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Building, Plumbing, Drainage Approval Forms & Conditions.

Minor Building Works Application Form

Minor Building Application Form

Use this form to notify Nhulunbuy Corporation of minor, exempt building works that meet all Building Note 114 (BN114) criteria, such as small sheds, shade structures, decks, fences, retaining walls and similar non-habitable structures that do not require a Building Permit.

Building Note 114

Nhulunbuy Corporation administers building and development approvals in accordance with Northern Territory legislation, the National Construction Code and Building Note 114. Building Note 114 determines which minor Class 10 structures are exempt from building permits, while all other building work is assessed by Nhulunbuy Corporation against NT building control requirements, cyclone design standards and local development policies to ensure safe and compliant development within the township and industrial estate.

Application for Building, Plumbing and Drainage Approval

Building Application Form

Use this form to apply for approval of building, plumbing or drainage work in Nhulunbuy, including new buildings, additions, renovations, demolition or commercial projects, and to provide the plans, certifications and supporting documentation needed for assessment and permit approval.

Water & Sewer Connection Form

Water & Sewer Connection Form

Use this form to apply for a new, upgraded, modified or disconnected water and/or sewer connection, and to provide the technical, plumbing and servicing details required for approval by Nhulunbuy Corporation.

Planning, Development, Building and Demolition Conditions

Planning, Development, Building and Demolition Conditions

This document outlines the standard planning, development, building and demolition requirements, permit conditions, construction standards and compliance obligations that must be followed for approved works within the Nhulunbuy Corporation (NC) township and industrial areas.

Planning and Development Approval Forms

Application for Development Permit

Application for Development Form

Use this form to apply for a from for proposed land use, building, subdivision or operational works, and to provide the plans, reports, owner consent and supporting documentation needed to assess the development.

New Developments / Building Projects - Electricity Connection Forms

New Power Connection in a Non-Operational Area FRM ENG 070

Use this form to apply for approval of a new electrical connection or electrical load associated with a development in a non-operational area connected to the power distribution network before any energisation can occur.

Electrical Energisation Approval - Town and Non Operational Area FRM ENG 171

Use this form to request approval to energise a new electrical connection to the Rio Tinto Gove power distribution network in town or non-operational areas after the connection has been approved and an NT Certificate of Compliance has been obtained.

Fees & Charges

Planning and Development

Inspection Fees
Cost
GST
Sub-lease transfer residential (initial inspection and report, follow up inspection as required)
$829.00
Y
Sub-lease transfer industrial (initial inspection and report, follow up inspection as required)
$829.00
Y
Shipping Container Permit Application (Temporary)
$162.00
Y
Subsequent Residential Building Inspection fee
$237.00
Y
Subsequent Industrial / commercial Building Inspection fee
$237.00
Y
Development Application
Cost
GST
Works valued $5,000 or less
POA
Y
Works valued $5,001 to $50,000
POA
Y
Works valued $50,001 to $1 million
POA
Y
Works valued over $1 million
POA
Y
Variation of Development Permit Application Fee & Additional Charges

Request for Variation advice / inspection  (hourly rate also applicable, determined on application)

10% of original 2026 Application fee or $185.00 Minimum
POA (hourly rate)
Y
Retrospective Development Application - after works done
Double above
Y
Development Application - other
Cost
GST
Subdivision - with new road
$1,184.00
Y
Plus price per lot
$592.00
Y
Subdivision or Consolidation of lots
$1,184.00
Y
Plus price per lot
$237.00
Y
Performance bond BA Group
POA
N
Activity approvals
Cost
GST
Sewer approval to connect (including one inspection by Nhulunbuy Corporation plumber)
$829.00
Y
Plumbing and drainage inspections
$355.00
Y
Excavation permit
$237.00
Y
Development Application document - search and supply
Cost
GST
Development Application files
$177.00
Y
Building Application (BA)
Cost
GST
Minor Works Permit

Subject to application review and approval by NC Authorised Officer.

