Do You Need Council Approval for a Garage in WA?

23 May 2025

A garage is an excellent addition to your house, offering a safe space to store your car, and when done right, it can boost your curb appeal and the value of your home. But before you add a garage to your property, do you know if council approval is needed for them in Western Australia?

WA, like other states and territories, has different rules about building garages on your property depending on where you live, making it tricky for you to know if you can build a garage or not. Luckily for you, we are here to help! We have broken down when you do and don't need council approval for building a garage in WA and how you gain approval to help you achieve your dreams of building the perfect garage.

Garage Approvals in Western Australia

In Western Australia, building permits are always required for the construction of garages, but there are some exceptions where planning approval won't be needed. If your garage meets the following requirements, you can build it without seeking approval:

• If the floor is constructed no higher than 500mm above ground level

• If the floor area is not larger than 60 meters squared

• If the garage is not more than 2.4 m tall

• If the garage does not interfere with any traffic, site lines

• If the garage is located behind the front setback line of your property as stated in your boundary lines

When your garage does not meet these requirements, you will need to seek council approval from your local council before beginning construction. When a successful building permit has been awarded, you can begin your work, but not before.

Regardless of whether your garage requires planning approval or not, you will need to ensure it is built in line with the building code across Western Australia. The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is designed to ensure that all structures are built safely and securely, with guidance provided by the National Construction Code (NCC). Your garage should be built in line with these codes, following the requirements for Class 10A a garage. Your garage must be non-habitable, meaning you cannot convert it into an additional living space.

When is Council Approval Needed?

Council approval is needed for a garage in WA when it does not meet the criteria that we outlined above. If your garage is larger than ten meters squared or will take up more than 50% of your property's frontage, then approval from your local council will be needed.

Each local council can have different requirements, like in Joondalup, where your garage can only be a single storey and not be longer than half the width of the primary street setback line. These tighter requirements would require careful planning to ensure that your garage would be approved and highlight the importance of checking with your local council.

There might be other restrictions that you need to consider when approval is needed, such as if your property is in a heritage area or a flood zone. In these situations, you will need to pay careful attention to the design and materials used to keep in line with the architecture and provide protection from floods.

You might also need to seek approval from the council if you plan to create a non-standard design garage. This is a broad phrase, and you should check with your council what classes are non-standard designs, but usually, it applies to unusual sizes or garages with different features. Your local council might need to carry out additional assessments on these to ensure that your garage is safe for use.

How to Apply for Council Approval to Build a Garage in Western Australia

Applying for approval to build a garage in Western Australia is a straightforward process, but it can be confusing if you have never done it before. We have outlined the steps you need to follow below to help you get the approval that you need.

Step 1 - Speak to Your Local Council

First, speak to your local council to better understand the application and what you must submit. As each council has different requirements, it is best to speak to them to understand whether you need council approval and if there are any specific requirements that you need to meet. You can usually find this information on your local council website, but you might also need to speak to someone directly if you require clarification.

Step 2 - Gather the Necessary Information

Before you submit your application, we recommend taking some time to ensure that you have all the necessary information. This ensures that the council have everything they need and can speed up the assessment portion of your application. Each local council will have slightly different requirements, but usually, you can expect to provide the following with your application:

• Site plan showing the existing structures, property boundaries, and proposed location of the garage

• Floor plan showing the layout of the garage and dimensions of windows, walls, and doors

• Elevations to show the exterior elevations of the garage with heights and materials

• Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC) when applying for a certified application

• Engineering details if your garage is large or on challenging terrain

Step 3 - Submit Your Application

When you are ready, you can submit your application to your local council. This is usually done online, although many local councils will allow for written submissions to be posted to them. Along with your application, you need to ensure that you have included all the necessary information. Failing to provide your council with everything they need can slow down the process, leaving you to wait longer for a decision.

There is usually a fee associated with applying for a permit for your garage, too. The fee must be paid in full when the application is submitted. You can check directly with your local council to learn more about the fees or with the government of Western Australia.

Step 4 - Assessment and Approval

Finally, your local council will consider your application and either approve or reject your application for a garage. The assessment process can take up to a few weeks, depending on how complex your proposal is and whether any additional information is required.

When your application is approved, you can start work on your garage immediately, bringing it to life. However, should your application be rejected, you will not be able to proceed. You might receive feedback from your council as to why the proposal was rejected, allowing you to make modifications and resubmit before work can begin. Your local council should provide you with answers and assistance regarding any issues with your garage plans.

What Happens if I Build a Garage Without Council Approval?

If you need council approval for your garage but fail to get it, you could find yourself with a hefty fine or building fees. Local councils can issue fines to anyone who is found to have a garage on their property and does not have the necessary permit to support it (when the garage is outside of the requirements we listed earlier). You can also be asked to modify or demolish your garage to ensure it meets the requirements of the council. These fines and additional building work will all cost you, so it's best to ensure that you have approval before beginning your work.

You can also be fined or asked to make changes to your garage if it does not meet the building regulation code outlined by the NCC. It is vital that you work with a registered and reputable builder to ensure that your work is carried out to the highest standards and in line with the regulations.

Start Planning Your Dream Garage Today

Adding a garage to your home in WA can be daunting, but spending some time familiarising yourself with the requirements of your local council can speed up the process and ensure that your proposal is accepted. All of our steel constructions would be a wonderful addition to your property, creating a safe and sturdy place to store your car. Use our shed designing tool to see what would work best for your space, and start your garage planning today.