Buildings used as a place of residence in residential areas are referred to as Dwellings. For the safety and comfort of the community, permits are needed before you can alter, add to, or build a new dwelling.
You may have a single dwelling on your property, or a group of dwellings. The size and zoning of the property determines how many houses you may have on each property.
A Building Permit approval is required for all dwellings and for additions and/or alterations to an existing dwelling. Either the property owner or the builder must submit the application. Both the builder and applicant must sign the application form.
Call the City of Karratha Building Services on 9186 8555 for more information on dwellings and alterations.
Download the new dwellings information guide to learn more.
Is a Building Permit required for a new dwelling, or for additions/alterations to a dwelling?
A Building Permit approval is required for all dwellings and for additions and/or alterations to an existing dwelling.
Who submits the application?
Either the property owner or the builder must submit the application. Both the builder and applicant must sign the application form.
What plans and specifications do I need to submit with my application for a Building Permit?
The attached list has been developed to guide you in preparing the documents to submit your Building Permit application.
Must my dwelling or proposed additions/alterations to a dwelling comply with the ‘Energy Efficiency’ requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC)?
The NCC requires that all new dwellings and additions/alterations to dwellings comply with the ‘Energy Efficiency’ provisions of the NCC relative to the Climate Zone that you live in. The City of Karratha is situated in Climate Zone 1.
How do I know what my property is zoned and the density?
Call 9186 8555 to discuss the zoning and density of your property with the City’s Planning Services Team.
Can I build a dwelling or an addition to a dwelling as an owner builder?
Yes, however if the value of the work exceeds $20,000 you will need to apply to the Building and Energy Division at the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety for an Owner Builders Licence before making application for Building approval.
Alternately, a registered builder will need to be engaged to obtain the Building Permit and carry out the works.
Do I need a separate Planning approval for a dwelling?
Generally, a dwelling does not require a separate Planning Approval, unless one of the following applies:
- The design proposes to vary the Residential Design Codes (R Codes)
- The dwelling is second hand, and relocated from one property to another
- It is a ‘Caretaker’s Dwelling on commercial or industrial land
- There is more than one dwelling existing or proposed on the property
- The property is located within an area with a Bushfire Attack Level rating of BAL-40 or BAL-FZ.
Call 9186 8555 to discuss Planning Approval with a City of Karratha Planning Officer.
What if I require a change to an existing or an additional crossover?
Please refer to Crossover and Rear Access Way for more information.
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