Engineering Requirements

CYCLONIC RATING – WIND REGION "D", Terrain Category 2

Buildings:

The locality of the Shire of Exmouth is in one of the highest cyclonic risk areas of Australia and therefore the very stringent building design requirements apply to all buildings and/or structures.

A building licence must be obtained prior to work commencing – including garages, fences, patios, garden sheds and any alterations to existing building. The Manager of Development Services has the responsibility for issuing all building licences.

As the Shire of Exmouth is within a cyclonic prone area specific attention is given to structural details of all building. All structures must be deigned to comply with AS1170, Part 2-1989 Wind region D Terrain Category 2 requirements (refer to the Manager of Development Services for further information).

When submitting plans and specifications it is necessary to provide a certificate from a practising structural engineer, stating that the proposed structure will comply with the Building Code of Australia. The engineer must state his qualifications in the certificate.

For more information on building registration and owner building please log onto www.builders.wa.gov.au

An application form which is the form of a Building Envelope can be obtained by contacting the Shire office on (08) 9949 1399 or email: mds@exmouth.wa.gov.au

BCITF levy applies to all constructions over the value of $20,000.

Licences:

Licences are required from Council's Building department:

• Building Licence: To construct all buildings, including houses, swimming pools, pergola's, building additions, carports and out buildings (building licence);
• Fencing: Before building you should correctly locate and check land survey pegs, levels and alignments. This will ensure that buildings are not placed too close to the boundary and will avoid complications with the future footpath levels and with crossovers.
• Demolition License: To demolish any type of building;
• Sign Licence: For all signs on premises attached to the building, as well as permanent and temporary portable signs; and
• Sewered Areas: In sewered areas it is also necessary to obtain approval from the Water Corporation in relation to the location of house drains and main sewers. Evidence of this must be produced with the Building application for a building licence before the application can be processed.

Private Swimming Pool Regulations:

All private swimming pools, below or above ground and spas require a building licence before commencement of construction. Legislation requires that the pool be adequately fenced including self closing and latching gates. Licences and registration of pools can be made at the Shire office or by contacting the Manager of Development Services who will be able to assist.

Swimming Pool – A Definition

A swimming pool is defined as any excavation or structure which contains water deeper than 300mm and is used for human aquatic activity. These structures must meet the legislative requirements. The definition of a swimming pool does not include a dam or tank used for rural purposes or a watercourse, such as a stream, but does include above ground pools such as those with sheet metal surrounds and plastic liners.

Fencing Your Pool

Too many Western Australian children drown in private swimming pools and too many Western Australian children suffer brain damage from near drowning brought about by prolonged submersion in water. Those children could easily be yours, your friends, your relatives or your neighbours. Such tragedies continue to occur and are of great concern to all of our community. Requirements for safety fencing in this state have been set by the State Government, and are enforced by local Shires.

What Are The Fencing Requirements?

An example of some of the requirements:

• A pool must be fenced so that the pool and its immediate surrounds restrict access from any neighbouring property and access to the pool from your house. A window from your house, which leads directly to the pool enclosure, is permitted, provided access to children by this means is inhibited in accordance with the requirements of AS1926.1
• A pool may also be fenced so that it is separated from the dwelling and from the rest of the property on which the pool is situated (ie isolation fencing).
• If you are in any doubt concerning your fences or gates (if for instance you have a sloping block or an unusual building site), contact the Community Services Manager who will be happy to assist.

Performance of Gates

Even in gusty winds all gates must have efficient self-closing / latching mechanisms. The following test is a reliable indicator to gate efficiency:

• Lean on the gate (about the same force you would expect the body of a young child to exert;
• Rattle the gate while leaning on it to ensure the gate remains latched;
• Open the gate as far as the width of an adult fist and release – check it automatically closes an latches;
• Open the gate half way and release; and
• Open the gate fully and release.
• In all cases the gate must close fully and latch securely. For the sake of your child, please check the gates carefully.Remember it is your pool. You must look after it because you are responsible.

Dividing Fences:

Local Councils have no control or responsibility in this area. However, the Department of Local Government has Dividing Fences Rights and Responsibilities information on its website at www.dlg.wa.gov.au/publications.html. This information will assist you in obtaining the correct and up to date information on your requirements.