Planning our Suburbs
“The purpose of the R-Codes is to provide a comprehensive basis for the control, through local government, of residential development throughout Western Australia. They are intended to cover all requirements for development control purposes and to minimise the need for local government to introduce separate planning policies concerning residential development” (Planning WA website). So why […]
Noise
Starting times must comply with local government by-laws which dictate the hours within which on-site work can take place. You should consult the building department of your local authority for the relevant requirements. Compliance with these by-laws is a condition on which the building licence is issued to the builder. Once you have discovered the […]
Narrow Lot Development
The move toward urban consolidation and home owners subdividing their existing properties has meant that more new home buyers are building on small narrow blocks. There is also a general trend to build larger 2 storey homes on smaller land areas. Houses are getting bigger, but blocks are getting smaller. There are a number […]
Planning Approvals & Offsets
When a proposal’s impacts on biodiversity and/or ecological function cannot be fully mitigated, an offset package could be considered to support developments to become ecologically sustainable. Environmental offsets or environmentally beneficial activites can be determined in conjuction with proactive mechanisms such as use of best practice environmental management to ensure impact avoidance is the primary […]
Notice of Completion BA7
Notice of completion – click here to read the article Form BA7 pdf Form BA7 word
Land Titles
A Certificate of Title is a record of all current information relevant to a parcel of land and includes current ownership details, legal description of the land and registered notifications, interests and encumbrances. Specifically, it contains: Volume / Folio details. Lot on Plan details. Current legal owner/s. Any registered encumbrances (including caveats). Note that a […]
Owner Building
If you are considering building your own home, excluding some of the finishing work from your building contract, or renovating your existing home, you will need to apply to the Building Commission of Western Australia. All of the owners of the land must apply, and at least one applicant must provide evidence that he/she has […]
Corrosion Protection Requirements
Our love of the ocean and urban creep along the coast means we are exposing ourselves to more than just proximity to the beach. The National Construction Code (NCC) requires corrosion protection is required for buildings constructed within 1km of breaking surf, and other exposure environments. Breaking surf means any area of salt water in […]
Cubby Houses
Although most Local Governments take a relaxed approach to the humble cubby house when it comes to requiring approvals, it is important that before you consider investing time and money that you ring your local government or visit their website as they may have information regarding their policy or requirements before their installation. Building […]
Environmental Due Diligence
Environmental Due Diligence is a key tool in managing risks prior to, or at the outset of projects. Key legislation, as it applies to the industry, includes the Environmental Protection Act 1986, Town Planning and Development Act 2005 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. An environmental due diligence assessment defines opportunities and […]