In most instances planning approval is required prior to the issue of a building license. Exceptions include a single dwelling that meets the requirements of the Residential Design Codes of Western Australia, permitted development under provision 8.2 of Local Planning Scheme No. 5, and small garden sheds.
Under the Building Act 2011 buildings in Western Australia are required to meet the requirements of the Building Code of Australia, which is produced by the Australian Building Codes Board. Copies of the Building Code of Australia can be borrowed from Collie Public Library.
The Building Code of Australia covers a range of matters including site preparation, structural integrity, energy efficiency, safe access and egress, health and amenity (e.g. ventilation) and fire safety.
Building Application forms can be downloaded by clicking on the related documents panel on this page.