$83.00
Y
Group 1
$275.00
Y
Group 2 (car ports, patios, pergolas, garden sheds & minor building additions)
$411.00
Y
Group 3 (residential dwellings & major additions) Certified

Plus square metre charge group 3

$823.00
$2.00 per square metre
Y
Group 4 (industrial & commercial buildings additions) Certified

Plus square metre charge group 4

$1098.00
$4.00 per square metre
Y
Headworks/Kerb bond BA Group 3 & 4
POA
N
Infrastructure Charges
POA
N
Variation of Building Permit Application Fee & Additional Charges

Request for variation advice / inspection (hourly rate also applicable, determined on application)

10% of original 2026 Application fee or $185.00 Minimum
POA (hourly rate)
Y
Retrospective BA (application after works done)
Double Above
Y
Issue Occupancy / Certificate of Completion
$301.00
Y
Additional Inspections
$275.00
Y
Demolition Applications
Cost
GST
Group 3 Demolition Permit (residential dwellings)
$823.00
Y
Group 4 Demolition Permit (industrial and commercial buildings)
$1098.00
Y
Pool & Spa Compliance
Cost
GST
Pool & Spa Safety Certification Application
$323.00
Y
Pool & Spa Inspection Fee
$275.00
Y
Consultancy Fees
$323.00
Y

Nhulunbuy and the Industrial Estate are not covered by the Northern Territory Development Scheme or the Northern Territory Building Act. As such, the Nhulunbuy Corporation administers building and development applications to ensure that they are in line with the requirements of the Special Purpose Leases.

The Nhulunbuy Corporation's Chief Executive Officer ensures that all applications are compliant with the Corporations requirements and the National Construction Code of Australia (NCC) incorporating the latest Building Code of Australia (BCA).

The objective of the NCC and BCA is to ensure acceptable standards of structural sufficiency, fire safety, health and amenity are maintained in all building work. Nhulunbuy is in Cyclone region “C”, terrain category 2.5 minimum and there are specific appendices in the BCA which refer to the requirements for building in this area.

The function of the Chief Executive Officer in administering and enforcing building regulations is to avert or at least minimise the risk of danger to health and safety from sub-standard building work.

The Chief Executive Officer is available to answer any building related questions on (08) 8939 2200.

Building Permits and Applications

Every applicant intending to construct a building, alter, add to, repair or underpin, demolish or remove an existing building should obtain a permit before commencing that work, and should refer to the application checklist which outlines the general requirements for each type of application.

A building permit sets conditions on the construction, demolition or alteration of a building. It details your building work and states that your plans are lawful before construction begins. Check the Type of Building Works sheet Guidelines to see if you need a building permit for your project.

Applications for a Development, Building or Demolition Permit can be found under forms. Costs associated with these permits are outlined in the Nhulunbuy Corporations Schedule of Fees and Charges.

Demolition of Structures

Demolition of any building or part of any building requires Demolition Approval from Nhulunbuy Corporations Development & Compliance Officer. This includes the demolition of houses, sheds, garages and commercial buildings.

Construction, replacement or removal of fencing

Please see the following flowchart for information on which permit is required to conduct works on or replace existing fencing.

Shipping Containers

Shipping containers may only be permanently placed on a property in Nhulunbuy as an approved structure by way of a Building Application.

Temporary placement permits can be granted for a maximum period of 14 days to allow for removal deliveries and uplifts.

Pools and spas

As a swimming pool or spa owner, you are responsible for the safety of all persons who may have access to your property. Many drownings occur in swimming pools and spas and you should never take your eyes off your children in and around pools or spas. If you have a swimming pool or spa, you need to provide a safety barrier to restrict access.  Tenants also have a responsibility to ensure pools and spas are kept safe.

Nhulunbuy and the Industrial Estate are not governed by the Northern Territory Swimming Pool Safety Act. The Nhulunbuy Corporation has therefore adopted the Australian Standard AS1926.1 as the benchmark for all applications related to swimming pools.  The definition for a swimming pool is ‘any structure containing water to a depth greater than 300mm and used primarily for swimming, wading, paddling or the like, including a bathing or wading pool, or spa pool’.

If you wish to construct a structure which can be defined as a swimming pool you will need to complete a Building Application. Please contact the Chief Executive Officer on (08) 8939 2200 for more information.

Shade sails

For determination on whether a shade sail installation requires a Building permit, please contact the Chief Executive Officer on (08) 8939 2200.

Nhulunbuy and the Industrial Estate are not covered by the Northern Territory Development Scheme or the Northern Territory Building Act.