Perth Bylaws - Business Utility Connection Fees

Perth, Western Australia businesses must follow multiple authority rules when arranging new utility connections or upgrades. Depending on the service—water, sewer, electricity, gas, or works on the road verge—applications, inspections and fees are handled by different agencies and by local council approvals. This guide explains who enforces connection fees, how to apply, typical compliance steps, and where to find official forms and contacts for Perth businesses.

Overview of who charges and approves connections

Businesses usually pay connection fees to the utility provider (for example, water or electricity) and may also need council permits for on-street works, verge reinstatement or building approvals. Applications often require plans, asset-location details and payment of quoted fees before works commence.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility is split: utilities enforce their service agreements and technical standards; the City of Perth enforces local bylaws about works in public places, verge reinstatement and approvals for excavations. Penalties, escalation and non-monetary sanctions depend on the controlling instrument and are described on each authority page below.

• Monetary fines: specific fine amounts for unauthorised works or breaches are not consistently listed on the public pages cited here; where amounts are not shown, the site is cited as "not specified on the cited page".
• Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence procedures are handled under each agency’s enforcement policy; ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
• Non-monetary sanctions: order to restore or reinstate verge or public infrastructure, suspension of approvals, stopping works, or court action are possible remedies noted by local authorities and utilities.
• Enforcer and inspection: City of Perth By-law Enforcement and the relevant utility provider carry out inspections and issue notices or orders; contact details are listed in Help and Support / Resources below.
• Appeals and review: appeal routes depend on the instrument (e.g., council review, utility internal review, or tribunal/court); specific time limits for lodging appeals are not specified on the cited pages.

Applications & Forms

Applications vary by service:

• Water and sewer connection applications and developer information are administered by Water Corporation; specific standard form names and published fee tables are referenced on the Water Corporation site but detailed fee line items are not specified on the cited page.^[2]
• Electricity network connection applications and technical application forms are managed by Western Power; the connection process and application steps are described on their site, but exact fee amounts may be provided as a quote during application rather than a fixed table on the public page. ^[3]
• Works on the road verge, crossovers and public-realm permits are administered by the City of Perth; the council page explains when approvals are required but does not list every application form name and fee in a consolidated table on the cited page. ^[1]

How enforcement typically proceeds

• Inspection or complaint triggers investigation by the relevant agency.
• If unauthorised works are found, agencies may issue a remedial order and an infringement or require restoration works.
• Fees and charges for restoration or reconnection are applied per the utility or council schedule; where fees are not listed on the cited pages they are noted as "not specified on the cited page".
• Ongoing non-compliance can lead to prosecution in the Magistrates Court or civil enforcement.

Common violations and typical outcomes

• Undertaking verge excavation without a council permit — likely order to reinstate and potential fine (amount not specified on the cited page).
• Connecting electrical supply without an approved Western Power connection — works stopped and remedial directions issued.
• Failing to arrange sewer/water connections or payment of developer charges when required — utility may refuse service until obligations are met.

Action steps for businesses

• Confirm which utilities and council permits apply to your site early in project planning.
• Submit connection applications to the relevant utility and obtain written approvals before works.
• Pay quoted fees or developer charges as required to avoid delays.
• If you receive a notice, contact the issuing agency immediately to arrange rectification or an appeal.

FAQ

Who do I pay for a new water connection?

Pay the Water Corporation; applications and developer guidance are on the Water Corporation business pages.^[2]

Do I need council approval to dig on the verge?

Yes — in Perth you generally need council approval for verge works and reinstatement; contact the City of Perth for permit requirements.^[1]

How do I apply for an electricity connection?

Apply to Western Power for network connection; the connection process and forms are on the Western Power site.^[3]

How-To

1. Identify all required connections and council permits for your site and development type.
2. Contact the utility providers to request a formal quote or connection application pack.
3. Prepare and submit technical plans, any required engineering details and the application form to each provider or council.
4. Pay the invoice or quoted connection fee and schedule any inspected works with the approving authority.
5. Complete works, arrange council or utility inspections, and obtain final sign-off before occupying or energising services.

Key Takeaways

• Multiple authorities: utilities plus City of Perth approvals may all apply.
• Apply early: processing and inspections take time.
• Non-compliance risks orders, fines or court action; act promptly on notices.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Perth - Contact and service pages
• Water Corporation - Contact and developer enquiries
• Western Power - Contact us
• Western Australia Local Government Directory

1. [1] City of Perth - Planning & Building
2. [2] Water Corporation - Business & Developer information
3. [3] Western Power - Connection process