Building and Planning
Are you building, extending or renovating in Dowerin or doing a demolition? In order to comply with the Building Act (2011) and Building Regulations (2012) you must lodge an application with the Shire.
General guidance is provided below. For any further specific building or planning advice related to your proposal there will be a fee.
Planning Considerations and Approvals
Donga or Relocated Dwelling
For a ‘Donga’ and relocating an existing dwelling please review the 6.2 Second-hand Moveable Buildings Local Planning Policy for information to determine your proposal under the planning requirements.
Residential Design Codes, Volume 1 (2024) incorporating Part B & D
For a dwelling and associated carports, garages, sheds and the like (inclusive of solar panels and antennas) the proposed dwelling must be appropriately designed for the intended residential purpose, land tenure, density, place context, and the Local Planning Scheme No. 2 objectives. A dwelling so designed that it is responsive to the development site, and inclusive of its location, size geometry and features; and designed so that the scope permitted can allow variety and diversity as appropriate where it can be demonstrated this better reflects the area context or Local Planning Scheme No. 2 objectives. In some cases, pending Shire of Dowerin scrutiny of building designs and site plans, a development approval could be required, and applicable fees apply. R-Codes can be found in the below table.
Outbuildings (sheds and the like)
Please read 6.1 Outbuildings In Residential Areas Local Planning Policy for guidance.
Sea (Shipping) Container
Should you be considering the use of a sea (shipping) container on the lot either as temporary storage whilst building, or as permanent, please read 6.3 Sea Containers and Similar Storage Containers Local Planning Policy for guidance.
Building Considerations and Approvals
A dwelling either relocated (new or existing) or built new onsite must be designed with appropriate specifications and engineering in accordance with the provisions, as applicable, of the National Construction Code, Volume 2 (formally known as the Building Code of Australia) to be able to achieve a Certificate of Design Compliance (a CDC) from a registered Building Surveyor. When in possession of the CDC and accompanying design and specifications paperwork endorsed by a Building Surveyor an application for a Building Permit can be submitted to the Shire of Dowerin for consideration of a Building Permit to site or build a dwelling. Fees apply.
Note, a relocated building that is not of new construction will need engineering certification for structural suitability inclusive of design of the onsite footings/foundation, and energy efficiency assessments as appliable.
Advice Notes
Use of a caravan which includes a tiny home on wheels as a dwelling
This is not permitted unless in association (meaning on the same Lot) with an existing dwelling house and the associated amenities and services. Furthermore, an application is formally required to the Council of Dowerin for the consideration of approval, or not, as the case requires to site a caravan on a residential lot. A caravan can be used whilst a dwelling is under constructions although amenity and services will be required, and this too requires an application to Council for consideration
Sewerage Services
The Shire of Dowerin has a reticulated deep sewerage system throughout most of the town, applications for connection to the sewer should be made through the Shire of Dowerin administration office. A sewer connection must be done by a licensed plumber and plumbing works documentation submitted to the Shire of Dowerin. For areas without sewer connection then an application to the Shire of Dowerin for an apparatus for the treatment of sewerage (septic tank and drains application) is required. Fees apply.
Water & Electricity
Both water and electricity are provided by the utility companies Water Corporation and Western Power which can assist with connections, accounts and bills. Either or both of these services can assist you depending on the Lot circumstances.
The following documents provide forms, policies, and guidance to support building, planning, and construction projects in the Shire of Dowerin.