Building Permits, Applications and Forms
A building permit is required prior to commencing construction for most structures (residential, commercial or industrial) including but not limited to new works, additions, alterations, commercial fit outs and refurbishments, changes to ground levels, swimming pools, spas and pool barriers.
How can I lodge my application
By Email (preferred submission):
Send the completed application form and all the required supporting plans and documentation in PDF Format to admin@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au.
This includes a copy of the Construction Training Fund Levy payment receipt, if applicable.
In Person:
Lodge the completed application form and all the required supporting plans and documentation at the Town Hall, 135 Canning Highway, East Fremantle.
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm.
After Lodgement:
The Town's Regulatory Services Administration Team will contact you regarding payment of fees, including the payable Infrastructure Bond that applies to all Building and Demolition Permits issued within the Town of East Fremantle.
Builder Registration Requirements
From 1 July 2026, the threshold will increase from $20,000 to $50,000 for Class 10a buildings such as sheds, carports and private garages. Building permit requirements remain unchanged.
The existing $20,000 threshold for requiring a registered building contractor remains in place for all other types of building work.
Homeowners may still choose to engage a registered builder if they wish.
There are no changes to building permit requirements.
BA1 and BA2 building permit applications include options to indicate the type of builder. This includes an “other” category, which may be used where the value of building work is below the applicable threshold, or where a registered building contractor is not required.
For further information, please contact the licensing team 1300 489 099 or email be.info@lgirs.wa.gov.au.
Owner-Builder Requirements
If you are a property owner or a registered builder (holding registration in an individual name, not a company), wanting to builder or renovate your own home and the total value of the building work exceeds $20,000 (including labour and materials), you are required to obtain Owner‑Builder approval.
Please note that holding a builder registration does not exempt you from this requirement.
Owner‑Builder approval must be obtained from the Building Services Board prior to lodging a building permit application with the Town of East Fremantle.
Construction Training Fund Levy
From 1 July 2026, the construction value threshold for the Construction Training Fund Levy (CTF) will increase from $20,000 to $100,000.
What is the CTF Levy?
The Construction Training Fund Levy is a mandatory levy applied to most construction projects in Western Australia. The levy supports training and skills development within the building and construction industry.
What is the Levy amount?
The levy is calculated at:
- 0.2% of the total value of construction (including GST)
How to pay the CTF Levy?
Pay the CTF Levy on the online client portal at: www.ctf.wa.gov.au.
A copy of the payment receipt must be included with your building permit application to the Town of East Fremantle.
NOTE: The CTF Levy is separate from the Building Services Levy (BSL), which is collected by the State Government for regulatory purposes.
For further information, please contact CTF by phoning 08 9244 0100 or email: inquiries@ctf.wa.gov.au
Infrastructure Bond Fees
What is an infrastructure bond?
To protect community assets and support public safety, an infrastructure bond is required when lodging a building or demolition permit application. The bond is paid by the property owner or builder and provides security against potential damage to public infrastructure, including roads, footpaths, kerbs and drainage, during construction or demolition works.
An infrastructure bond applies to each building or demolition permit.
What bond amount applies to my application?
- $1,500 bond for value of works under $20,000
- $3,000 bond for value of works between $20,001 - $100,000
- $5,000 bond for value of works between $100,001 - $2 million or corner lot properties
- $5,000 bond for Demolition permits
- $2 million or over - Price based on replacement costs of adjacent Council assets, calculated by Executive Manager Technical Services
How to apply for a bond refund?
A completed BA7 Notice of Completion must be submitted by the builder, confirming that all building or demolition works are complete, along with an Infrastructure Bond Refund Form.
The Town undertakes site inspections before and after works. Subject to approval, the bond will be refunded once all works are complete and Town infrastructure has been fully reinstated, including verge areas, which must be left clean and tidy.
Where crossover works have been carried out without prior Town approval, the refund will be placed on hold until rectification is completed.
How long does it take to process a bond refund?
Bond refunds are processed within approximately 5 weeks, allowing time for a post‑works site inspection and payment to be returned to the nominated bank account.
Application for a Certified Building Permit (BA1)
A certified building permit application can be submitted for any type of building or structure.
