Public Buildings
A “public building” is defined under the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911 as:
- a building or place or part of a building or place where persons may assemble for
- civic, theatrical, social, political or religious purposes
- educational purposes
- entertainment, recreational or sporting purposes
- business purposes; and
- any building, structure, tent, gallery, enclosure, platform or other place or any part of a building, structure, tent, gallery, enclosure, platform or other place in or on which numbers of persons are usually or occasionally assembled.
Typical examples are pubs, nightclubs, small bars, theatres and cinemas, training centres and private schools. Public events are also classed as public buildings.
Environmental Health Officers are responsible for the approval and regular assessment of all public buildings under the Health (Public Buildings) Regulations 1992. They are issued a capacity certificate determined by the floors area, exits and toilet numbers.
Some public buildings are subject to a building permit, and they are therefore assessed under the National Construction Code as well as the Health (Public Buildings) Regulations 1992.
Application Process
If you are considering opening a premises that may be classed as a public building refer to the Start your business - City approvals and permits webpage first as this covers all planning, building and health information.
Health Services also has public building guidelines which can be downloaded below.
Application forms can also be downloaded below, but first speak to an Environmental Health Officer to discuss your proposal.
Licensed Premises
Should you have queries regarding a liquor or gaming licence in a public building, please contact the Department Local Government, Sporting and Cultural Industries - Racing, Gaming and Liquor .
Public Events
Some public events may require public building approval. If directed by an Environmental Health Officer, please download and complete the relevant forms below.
For more information on public events in the City, please visit the Events and Festivals webpage.
Smoking restrictions in outdoor eating areas - Factsheet for businesses
Did you know that smoking is prohibited in an outdoor eating area (for example restaurants, cafes, delis, lunch-bars and other food outlets) in Western Australia unless the area is designated as a smoking zone. Smoking is also not permitted within five metres of a public entrance to an enclosed public place, or within ten metres of air conditioning intakes.
Food and beverage businesses in the City of Vincent are required to comply with the provisions of the Tobacco Products Control Regulations 2006 and reduce community exposure to second-hand smoke.
This fact sheet will assist businesses to comply with State tobacco legislation along with signage required, enforcement and how a business can go totally smoke-free!
Smoking restrictions in outdoor eating areas - Factsheet for Businesses
Resources
Guidelines for Public Buildings
Public Building Account Details Form
Public Building Form 1 - Application to construct, extend or alter a public building
Public Building Form 2 - Application for certificate of approval
Public Building Form 3 - Application for variation of certificate of approval
Public Building Form 5 - Certificate of electrical compliance
Advice of Structures Form (Greater than 9m2)
Certificate of Structures Form (Greater than 55m2)
More Information
Contact Health Services 9273 6533 or mail@vincent.wa.gov.au