If you plan to install a chimney, heating appliance, pizza oven or fire pit, find out when a building permit is required, what standards apply and how to ensure your installation meets safety and smoke management requirements.
Definitions
- Chimney: A masonry structure incorporated into the design of a building and structurally reliant on that building.
- Heating appliance: A solid fuel-burning device with a metal flue used to heat a building. Unlike a chimney, a heating appliance and its flue are standalone and not structurally reliant on a building.
- Fire pit, pizza oven or solid fuel barbeque: Structures used for outdoor recreation associated with a dwelling. Although they may include a masonry flue, they are not considered chimneys unless the flue runs through the roof of a building.
- Building Permit: Formal permission from the City to construct or alter a building, confirming that it meets national safety and design standards.
Construction and smoke management requirements
Although a Building Permit may not be required for a heating appliance, fire pit or pizza oven, these installations must still comply with relevant construction and environmental standards.
Heating appliances must be constructed in accordance with Part 3.10.7.5 of the National Construction Code (NCC) Volume 2, including the flue/chimney termination requirements shown below.
All chimneys must terminate at least 300 mm above the highest part of the building within 3.6 m of the flue outlet.
The top of the chimney is at least 300 mm higher than the highest part of the building within a 3.6 m radius, demonstrating NCC-compliant flue termination height.
Pizza ovens, fire pits and solid-fuel barbeques are not covered by the National Construction Code (NCC) Volume 2, but owners must ensure that smoke emissions are managed to prevent nuisance to neighbours.
How to apply for a permit to install a chimney
A Building Permit is required for any chimney.
A Building Permit is not required for heating appliances or other solid fuel-burning devices (and their associated flues), fire pits, pizza ovens or solid-fuel barbeques.
Although these generally do not need planning approval, Development (Planning) Approval may be required if the structure forms part of a commercial, industrial or non-residential development, or if it does not comply with an existing planning approval. If you’re unsure, contact the City’s Planning Services Team on (08) 9405 5000 before you begin.
You have two ways to apply:
Option 1 – Certified application (BA1 form)
Includes a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3) prepared by a registered private building surveyor.
You will need to complete and submit the following:
- Application for building permit - certified (BA1) form
- Certificate of design compliance (BA3) form and a copy of all referenced documents
- Payment of relevant fees (refer to building fees schedule)
- Development approval (if required)
- Street and verge bond permit application
Option 2 – Uncertified application (BA2 form)
We assess and certify your application as part of our process. You do not need to arrange a private surveyor.
You will need to complete and submit the following:
- Application for Building Permit – Uncertified (BA2) form
- Payment of relevant fees (refer to building fees schedule)
- Site plan drawn at a minimum scale of 1:200, showing the distance the structure will be setback from lot boundaries and any other structures on the lot
- Floor plan, elevations and sections drawn at a minimum scale of 1:100, showing all dimensions
- Construction details showing materials to be used, their respective sizes, spacing and spans
- Connection details to the existing main roof frame and anchorage to footings, including dimensions
- Structural engineer’s details
- Street and verge bond permit application
- Development approval (if required)
Documents to prepare
For detailed information, including the application process, timeframe, and fees, refer to Building Permit page.
How to submit your application
You can submit your Building Permit application:
- Option 1 – Apply online (preferred): Apply through the online lodgement portal.
- Option 2 – In person: With all supporting documentation at the City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm.
- Option 3 – By mail: With all supporting documentation to City of Wanneroo, Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo WA 6946.
Note: A completed BA1 or BA2 form must be uploaded or attached with all submissions.
Fees
Timeframes
- Certified applications: within 10 business days
- Uncertified applications: within 25 business days
If further information is required, you will be contacted. The requested information must be provided within 21 days or within an agreed timeframe.
