City of South Perth - Apply for a Public Building Approval

Applications

Where a public building is to be constructed, extended or altered it must be assessed against the requirements of the Health (Public Building) Regulations 1992 and if applicable, a public building is to be approved in conjunction with a planning and building approval.

Application information

Definition of a public building

A building which is defined as a 'public building' in Part VI of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911 cannot be occupied unless a Certificate of Approval stating maximum accommodation has been issued by the City. This approval is independent of any other approval or permit issued by the City and it demonstrates that the building meets the requirements of the Health (Public Buildings) Regulations 1992.

A 'public building' does not necessarily refer to a physical building but more so to a place where members of the public usually or occasionally assemble. It incorporates both permanent and temporary structures, as well as indoor and outdoor gatherings. The assembly of persons must be a formal rather than casual gathering and where the intention of the gathering is for the same period or purpose. The City's environmental health officers conduct regular inspections of public buildings within the City.

Assessment information

The City's assessment of the public building application will determine a maximum accommodation number for the public building. This number is derived from assessment of compliant designated exits, sanitary facilities, available floor area and ventilation, any town planning restrictions as the main parameters. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the proposed public building can accommodate the maximum number of persons they intend to have occupy the public building at any one time. If not, the building may be approved for a lower than expected maximum accommodation number.

Legislative requirements

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.

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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.

Form 1 - Application to construct, extend or alter a public building

Submit this form along with plans (scaled to 1:100) and details showing such things as:

designated exit door(s), areas outside exit doors, exit pathways to open space
complete internal fit out
ventilation arrangements
fire equipment (extinguishers, hose reels, smoke alarms, smoke detectors etc)
sanitary facilities
external lighting, emergency lighting
switchboard
fences, gates, changes in floor level.

A description of the building's intended use shall also accompany the application. The City will assess the plans and details submitted. If satisfactory, the City will communicate that building works can proceed (providing a development approval and building permit have been sought).

Form 2 - Application for Certificate of Approval

Submit this form when building works are completed and call for an inspection by a City environmental health officer. At this time, the officer should be provided with any requisite information ie information which was not necessarily ready at the proposal stage. Such information could include copies of emergency evacuation plans/diagrams, emergency lighting test logs, flame index/certification for drapes/curtains/decorative treatments etc.

Form 5 - Certificate of Electrical Compliance (not to be confused with an Electrical Safety Certificate)

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

Lodge a Public Building Approval Application

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:

Review and assess information, including requesting further information if required
The City's health service will arrange an appointment time to ensure that the premises comply with the relevant legislation
The application can take up to four (4) weeks for a decision.

Routine inspections

Once approval is given the premises is then subject to routine inspections by a City environmental health officer.

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