City of Cockburn, PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC, Western Australia, 6965
Telephone: (08) 9411 3444

Building Permit Applications 

When is a Building Permit Required?  

A building permit is required for all structures (residential, commercial or industrial) including but not limited to; new works, alterations, additions, swimming pools, spas (below and above ground), safety barriers(Fencing) for pools & spas, patios and sheds.

Prior to any works commencing on site, a Building Permit must be issued.

To obtain a Building Permit, a Building Permit Application Form together with two copies of all plans and specifications must be submitted to Building Services.

There are two types of applications that can be submitted these are:

  1. Uncertified applications - Residential buildings Class 1 and Outbuildings Class 10 and;
  2. Certified applications - Commercial/Industrial buildings Classes 2 - 9
    (If the applicant chooses they may submit applications for Residential/Outbuildings as a certified application, if they have had the proposed plans certified by an independent registered Building Surveyor)

Where an owner would like to undertake any proposed works over the value of $20,000 then that owner needs to complete an Owner Builder Approval Application (OBAA) and submit it to the Building 
Commission Licensing Branch (BCLB) along with the appropriate application fee. This OBAA form can be obtained by downloading the document from the right hand menu.

The Owner Builder Approval Application is to be submitted directly to the Building Commission. 

Assessment Timeframes

Uncertified applications

25 business days for the City to initially assess your application.

21 calandar days for the applicant to provide futher information if requested by the City.

25 business days for the City to issue a permit once further information is received.

Certified applications

10 business days for the City to initially assess your application.

21 calandar days for the applicant to provide futher information if requested by the City.

10 business days for the City to issue a permit once further information is received.

The Building Act allows for the Local Government to Refuse an application if all required information is not provided within the 21 day period mentioned and the City can retain the application fee. As a service to all applicants the City is initially vetting applications when first submitted and providing advice to applicants in regard to missing information before starting the assessment process.