WA building form finder
Two quick questions. Takes about 15 seconds.
WA uses numbered forms for every step of a building job. The finder above picks the right one in a few clicks. The table below lists the forms homeowners and small builders actually use, with the 2026-27 fees. These fees are set by the state, so they are the same at every council.
All the common WA building forms
| Form | What it's for | Fee from 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| BA1 | Building permit, certified (a private surveyor has already checked the plans) | 0.19% of the value for a house or outbuilding, at least $121 |
| BA2 | Building permit, uncertified (council checks the plans). Houses and Class 10 structures only | 0.32% of the value, at least $121 |
| BA3 | Certificate of design compliance, signed by a private building surveyor | The surveyor's own fee |
| BA5 | Demolition permit | $121 for a house or outbuilding |
| BA7 | Notice of completion, within 7 days of finishing | No fee |
| BA8 | Notice of cessation, when work stops before it is finished | No fee |
| BA9 | Occupancy permit (Class 2 to 9 buildings, such as units, shops and offices) | $121, or 0.18% for unauthorised work |
| BA13 | Building approval certificate, mostly for work done without a permit | 0.38% of the value of the unauthorised work, at least $121 |
| BA18 | Certificate of building compliance, signed by a registered building surveyor | The surveyor's own fee |
| BA19 | Change the builder or other details on a building permit | Check with council |
| BA20 / BA20A | Neighbour notice and consent: encroaching, party walls, removing a dividing fence, access | No council fee |
| BA22 | More time on a building or demolition permit | $121 |
On top of the permit fee, the state's Building Services Levy is $61.65 for work up to $45,000 (0.137% above that). The Construction Training Fund levy only applies to work over $100,000 that starts on or after 1 July 2026.
BA1 or BA2: which is better?
Most homeowners use a BA2. You lodge your plans and council does the technical check. It costs less up front, but council can take up to 25 business days and may ask questions along the way.
A BA1 is quicker at council (10 business days) because a private building surveyor has already checked everything and signed the BA3. You pay the surveyor as well, so it suits bigger jobs or tight deadlines. For units, shops and other commercial buildings, BA1 is the only option.
Forms you might hear about that are gone
BA11, BA12, BA15 and BA16 were discontinued on 1 May 2020. If a council checklist still mentions them, it is out of date. Always download forms from your council or the state's Building and Energy website so you have the current version.