-
Mandatory: Certified applications are required for Class 2–9 buildings, such as apartments, shops, offices, warehouses, and factories.
-
Optional: Certified applications may also be lodged for Class 1 buildings (residential houses) and Class 10 structures (sheds, swimming pools, patios).
For a certified application, you must first engage a private building surveyor. The surveyor will assess your plans and issue a Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC), which must then be submitted with your building permit application to the Town.
Processing time:
Once lodged, the Town will assess your certified application within 10 business days, in accordance with the Building Act 2011.
If further information is required, a letter will be sent to the applicant requesting further information. The applicant will have 21 business days to provide the information.
Under the Building Act 2011, the Town has the right to refuse an application if all required information is not provided within the 21 day timeframe provided. The Town also has the right to retain the application fee.
Application for a Certified Building Permit
Checklist - Certified Building Permit
Application for an Uncertified Building Permit (BA2)
An uncertified application is submitted to the Town for assessment without a Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC).
You can submit an uncertified building permit application for:
- Class 1 buildings e.g. residential houses
- Class 10 structures (non-inhabitable) e.g. sheds, patios, pergolas, retaining walls, swimming pools
Processing time:
The processing time is 25 business days to assess an uncertified building application as in accordance with the Building Act 2011.
If further information is required, a letter will be sent to the applicant requesting further information. The applicant will have 21 business days to provide the information.
Under the Building Act 2011, the Town has the right to refuse an application if all required information is not provided within the 21 day timeframe provided. The Town also has the right to retain the application fee.
Application for an Uncertified Building Permit
Checklist - Uncertified Building Permit
Demolition Permit (BA5)
A Demolition Permit is required for the demolition, dismantling or removal of a building or incidental structure. Some exemptions apply, so please contact the Regulatory Services team on 08 9339 9339 before lodging an application.
You may also require Development Approval if the demolition works are located in a heritage-protected plan.
There are health requirements that need to be complied with, particularly for removing asbestos and the decommissioning of septic tanks. Any removal of asbestos must be in accordance with the requirements of the Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1994.
Notify the relevant authorities prior to removal:
- Water Corporation
- Western Power
- Alinta Energy
- Telstra
- WorkSafe
All services are required to be disconnected prior to the issue of a Demolition Permit
To apply for a demolition permit, you need to submit the following:
- A completed Application for a Demolition Permit (BA5)
- Pay the BCITF levy if the demolition works exceed $20K (state levy) and prescribed application fee
- A scaled (min 1:200) site plan clearly indicating the building/s or section/s of the building/s to be demolished and the structures to be retained
- For partial demolitions, structural engineers certification is required that the remaining portion of the building will not be structurally compromised.
- WorkSafe Registration
- WorkSafe Asbestos removal licence (if required)
- A Pest Exterminators Certificate confirming rat baiting has been completed
- Proof of notification to WorkSafe
- If the demolition works is likely to encroach or adversely affect adjoining land, you will be required to notify and gain consent of the adjoining land owner(s) prior to demolition permit being granted and the work commencing.
Processing time:
Once lodged, the Town will assess your demolition permit application within 10 business days, in accordance with the Building Act 2011.
If further information is required, a request for further information will be sent to the applicant. The applicant has 21 business days to provide the information. During this time, the application will be placed on hold. If the information is not supplied within 21 days, the Town may refuse the application and retain the application fee.
Application for a Demolition Permit
Occupancy Permit
An Occupancy Permit is required before a building can be used or lived in. A copy of the permit must be displayed at or near the main entrance, clearly visible to occupants and visitors.
It is an offence under the Building Act 2011 to occupy a building without a valid permit. Significant penalties apply for non-compliance under the Act and the Building Regulations 2012.
When is an Occupancy Permit required?
An Occupancy Permit must be obtained from the Town before occupying a Class 2-9 building.
- To occupy a new building or a new part of an existing building
- To temporarily occupy an incomplete building
- To temporarily extend the use of an existing permit
- To occupy a building that has changed use or classification
- To authorise and occupy an unauthorised building (or part of one)
- To replace an existing permit with a new one
Before you apply:
The building must be completed with all services installed and working (e.g. electrical, fire, plumbing, mechanical). You may also need to provide specialist technical certificates. Please confirm requirements with your registered private building surveyor.
