Planning

Undertaking most forms of development in the City of Joondalup requires planning approval to be sought, in accordance with the provisions of the City’s District Planning Scheme No. 2, some examples of this are set out below.

Planning approval is required for developments such as:

• Any residential development (alterations and additions) on a strata or grouped dwelling site
• Building Height Envelope Projection on any residential site
• Ancillary Accommodation (Granny Flat)
• Aged or Dependent Person’s Dwelling
• Sign Applications
• masts and antennas (including satellite dishes) where this exceeds the City's Policy. 
• a change of land use from one use to another (for example, from an office to a shop)

Some exemptions to this requirement are set out in the City’s District Planning Scheme No. 2, the most notable of these being a Single House development that complies with all relevant requirements (such as the Residential Design Codes).

Home business activities may also require planning approval. Please refer to the information included under Home Business section.

Application requirements

All applications require the following information and items to be submitted in accordance with the Planning Application Checklist:

• a completed Application for Approval to Commence Development Form - MRS Form 1 or a Codes variation application form. The form must be signed by the owner/s of the property in ink and submitted with the application.
• the planning approval fee
• three copies of a plan at a scale of 1:200 or 1:100 showing:
  • lot boundaries, dimensions, easements, site area and north point
  • carparking areas, including visitor bays and manoeuvring areas
  • vehicle accessways, crossovers, and materials to be used
  • pedestrian walkways
  • verge facilities such as trees, power poles, bus stops, signs etc
  • details of landscaping
  • existing and/or proposed building locations and floor areas with setbacks dimensioned on the plans
  • the position and size of existing services, including sewer and septic tank/leach drain locations
  • fencing
  • ground levels and finished floor levels
  • calculation of open space (courtyard and average) for each unit and total development
  • details of floor levels of buildings on adjoining lots, and the location of building and significant landscaping on adjoining lots
  • elevations of the buildings from the street and all other boundaries

Application process

You will receive a letter acknowledging receipt of your application shortly after submission. This letter is sent after a preliminary check of the application is completed, and as such, may include a request additional information or details. Further information may also be requested by the planning officer as part of a more detailed assessment process.

Whilst most applications are able to be determined by City Officers under delegated authority, applicants are advised that some applications may need to be referred to Council for determination. You will be notified by the planning officer after a full assessment has been completed if your proposal requires determination by Council.

Residential development

The majority of residential developments are required to comply with the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes). However, in certain parts of the City, such as areas subject to Structure Plans or the City Centre, other development standards may apply.

When is planning approval required for single dwellings?

In addition to a building licence, planning approval may also be required for a single house where:

• Council discretion is required under the Residential Design Codes (e.g. reduced setbacks)
• the proposal is not in accordance with either the City’s District Planning Scheme No. 2, a Structure Plan, or a Policy (e.g. height of buildings in residential areas)

The Applicant will also be requested to supply justification for proposed variations to the applicable standards.

When is a codes approval application required?

You may be required to submit a Codes Approval Application Form (instead of an application for approval to commence development – MRS Form 1) for:

• Retaining Wall/fill/excavation
• Front Fences/Walls; and Boundary Walls
• Additions on a green title site (normal residential lot) e.g. garage/carport/patio etc.
• Building Setbacks
• Open Space
• Privacy Setbacks/Cone of Vision (Privacy/Overlooking)
• Outbuildings (Sheds)

Advertising

If you are seeking approval for a development, which seeks variations to the District Planning Scheme No. 2, Residential Design Codes or an agreed Structure Plan, your application may need to be advertised for public comment. This may include the City seeking comments by way of contacting adjoining owners, a sign on the development site, and/or a notice in the local newspaper. The Approvals Officer assessing your application will advise you of any advertising requirements.

Fees

Planning Schedule of Fees
Please note: Fees must accompany applications or they will not be accepted.

For further information please contact the City on 9400 4961.