Approvals exist to confirm your home meets building codes, zoning requirements, and environmental standards, protecting both you and your community. Most new homes, extensions and major renovations require approval before construction begins.
Understanding what needs approval, how the process works, and what documentation is required can help first-home buyers avoid delays, fines, or costly rework.
Why Council Approvals Exist
Council building approvals play an important role in maintaining safe and well-planned neighbourhoods across WA.
They ensure:
- Construction meets safety and applicable building standards, reducing risks and ensuring your home is built to last.
- Community character and planning intentions are protected.
- Environmental, privacy, and setback requirements are managed.
- Land use remains lawful and appropriate under planning approval requirements.
When Council Approval Is Required
Most significant building work in WA requires council approval or a formal building permit.
Common examples include:
- New home builds
- Home extensions and major renovations
- Structural changes, including load-bearing wall modifications
- Patios, carports and garages
- Swimming pools and safety barriers
- Changes to property use
If the work impacts the building’s structure, safety or use, approval is almost always required.
When Building Approvals May Not Be Required (Common Exemptions)
Some smaller, low-risk projects may not need council approval, including:
- Minor repairs and routine maintenance
- Small, non-structural internal alterations
- Certain small sheds, decks or fences
However, exemptions vary by local government, so always confirm requirements with your relevant permit authority to avoid issues.
Building Permits in WA: The Core Approval You’ll Need
For most WA builds, a building permit is the central requirement before construction can begin. This permit ensures your plans are aligned with the Building Code, the Building Code of Australia, and the National Construction Code, confirming compliance with all safety, structural and sustainability requirements under the building approval process.
What a Building Permit Covers
A building permit confirms your home meets:
- Structural safety
- Fire safety
- Energy efficiency
- Overall design compliance
This protects you from unsafe or unauthorised building work and ensures your home is legally approved to be built.
Certified vs Uncertified Applications
In WA, there are two ways to apply for a building permit:
- Certified (BA1)
- Uncertified (BA2)
The type you use depends on your project and who prepares your compliance documents.
BA1 – Certified Application
- Is reviewed by a registered building surveyor
- Applies to Class 2–9 structures and is optional for residential
- Results in faster approval (10 business days)
- Confirms design compliance before submission
Councils then act as the permit authority and issue the permit.
BA2 – Uncertified Application
- Applies only to Class 1 and Class 10, including your home and any incidental structure
- Is assessed by the council’s building surveyor
- Takes up to 25 business days
- It is suitable for first-home buyers wanting the council to complete the compliance assessment
Both options ultimately issue the same permit confirming approved building work.
What Happens If You Build in WA Without Approval?
Skipping approvals or attempting unauthorised building work carries serious consequences under the Building Act, Building Regulations 2012, and permit authority requirements.
Legal & Financial Penalties
Councils can issue:
- Heavy fines
- Stop-work orders
- Prosecution for ongoing non-compliance
This applies regardless of whether the unlawful building or demolition work was intentional.
Forced Modifications or Demolition
When a structure doesn’t comply with planning or building regulations, the council can require you to:
- Modify the building work to meet planning, structural or safety standards
- Remove or demolish any part (or all) of the unapproved structure
- Reapply for retrospective approval, which can be costly and is not guaranteed
This often occurs when additions encroach on boundaries, don’t meet fire safety requirements or fail to meet engineering standards.
Future Resale Problems
Unapproved work can affect:
- Bank valuations
- Home insurance
- Settlement processes
Buyers may request proof of a building approval certificate, current occupancy permit, or the status of a completed building to ensure compliance.
Do You Need Council Approval for Popular Home Additions in WA?
Patios, decks and outdoor upgrades frequently require approval because they affect drainage, privacy and compliance with applicable building standards.
Patios, Alfrescos, Decks
Council approval or a building permit is usually required when:
- Structures exceed 10m²
- They attach to the home
- Engineering is required
- They affect setbacks or neighbours
Decks may impact drainage and may require a permit application.
Carports and Garages
Because carports and garages are structural, most require:
- Engineering
- Setback compliance
- Approved plans
- Building approval
Enclosing a carport in a garage requires a permit submission.
Pools & Pool Barriers
All pools and spas require:
- A building permit
- Compliance with building standards
- Inspection before use
Councils ensure fencing meets WA pool safety laws, which protect young children and reduce drowning risks. Inspections are mandatory before use.
Fences and Retaining Walls
Approval is required when:
- Fences exceed height limits
- Retaining walls support soil or affect drainage
Retaining walls commonly require engineering and compliance under the Building Act.
Removing or Altering Load-Bearing Walls (Inside the Home)
This structural work requires:
- Engineering certification
- A building permit
- Compliance with the National Construction Code
Even internal changes fall under building approvals and may trigger additional planning approval requirements.
How WOW Homes Helps First-Home Buyers Navigate Council Approval
At WOW Homes, we manage every part of the approval process for new builds (not renovations, additions or alterations), ensuring your home meets all building services and applicable building standards from day one.
We Prepare Documentation for You
Every approval requires accurate, compliant documentation.
We prepare and organise everything you need, including:
- Site plans
- Elevations
- Engineering
- Energy efficiency
- Certificates of design compliance and other required documents
This ensures your submission is complete, correct, and ready for fast processing.
We Manage Submissions to the Relevant Permit Authority
We handle all communication with your local government, ensuring the permit authority receives correct documentation for:
- Your building permit
- Any required building or demolition permit
- Any building approval certificate
- Any occupancy permit
- Your notice of completion once construction is finished
We minimise stress and maximise efficiency so you can focus on the exciting part, building your first home.
We Ensure Compliance from Day One
Your home is designed and documented to comply with:
- The Building Code of Australia
- Building regulations
- Estate guidelines
- WA local planning rules
This proactive approach prevents costly redesigns, delays, or resubmissions.
Built-In Approvals Expertise
With hundreds of approved builds across Western Australia, WOW Homes ensures your building or incidental structure meets every requirement, from the first submission to the completed new building handover.
Reach Out to WOW Homes Today for More Information
Understanding council approvals is one of the most important steps in ensuring your new home is safe, compliant and ready for a smooth build from start to finish. With WOW Homes, you never have to navigate the process alone. Our team handles every approval, document and submission on your behalf, giving you complete confidence that your home meets Western Australia’s standards and regulations.
If you’re ready to start your build with expert guidance at every stage, reach out today!