For new completed buildings:
- Form BA9 - Application for an occupancy permit
- Certificate of Construction Compliance (Form BA17) signed by a registered private building surveyor
- Evidence of approval from various authorities under written law as relevant to the building or incidental structure
- Prescribed fees (refer to fees schedule)
For existing authorised occupied buildings:
- Form BA9 - Application for occupancy permit
- Certificate of Building Compliance (BA18) from a registered private building surveyor, confirming that the existing building has been inspected and it complies with all applicable building standards it was approved under
- Prescribed fees (refer to fees schedule)
For existing un-authorised buildings:
To enable the Town to issue a retrospective Occupancy Permit, the following information must be submitted:
- Form BA9 - Application for occupancy permit
- Certificate of Building Compliance (BA18) from a registered private building surveyor, confirming that the existing building has been inspected and it complies with all applicable building standards it was approved under
- Prescribed fees (refer to fees schedule)
Processing time:
Once lodged, the Town will assess your occupancy permit application within 10 business days, in accordance with the Building Act 2011.
If further information is required, a request for further information will be sent to the applicant. The applicant has 21 business days to provide the information. During this time, the application will be placed on hold. If the information is not supplied within 21 days, the Town may refuse the application and retain the application fee.
BA9 Application For Occupancy Permit
Construction Management Plan
A Construction Management Plan (CMP) may be required as a condition of your development approval (planning) or as part of your building permit conditions.
This can apply to both small- and large-scale developments, including works such as pool installations, patios and fencing. While these projects may appear minor, they can still impact neighbouring properties and shared spaces, particularly within strata or higher-density areas. All construction works must be carried out safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
If you are unsure whether a CMP is required for your project, please refer to your development approval conditions (if applicable), or contact Regulatory Services on 08 9339 9339 (option 3) prior to lodging your building application.
Request to amend the Building Permit or Builder's Details
The building permit may be amended following notification to the permit authority that:
• the nominated builder is unable to continue the building work; and
• a notice of cessation has not been submitted by the nominated builder
A BA19 can be submitted by email to admin@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au.
The guidance note and application form is available on the link below.
BA19 Request to Amend the Building Permit or Builder's Details
Application to extend time of a permit
Building and demolition permits are valid for two years, unless otherwise stated on the permit, and all works must be completed within this timeframe. If work has substantially commenced but it is not finished before the permit expires, the Town may consider an application to extend the time on the permit.
Please note that submission of an extension application does not guarantee approval.
An application to extend time may also be submitted for an occupancy permit or building approval certificate.
A BA22 or BA23 can be submitted by email to admin@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au
BA22 Application to extend time - building or demolition permit
BA23 Application to extend time - occupancy permit or building approval certificate
How to cancel a Building Permit
A nominated builder or contractor can submit a BA8 Notice of Cessation for incomplete works. A BA8 form identifies at what stage the building works have ceased.
The builder or demolition contractor named on the permit remains responsible for ensuring the work complies with the Building Act until a Notice of Cessation or BA7 Notice of Completion is submitted.
BA8 Notice Of Cessation
BA7 Notice of Completion
The responsible person (the builder or demolition contractor named on the permit) must submit a Notice of Completion within seven (7) days of the completion or partial completion of building or demolition works.
A BA7 can be submitted by email to admin@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au.
BA7 Notice of Completion
Verge Licence
A Verge License is required in either of the following circumstances:
1. Obstruction or Occupation of a Verge or Public Place:
A Verge Licence is required where any activity occupies, obstructs, blocks or interferes with a verge, footpath, road reserve or other public place, including (but not limited to):
- placement or storage of materials, plant or equipment;
- scaffolding, hoardings, temporary fencing or safety barriers;
- loading or unloading activities; or
- any other temporary use that restricts access, visibility or safe passage.
2. Activities Associated with Construction Activity:
A Verge Licence is also required where an activity is associated with construction activity and involves the use of a verge, footpath, road reserve or other public place.
This includes construction‑related activities involving:
- building, demolition or development works; and
- the placement or use of materials, equipment, skip bins or containers in connection with those works.
