If you are planning a commercial build in Perth, one of the first questions is: do I need a permit before work starts? In most cases, the answer is yes. In Western Australia, commercial construction runs through the building permit system, along with related approvals such as demolition permits and, in some cases, occupancy permits. The City of Perth states that a building permit is generally required before building work is carried out, including construction, renovation, alteration, or improvement work.
That means permits are not only relevant to new commercial buildings. They commonly apply to commercial remodeling work as well, including fit outs, refurbishments, extensions, and alterations, especially where the work affects the structure, safety, health of occupants, building services, or compliance with applicable building standards. In practical terms, if the work changes how the building performs, is used, or complies, it should be checked before work begins rather than assumed to be exempt.
Also, be sure to read our article about construction certificates here.
When is a commercial building permit not required?
There are some exemptions, but they are limited and should be checked carefully. In WA, Schedule 4 of the Building Regulations sets out the kinds of building work which a building permit is not required. The City of Perth says these exemptions typically include certain repair or maintenance works, but it also makes clear that owners still have an obligation to ensure exempt work complies with applicable building standards.
In some councils, examples are given such as kitchen renovation work that does not adversely affect structural soundness, but the exemption test still depends on the legislation, not on the fact that the work seems simple.
For commercial work, it is safer to confirm with the relevant permit authority or surveyor before assuming a permit is not needed.
What is commercial building approval?
In WA, commercial building approval is a broad practical term rather than one single form. It usually refers to the approval pathway that allows the project to proceed lawfully from start to finish. For most commercial building work in Perth, the main approval needed before construction starts is the certified building permit (BA1).
Depending on the stage and project, that can include:
- building permit
- demolition permit
- occupancy permit
Who can apply for a commercial building permit?
The application can be made by the owner or by someone acting with the owner’s authority, such as the builder, architect, designer, draftsperson, project manager, or consultant. In practice, many commercial clients rely on their builder or consultant team to coordinate the application. The City of Perth requires evidence of legal authorisation where someone signs on behalf of another person or company for Class 2–9 applications.
How do I apply for a commercial building permit?
For a commercial building in Perth, the application is generally made through the certified building permit (BA1) pathway. The City of Perth states that commercial buildings (Class 2–9) must use BA1, not the uncertified BA2 pathway used for certain residential work.
In simple terms, the process usually looks like this:
- Confirm whether planning approval is needed first. The City of Perth notes that if development approval is required, it is the applicant’s responsibility to have that granted before lodging the building application and to ensure the drawings match.
- Engage a registered building surveyor. For commercial BA1 applications, a Certificate of Design Compliance is required.
- Prepare the application package. This usually includes the permit form, design compliance certificate, drawings, specifications, and other supporting documents relevant to the work.
- Lodge with the relevant permit authority. In Perth, that is generally the local government for the area where the building is located.
The City of Perth notes a legislated processing time of ten business days for a certified BA1 application once it is validly lodged.
What documents are needed for a commercial permit application?
The exact list depends on the project, but for a Perth commercial BA1 application, the core documents usually include:
- the BA1 certified building permit application,
- a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3) signed by a registered building surveyor,
- plans, drawings, and specifications,
- evidence of any required planning approval,
- owner consent or written authority if someone else is lodging,
- and payment of the prescribed fees and levy where applicable.
- The permit authority may also request further information depending on the nature of the project.
Is a demolition permit required for commercial work?
Usually, yes, if demolition is involved. The City of Perth states that a demolition permit is required for the complete or partial demolition, dismantling, or removal of a building or incidental structure.
That means demolition associated with a commercial refurbishment, strip-out, redevelopment, or partial removal may need its own permit, not just a building permit for the new works. You should not assume demolition is automatically covered by the building permit unless that has been clearly confirmed.
Can work begin once the permit application is submitted?
No, not simply because it has been submitted. Submitting an application is not the same as being approved. In practice, starting too early can create compliance problems, delay the project further, and trigger additional approval issues later.
The permit must be granted before the building work starts. A building permit is generally required before building work is carried out, and WA local governments warn that where the appropriate permit or approval has not been obtained before work begins, retrospective approval may be required.
Conclusion
For commercial projects in Perth, the safest assumption is that most building, fit out, refurbishment, and demolition work need to be checked for relevant permits before work starts.
If you are planning a new commercial construction project in Perth, IQ Construction can help you understand which approvals are likely to apply, what needs to be prepared before lodgment, and how the building permit process fits into the wider project timeline so work can move forward properly.
Contact us for more information today!
(08) 9399 6715