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Owner-Builder Approval (WA)

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What “Owner-Builder Approval” is in Western Australia, who issues it, what you must show in your application, and the traps that cause delays.

General information only. Always confirm requirements with Building and Energy (DMIRS) and your local permit authority.

WA terminology

In 30 seconds

  • In WA, you generally must obtain owner-builder approval from the Building Services Board before acting as an owner-builder.
  • After approval, you then apply for a building permit from your local government (permit authority).
  • When applying, you must show you have sufficient knowledge of owner-builder duties (commonly via an owner-builder course or relevant registration/industry background).
  • Your owner-builder approval can expire if you don’t apply for a building permit within the required timeframe.
  • You can generally only owner-build once every six years, unless a waiver applies.

What is “Owner-Builder Approval” in WA?

In Western Australia, “owner-builder approval” is the approval you obtain before you can take on the owner-builder role. In practical terms, it’s the gate that allows you to apply for a building permit as an owner-builder.

Issued by (plain-English)
Issued by the Building Services Board, and administered by Building and Energy (DMIRS). Older references may still say Building Commission.

Where it fits in the WA owner-builder flow

  1. Decide if owner-building is suitable
  2. Get owner-builder approval (WA)
  3. Work out planning approvals (if applicable)
  4. Apply for a building permit from your local government
  5. Insure, build, inspect, document, and complete
Key point
Approval and a building permit are different things. Approval is the owner-builder gate. The building permit is the formal permission to start the building work.

What you must show in your application

When applying, you must show that you have sufficient knowledge of owner-builder duties and responsibilities. This can be satisfied in several ways (depending on your background).

Common ways this is demonstrated
  • Completing an owner-builder course
  • Being registered as a building practitioner
  • Being registered in the building industry (e.g. registered architect / building surveyor / building engineer)
  • Previous registration as a building practitioner or in the building industry within a recent period
Owner-builder course & training (WA)
(includes discount code) Terminology: Building Services Board

Timeframes and restrictions (easy to miss)

Approval expiry risk
Once your owner-builder approval is issued, you must apply for a building permit from your local permit authority within the stated timeframe — otherwise the approval can expire.
Only one owner-build per 6 years
You can generally only owner-build once every six years. There may be a waiver pathway in limited circumstances (e.g. hardship / same land scenarios).
Practical tip
Don’t apply “too early” if design and approvals are uncertain — but don’t apply “too late” either. Give yourself enough runway for processing time before you need the building permit.

How to apply (high level)

  • Complete the owner-builder approval application (Form 75) and include all required supporting evidence
  • Pay the application fee (fees are typically reviewed annually)
  • Submit via the online submission option (when available) or by post / in person (per the form instructions)
What causes delays
  • Missing evidence that you understand the owner-builder responsibilities
  • Incomplete forms or missing payment paperwork
  • Not allowing enough time before you need your building permit

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