy due to them has been paid;
  • Relevant plans and specifications. In the case of a Form BA1 application, this information will be determined by your Building Surveying Contractor. In the case of a Form BA2 application, the City will reasonably expect the provision of the following:
    • A 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);
    • Structural designs certified by a practising registered Structural Engineer.
  • Pay the application fee for an uncertified application and Building Services Levy. 
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.