In these circumstances, skip bins and containers form part of the construction activity and are regulated under the Verge Licence.
Exclusions:
A Verge License does not apply to:
- skip bins not associated with construction activity; or
- containers placed for temporary storage or other non‑construction purposes, which are regulated under separate Licences.
Construction Activity Definition:
Construction activity means any building, demolition or development‑related works carried out on or in connection with land, including associated site preparation and ancillary activities, whether or not a building licence is required.
No Verge or Limited Verge Space
The Town will not grant approval to obstruct the footpath in these circumstances.
In some cases, building sites or properties located in constrained areas with no verge and only a footpath, may have limited space for storing materials. When this occurs, the applicant may be able to apply for a road reserve permit at a cost as per the Town's Schedule of Fees and Charges.
This approval will be considered by the Operations team. For further information on applying for a road reserve permit, please contact Operations by phoning 08 9339 9339 or email admin@eastfemantle.wa.gov.au.
Licence Fees and General Conditions:
- Licence fee is payable as per the Town’s Schedule of Fees and Charges.
- The footpath must be kept clear at all times.
- The verge and carriageway area must be cleaned of all debris upon completion of works.
Please complete the online application form by clicking on the link below.
Application for a Verge Licence
Skip Bin Licence
For the purposes of this application, a skip bin means a portable waste container placed on a verge, footpath, road reserve or other public place for the temporary storage and removal of waste materials.
A skip bin does not include a container or storage unit and cannot be mounted on trailer.
Location and Safety Requirements:
The location and safety requirements that apply depend on whether the skip bin is proposed to be located on a verge or within a carriageway (road).
A skip bin can be temporary located on the verge area and/or carriageways for a maximum of four weeks, subject to the Town's approval.
Skip Bins Located on a Verge:
Where a skip bin is proposed to be located on a verge, it must be positioned so that it:
- Must be placed immediately in front of the property to which the permit relates
- is located no closer than two (2) metres from the trunk of any street tree;
- is located no closer than one (1) metre from a fire hydrant or hydrant infrastructure, including hydrant covers and associated markings;
- does not occupy, obstruct, block or interfere with a footpath (0.5 m clearance required), crossover, driveway, vehicle access point or service infrastructure;
- does not obstruct sight lines for traffic, cyclists or pedestrians, including at intersections, crossovers or vehicle entry points ;
- can be safely located without creating a hazard to road users or the public.
Skip bins must not damage or interfere with verge infrastructure, services or street trees.
The applicant is responsible for the cost of all repairs to the verge that may be caused by the placement of the skip bin.
Where a skip bin cannot be safely located on the verge in accordance with these requirements, approval may be refused or alternative arrangements required.
Skip Bins Located within a Carriageway (Road):
Where a skip bin is proposed to be located within a carriageway, the following conditions apply:
- Must be placed immediately in front of the property to which the permit relates and must not be located within a carriageway in front of, or adjacent to, any other property unless expressly approved as part of the permit.
- The skip bin must be placed as close to the kerb as possible, ensuring the outer side does not project outside the solid white line delineating the parking area from the roadway travel lane.
- Warning cones must be placed at each external corner of the skip bin.
- a vehicle must be parked behind the skip bin so that the vehicle’s rear reflectors warn of the hazard on the carriageway; or
- flashing hazard lights or reflectors must be installed on each corner of the skip bin.
The applicant is responsible for the cost of all repairs to the carriageway that may be caused by the placement of the skip bin.
In addition:
- Skip bins must not be placed within one (1) metre of a fire hydrant or hydrant asphalt markings on the carriageway.
- Skip bins must not be placed in a loading bay.
- Skip bins must be positioned so they do not obstruct traffic sight lines or vehicle movements.
Construction Activity Definition:
Where construction activity has been identified or verified, the placement of a skip bin forms part of that construction activity and is regulated under the applicable Verge Licence and associated approvals.
Where construction activity does not apply, skip bins are regulated under this Skip Bin Licence, subject to the conditions set out in this form.
Important Note:
This is not an exhaustive list of conditions. Each application will be assessed on a case‑by‑case basis, and additional conditions may be imposed where required to address safety, access, infrastructure protection or site‑specific circumstances.
