Effective from 12 June 2007 Council will be outsourcing its building certification services.  Applications for Building Work will be assessed, approved and inspected by Geoff Mitchell & Associates on Council's behalf.  To view the Geoff Mitchell & Associates website see the link below.

If you intend to lodge a Development Application for Building Work it is simply a matter of leaving the application at Council's offices, 64-66 Front Street, Mossman which will be forwarded to Geoff Mitchell & Associates.

Application packages including fees and charges are available by phoning 4099 9440 or collecting in person from Council's Administration Centre.

The Building Services Section administers and regulates State Acts, Regulations and local laws pertaining to building and associated work in the Douglas Shire. The regulatory functions of the Building Services are:-

         Preparation and execution of warrants

         Preparation and issue of Show Cause Notices

         Preparation of Enforcement Notices

         Preparation of briefs to Council?s legal advisers

         Court appearances for legal matters

         Assessment and Inspection of budget accommodation premises

The Building Services Section issues numerous Certificates and Compliance Notices in regards to Domestic and Commercial Development with the Shire, such as:-

        Issuing extraordinary traffic permits for building relocations

        Assessing removal dwellings for their amenity and aesthetics impact

        Issuing temporary accommodation permits

        Issuing approvals for construction hoardings

Numerous search requests can be obtained through this section, as well as guides and forms that have been produced primarily for the convenience of the public. Under the link of Building Guides & Forms you will find information on Energy Efficiency, Pool Fencing Guidelines, Temporary Accommodation and the required applications forms A & B. When deciding to build within the Douglas Shire it is imperative that you seek assistance in determining the zoning of your property to ensure that Planning Approval is not required. The most common problem associated with building approval is not having the appropriate Planning Approvals in place prior to the submission of a Building Application.

Statistics

Douglas Shire Council does not provide statistical information. Statistics can be obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics at http://www.abs.gov.au/ 

Changes to Legislation

As legislation continually changes, the Building Services Section has endeavoured to provide up to date information. For access to legislation changes that may impact on your development go to the "Press Releases" link in the Building Services Section Website.