The council part: worked examples
For a patio, the fees are set by the state's Building Regulations, so every Perth council charges the same. Most homeowners lodge an uncertified application (BA2), where council checks the plans. The fee is 0.32% of the value of the work, with a minimum of $121. On top of that is the state's Building Services Levy: $61.65 for work up to $45,000.
| Patio value (incl. GST) | Permit fee (BA2) | Building Services Levy | Total to council |
|---|---|---|---|
| $8,000 | $121.00 (minimum) | $61.65 | $182.65 |
| $15,000 | $121.00 (minimum) | $61.65 | $182.65 |
| $30,000 | $121.00 (minimum) | $61.65 | $182.65 |
| $45,000 | $144.00 | $61.65 | $205.65 |
| $60,000 | $192.00 | $82.20 | $274.20 |
So for almost every backyard patio, the council and levy part comes to about $183. The minimum fee covers any patio up to about $37,800. The Construction Training Fund levy doesn't apply, because from 1 July 2026 it only applies to work over $100,000.
If you use a certified application (BA1)
With a BA1, a private building surveyor checks the plans first and signs a certificate of design compliance. Council's fee drops to 0.19% (still at least $121), but you also pay the surveyor. In return, council has 10 business days to decide instead of up to 25. It is worth it when you are in a hurry or the job is complicated.
If you also need planning approval
A patio that meets the standard planning rules only needs a building permit. One that doesn't, for example because it is too close to a boundary, in the front setback or on a heritage property, needs planning (development) approval first. For work up to $50,000, the planning application fee is $147 at most councils in 2026-27. It also adds time, as council has up to 60 days to decide.
The other costs
- Plans. A site plan showing the patio and its distance to each boundary, plus a floor plan and elevations. Many patio companies supply drawings; some leave the site plan to you.
- Engineering. Footing, post and beam details for your wind rating. Usually included by the patio supplier.
- Private building surveyor. Only if you go certified (BA1). Prices vary, so get a quote.
- Bushfire report (BAL). Only if your lot is in a bushfire-prone area and the patio is attached to or near the house.
- Verge or street bond. Some councils, such as Wanneroo, ask for a bond or permit to protect the verge during building.
Is a patio permit worth it?
For a typical patio, the council part costs less than $200. Building without a required permit can lead to fines of up to $50,000, an order to change or remove the patio, and problems when you sell. Approving it afterwards costs more: a building approval certificate is 0.38% of the value plus a surveyor's inspection.
Do you even need one?
Some small patios are exempt. The City of Wanneroo, for example, says a freestanding patio of 10 m² or less and no taller than 2.4 m doesn't need a building permit. Most patios attached to a house do need one. See when a patio needs a permit.