Building & Planning
A Building License is needed for most types of construction in the Shire. This includes:
- New houses, alterations and additions;
- Sheds Larger than a small garden shed 9m2;
- Garages, carports and patios; and
- Farm sheds.
To apply for a Building License an application form must be completed and submitted with scaled plans (normally certified by a structural engineer in the case of larger structures), written specifications and the appropriate fees to Council's Building Surveyor for consideration.
The Council's Officers audit building works to ensure compliance with the approved plans and to ensure that all work is carried out to the necessary standard.
The Council continues to utilise Town Planning Scheme No. 2 to guide development within the Shire. Some development requires a planning application to be submitted for example new development within a heritage area. If you are unsure about your requirements please contact Council's Administration Office on (08) 9641 2233.
Contacts
Currently Council does not have an appointed planner. The Chief Executive Officer and staff perform the primary role and draw on professional support when required. Please contact the Administration office if you require further information.
Brick Areas
Council has areas within the Shire that have restrictions on building materials through appropriate planning policies. If you wish to construct a dwelling with alternative materials than suggested within the policy a planning application will be required. To discuss the policy further please contact Council or check Council's Policy relating to this.
Click here to download Planning Policy - Restriction on Building Materials
Heritage Areas
Development within a heritage area in the York Shire requires separate Planning Consent (see under Town Planning). The planning assessment is normally undertaken at the same time as the assessment of a Building License Application. A fee for Planning Approval separate from any Building License fees may also be payable.
Forms
The building application is currently under review please phone the administration centre on (08) 9641 2233 and an application can be posted out to you. If you need to submit a planning application please download the attached form and post to Council with the relevant fees – PO Box 22, York, WA, 6302.
Fees and Charges
The building fees are based on the value of works. The minimum fee for works valued at $12 000 or less is currently $70.00.
Any domestic work with a value exceeding $12,000 must be carried out by a registered builder or under an owner builders permit. Information on how to obtain an owner builders permit may be found by going to www.brb.org.au/ownerbuilder.htm.
Any work involving plumbing where the town's infill sewerage service is not available may also require a septic approval.
If you want to work out your fees by simply putting your market value in please use the following link to calculate your fees. Please remember the fee will not include a kerb or footpath bond should one be required or septic application fees.
Fees relating to a planning application under the value of $50,000 are set at $177.00 if the value of works is above $50,000 please use the link to check the Fees and Charges.
Click here to download the Fees & Charges document
Swimming Pools
All private swimming pools require a Building License prior to installation. All pools must be properly fenced in accordance with current legislation. Council carries out an inspection of all private swimming pool fencing at least once every four years. Contact Council's Building Surveyor for further information.
Fences
Council has a Local Law Relating to Fences, which provides the minimum standard of fencing allowed in the Shire. A copy of the Local Law can be downloaded.
Click here to navigate to Local Laws
Please note that Council has no jurisdiction when it comes to disputes between neighbours over fencing. All fencing is carried out in accordance with the Dividing Fence Act 1961 and is administered by the Department of Housing and Works.
Municipal Inventory
The Municipal Inventory is a list of places of significance to the York community. The Municipal Inventory is not available at this time, as it is under review so if you would like to know if your property is listed on the Municipal Inventory please contact the Administration Centre on (08) 9641 2233.