Building Information Sheets

The following information sheets have been prepared to help you understand the requirements for building applications and provide brief design information for various topics covered by Building Services.

In addition to these sheets it may be necessary to refer to one of the City's local laws for further information relating to your query or proposal.

View the Local Laws here
View Building Checklists and Guidelines here

What information do I need to submit for a building permit?

Answer: Please refer to Information Sheet 2.
This sheet provides a list of documents required for your application, together with other supporting information you may need.

Do I need approval for a retaining wall?

Answer: Please refer to Information Sheet 3.
This sheet provides information regarding retaining walls, such as who is responsible for a retaining wall and when approval is required.

What do I have to pay for my application?

Answer: Please refer to Information Sheet 4.
This document provides fees calculations for Building Permit, Demolition Permit and Building Approval Certificate applications.

Do I need approval for a front fence?

Answer: Please refer to Information Sheet 7.
This sheet provides information regarding the height and materials that are acceptable for front fences, together with design considerations and when approval is required. You may like to read the Fencing Local Law in conjunction with this Information Sheet.
Local Laws

What can I do about my unauthorised building works?

Answer: Please refer to Information Sheet 8.
This sheet provides general information on how to get a structure that was built without a Building Permit authorised by the City of Kalamunda.

What do I need to know with regards to advertising signs?

Answer: Please refer to Information Sheet 9.
This sheet provides general information about advertising signs.

What can I build without a building permit?

Answer: Please refer to Information Sheet 10.
This sheet provides information on what structures can be built without first being issued with a building permit.

How do I deal with overhanging tree branches?

Answer: Please refer to Information Sheet 11.
This sheet provides information about neighbours rights and responsibilities when faced with overhanging branches and roots from neighbouring trees.

Can I place my Carport or Garage in front of my house?

Answer: Please refer to Information Sheet 12.
This sheet provides information about the positioning of carports and garages that are located in front of the main dwelling.

What is required to convert my Carport or Patio into a habitable room?

Answer: Please refer to Information Sheet 13.
This sheet provides information regarding the requirements to convert an existing patio or carport into a habitable room such as a family room, games room, sunroom or bedroom.

What is Bushfire Prone?

Answer: Please refer to Information Sheet 15.
This sheet provides information regarding areas the State Government Department of Planning consider to be at risk in the event of major bushfire due to the proximity of large areas of bushland. These areas have been declared Bushfire Prone and as such are subject to fire risk assessment. The map can be found on the Office of Bushfire Risk Management, (OBRM), portion of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, (DFES) website.

Where can I find more information on the Building Services Levy?

Answer: Please refer to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulations and Safety website for more information including Form 81 and 82 Forms..
Website: https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-and-energy/building-services-levy

Where can I find more information about decommissioning and/or removal of swimming pools or spas?

Answer: Please refer to the best practice notes developed by WALGA.

To help applicants in understand the minimum level of information required for applications, two typical drawing layout sheets have been provided as a reference and can be downloaded below.

Please note that these are examples only and do not reflect the full level of information that may be required for your own application.

Documents

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