Development Assessment Panel Applications
Development Assessment Panel Applications
Two types of applications may be determined by the Development Assessment Panel (DAP).
Mandatory DAP Applications
Mandatory DAP Applications must in all circumstances be determined by the relevant DAP. The regulations state that a Mandatory DAP application is any application with an estimated cost of equal to or more than $7 million ($15 million in the City of Perth), and is not for:
- the construction of a single dwelling;
- the construction of less than ten grouped dwellings or multiple dwellings; or
- the construction of carports, patios, outbuildings or any incidental development.
As such, the relevant DAP will determine the Mandatory DAP Application instead of the relevant local government and/or the Western Australian Planning Commission. Applicants will be required to pay the extra DAP determination fee at the time that such an application is lodged with the relevant local government.
Optional DAP Applications
Optional DAP Applications are applications that must be determined by a DAP if the applicant has chosen the DAP as the relevant decision-maker. The regulations state that an Optional DAP Application is an application with the following characteristics:
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the value of the development applied for has an estimated cost between $3 and $7 million (or between $10 and $15 million in the City of Perth);
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the development applied for is not the construction of a single dwelling, less than ten grouped dwellings or multiple dwellings, carports, patios, outbuildings or associated incidental development; and
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the applicant has elected to have the relevant DAP determine the application.
This means that an applicant will have the ability to choose to “opt-in” to the DAP process if their application fits within the optional DAP application category. Where the applicant has elected to “opt-in”, the relevant DAP will determine the application instead of the relevant local government and/or the Western Australian Planning Commission. Applicants will be required to pay the extra DAP determination fee at the time that such an application is lodged with the relevant local government.
If an applicant chooses not to opt-in to the DAP process, then that application will be determined by the relevant local government (and the Western Australian Planning Commission if applicable) in accordance with existing delegation arrangements.
The DAP Regulations also allow for Minor Amendment applications. An applicant can make a minor amendment application to the DAP to request any development approval, and any conditions of approval, be amended or cancelled. A minor amendment application attracts a fee of $150. A minor amendment application is otherwise lodged with the relevant local government and dealt with in much the same way as ordinary DAP applications. However, a minor amendment application can only be made to vary the decision of the DAP; a minor amendment application cannot be made to amend the previous decision of a local government or Western Australian Planning Commission.
The City requests that applicants intending to lodge an application that will require DAP consideration please meet with appropriate staff prior to submission, to ensure all required detail is provided.