Licence Fees and General Conditions:
Please note the following Licence fees and conditions apply:
- Licence fee is payable as per the Town’s Schedule of Fees and Charges.
- The footpath must be kept clear at all times.
- The verge and carriageway area must be cleaned of all debris upon removal of the skip bin.
Processing Time:
An application form must be submitted to Ranger Services, a minimum of seven days before the proposed placement on public property. The assessment of the application can take up to seven days.
Once approved, the Town will contact you to arrange payment.
Skip Bin License Extension (maximum of 14 days only):
If you require a skip bin for longer than four weeks, you may apply for an extension of the permit for up to 14 days. This will only be considered if the application is submitted on or before the expiry date of the existing permit. Approval will also be subject to prevailing conditions and any prior applications.
If the extension application is not received by the expiry date, a new application must be submitted, and the full application fee will apply. Please refer to the Town’s Schedule of Fees and Charges for details.
Please complete the online application form by clicking on either link below.
Application for a Skip Bin Licence
Application for Skip Bin Licence Extension
Container Licence
(Storage containers, including sea containers and temporary storage pods)
Container Definition:
For the purposes of this application, a container means any portable or relocatable storage unit or enclosure placed on a verge, footpath, road reserve or other public place for the purpose of storage, loading or unloading, whether temporary or short‑term.
A container includes, but is not limited to:
- sea or shipping containers;
- mobile or modular storage containers;
- temporary storage pods delivered to, and collected from, a site; and
- any similar enclosed structure capable of being transported to or from the site.
A container does not include a skip bin or trailor-mounted containers.
Location and Safety Requirements:
The location and safety requirements that apply depend on whether the container is proposed to be located on a verge or within a carriageway (road).
Containers Located on a Verge:
Where a container is proposed to be located on a verge, it must be positioned so that it:
- is located no closer than two (2) metres from the trunk of any street tree;
- is located no closer than one (1) metre from a fire hydrant or hydrant infrastructure, including hydrant covers and associated markings.
- does not occupy, obstruct, block or interfere with a footpath, crossover, driveway, vehicle access point or service infrastructure (0.5m clearance required).
- must now be located within 1m of the kerb.
- must be placed immediately in front of the property to which the permit relates;
- does not obstruct sight lines for traffic, cyclists or pedestrians, including at intersections, crossovers or vehicle entry points.
- can be safely located without creating a hazard to road users or the public.
Containers must not damage or interfere with verge infrastructure, services or street trees.
Where a container cannot be safely located on the verge in accordance with these requirements, approval may be refused or alternative arrangements required.
Containers Located within a Carriageway (Road):
Where a container is proposed to be located within a carriageway, the following conditions apply:
- Must be placed immediately in front of the property to which the permit relates and must not be located within a carriageway in front of, or adjacent to, any other property unless expressly approved as part of the permit.
- The container must be placed as close to the kerb as possible, ensuring the outer side does not project outside the solid white line delineating the parking area from the roadway travel lane.
- Warning cones must be placed at each external corner of the container.
- At night, either:
- a vehicle must be parked behind the container so that the vehicle’s rear reflectors warn of the hazard on the carriageway; or
- flashing hazard lights or reflectors must be installed on each corner of the container.
The applicant is responsible for the cost of all repairs to the carriageway that may be caused by the placement of the container.
In addition:
- Containers must not be placed within one (1) metre of a fire hydrant or hydrant asphalt markings on the carriageway.
- Containers must not be placed in a loading bay.
- Containers must be positioned so they do not obstruct traffic sight lines or vehicle movements.
Licence Fees and General Conditions:
Please note the following Licence fees and conditions apply:
- Licence fee is payable as per the Town’s Schedule of Fees and Charges.
- The footpath must be kept clear at all times.
- The verge and carriageway area must be cleaned of all debris upon removal of the container.\
Processing Time:
An application form must be submitted to Ranger Services, a minimum of seven days before the proposed placement on public property. The assessment of the application can take up to seven days.
Once approved, the Town will contact you to arrange payment.
Please complete the online application form by clicking on either link below.
Application for a Container License
Application for a Container Permit Extension