City of South Perth - Lodge a Building Approval Certificate

Lodge a Building Approval Certificate

Guiding information and access to application form for a building approval certificate.

Last updated on: 04 September 2024

In this article

Building Approval Certificate
Application information
Register or sign in
Submit an application
Lodgement guidance
Post lodgement process

Building Approval Certificate

In general a person must not carry out building work without a building permit where one is required. However the Building Act allows a person to make an application to the relevant permit authority to approve unauthorised building work in relation to a building and/or incidental structure. This retrospective approval process may assist those who are buying or selling a property that has an unauthorised structure on it.

Even though a person may seek retrospective approval for unauthorised building work, this does not remove the offence and a local government may still take legal action under the Building Act to ensure that the unauthorised building work is approved or removed.

Application information

Unauthorised building work

Do I need development approval?

In many situations Development Approval is required prior to submitting a Building Permit application
If you are uncertain whether approval is required for your development, one of the City's urban planners is available to attend to general planning enquiries during business hours. Please call 9474 0777
Alternatively, you can complete a Written Planning Advice enquiry.

Building Permit applications that do not meet these requirements may be refused and fees forfeited.

Important requirements

All conditions of Development Approval should be cleared with the City's planning services team before submitting a Building Approval Certificate application, accompanied by a clearance letter issued by the City's planning services team
The drawings must match those of your Development Approval stamped drawing and DA Conditions Clearance drawings.

Building application forms

Building application enquiries

One of the City's building information officers is available to attend to general building application enquiries during business hours. Enquiries can be made as follows:

By phone - a message will be taken if the building information officer is unavailable
In person - by appointment at the Civic Centre. Please call to make an appointment
In person - from 9.30-10.30am or 3-4pm at the Civic Centre (no booking required).

Fees

Register or sign in

To submit an application, you will need to register or sign in for a mySouthPerth account. Click the Register and Sign In option at the top right of this page to proceed.

For assistance with your mySouthPerth account, visit our information page.

Already signed in?

If you see your initials at the top right-hand corner of this page, you are already signed in.

Submit an application

To submit an application, proceed below.

Before you begin

Prior to commencing the application via the link below, ensure you have an electronic copy (eg scan) of the following documentation prior to completing the application process:

Completed application for Building Approval Certificate (BA13)
Certificate of Building Compliance (BA18)
Any supporting information required as per the the BA18.

You will be required to attach this information during the application process.

Application attachments

Please ensure you are attaching all plans, materials and supporting information relevant to the application as part of your initial lodgement. Any omissions or additional materials will be required to be sent as separate emails, which will be limited to standard email size limitations (eg 10MB).

Lodge a Building Approval Certificate - BA13

Lodgement guidance

Type of location - property or land?

When lodging your application, you are presented with two options to search the location.

To use the Property search method, click on Property and enter the street number and street name (eg 199 Thelma Street, or 2/203 Thelma Street, or 205B Thelma Street).

To use the Land search method, click on Land and enter the lot number and plan number (eg Lot 3497 DP187254, or Lot 1 SP5985).

Where can I find the lot and plan numbers?

Refer to the Certificate of Title, especially if it has been recently subdivided.

Alternatively, you can refer to the City's mapping tool. Via mapping, search and select the location. Scroll down to the Land - Property Information section via the information to the right of the page. The data for the land search is the Lot on Plan data. You can copy and paste this information into the land search when you start your application.

What if there are no land details in mapping?

I cannot lodge as I have errors

Do I complete any section/s with 'for City officer use only' in it?

How do I attach documents?

The lodgement process may include requirements to attach documents. Please refer to the Before you begin section on this page in relation to requirements and ensure you have this information prior to commencing the process. You will be presented with options for mandatory and optional documentation.

Mandatory documentation

Mandatory document types will be displayed within the mandatory documentation section. There may be more than one document required, and the name of each document will be listed.

To add the document, click the Add button, search and select the correct document then click Open. A pop up will display with your document name as well as the attachment type. Select Save when complete. The document will then be uploaded to the lodgement.

Please note, if you have more than one document for this mandatory field, you can select Add Another via the pop up or Add via the main screen once you have attached the first document.

Complete the process for each mandatory attachment type.

Optional documentation

The lodgement process will also include the ability to attach optional documentation. Please ensure you refer to the Before you begin section of this page for guidance on required documentation as not all may be listed as mandatory.

To attach optional documentation, click the Add button under Optional Attachments, search and select the correct document then click Open. A pop up will display with your document as well as a drop down section to select your Attachment Type. Click the drop down and select the correct type. Select Save when complete. The document will then be uploaded to the lodgement.

Repeat this process for each additional document.

Post lodgement process

Once your application is lodged, the following steps will apply:

Your application will be reviewed to ensure all required information/documentation has been provided. You will be contacted if anything is missing
When all documentation has been received, the lodgement process will be complete
The application will then be assessed and can take up to 10 business days from acceptance for a decision.

Please take the time to check that the application is complete. An incomplete application may be returned and the fees forfeited.

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