Perth Accessibility Standards - City Bylaws

Housing and Building Standards Western Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia embeds accessibility into planning, public facilities and building approvals through a mix of city strategies, state building laws and national accessibility standards. This guide summarises how the City of Perth approaches access and inclusion, how to report barriers, the enforcement routes, and practical steps for property owners, builders and community groups to comply with accessibility expectations.

If you discover an accessibility barrier in the public realm, report it to the City of Perth promptly.

Overview of standards and applying instruments

The City of Perth implements accessibility objectives via its Access and Inclusion planning documents and through its planning and building approval processes. Developers and building owners must also follow the National Construction Code and Australian Standards (for example AS 1428 series) where applicable. For specific municipal requirements, the City’s planning and building sections and its access planning documents set local priorities and actions.

  • City access planning and strategy documents guide public infrastructure works and service delivery.
  • Building approvals and compliance processes apply where physical works alter access to premises.
  • Australian Standards and the National Construction Code inform technical design requirements.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Perth enforces local bylaws, public realm maintenance obligations and planning/building approvals through its compliance teams. Where work or obstructions affect access, the City may issue notices, require remedial action or refer matters to the State building regulator or courts depending on the matter type. Fine amounts and specific monetary penalties are not specified on the cited City reporting page for general accessibility issues[1].

Enforcement can include orders to fix works and removal of unauthorised obstructions.
  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; check the specific bylaw or building order for amounts.[1]
  • Escalation: first notices followed by penalty notices or legal action for continuing offences where applicable; specific escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: remedial directions, stop-work or compliance orders and court action.
  • Enforcers: City of Perth Compliance/By-law officers and the City’s Planning & Building officers; report issues via the City reporting page.[1]
  • Appeal/review: council review, administrative review or appeal to relevant tribunals or courts — time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited page and depend on the notice or order issued.[1]
  • Defences/discretion: the City may accept permits, approved variances or ‘‘reasonable excuse’’ defences where authorised; specifics are not specified on the cited page.[1]

Applications & Forms

For building works that affect access, lodge a Building Permit or development application through the City’s planning and building pathways. The City publishes forms and fee schedules on its Building and Planning pages; for general public-realm accessibility complaints use the City’s report/complaint form.[1]

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Blocked or obstructed footpaths and access ramps — remedial order to clear obstruction.
  • Unauthorised works that change access routes — stop-work notices and requirement to restore access.
  • Failure to provide or maintain accessible parking bays — rectification notices or penalties under local parking bylaws.
Always keep documentation of permits and communications when responding to a compliance notice.

Action steps for owners, builders and community members

  • Before work: check City of Perth planning and building requirements and relevant Australian Standards.
  • Apply: submit building permits or development applications as required by the City.
  • Report: if you find a public accessibility issue, report it to the City via its reporting page[1].
  • Appeal: follow the review and appeal pathway stated on any compliance notice; act within the stated time limits on the notice.

FAQ

How do I report an accessibility barrier in a public street or park?
Use the City of Perth report an issue process; provide photos, exact location and contact details so the compliance team can investigate.[1]
Do I need a building permit to install an accessible ramp at my business?
Most structural changes that affect entrances require a building permit; consult the City of Perth planning and building pages for application requirements and fees.
What standards apply to accessible design in Perth?
Designers commonly follow the National Construction Code and the AS 1428 series for access; local planning or access plans may add project-specific requirements.

How-To

  1. Identify the issue: note location, describe the barrier, and take clear photos.
  2. Prepare details: record dates, contact details and any risk to public safety.
  3. Report to the City: use the City of Perth online report form or contact the Compliance team.[1]
  4. Follow up: retain reference numbers and respond to City requests for further information.

Key Takeaways

  • City planning documents and state/national codes together shape local accessibility obligations.
  • Report public-access issues to the City promptly to trigger investigation and remediation.
  • Obtain required permits for building works that change access to avoid compliance action.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth - Report an issue

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