Customer Care

The friendly team at the Customer Care Centre can provide you assistance with a wide variety of City services and information, including:

Customer Care Centre location and opening hours

For information about the location and opening hours click the button below:

Customer Care Centre

Customer Care Centre

The friendly team at the Customer Care Centre can provide assistance with a wide variety of City services and information, including:

Frequently Asked Questions for lodging a building, planning or environmental health application online

What applications am I able to lodge?

Once you become a registered user within the City of Joondalup you can lodge:

Building Applications:

If you would like to lodge a Building Application please contact the City’s Building Administration team on 9400 4961.

  • Building permit application – certified (BA1)
  • Building permit application – uncertified (BA2)
  • Demolition permit application – BA5
  • Occupancy permit application – BA9
  • Occupancy permit strata application – BA11
  • Building approval certificate application – BA13
  • Building approval certificate strata application – BA15

Planning Applications:

  • Development application
  • Deemed-to-comply Checks
  • Subdivision clearance application
  • Strata application (Form 15A and 15C)
  • Section 40 Certificate (liquor licence)

Health Applications:

  • Food business registration
  • Skin penetration/hairdresser application
  • Trader’s permit application
  • Street market application
  • Food business registration cancellation
  • Public building event application
  • Section 39 Certificate (liquor licence)

I have changed my email address, can I update my registration details?

Yes, you can update your registration details by contacting the City via email with the information you wish to change.

How do I cancel my registration?

Please provide all registration details by contacting the City via email with the information you wish to cancel.

Does the person/company who registers to use e-applications also need to be the applicant?

No. However some correspondence will be sent to the registered users email address once you have submitted your application. This includes receipt of the application being submitted and notification where an incomplete application has not been accepted for processing.

Once an application has been accepted for processing, all correspondence relating to the application (including the invoice) will be sent to the applicants email address.

I have forgotten my password?

If you have forgotten your password or user ID then the e-application login screen will assist you to reset your password.

What should I write in the Customer Reference field?

The Customer Reference field is for your reference only and is for you to identify your application under “My Applications”. Should the application be accepted by the City for processing, a City reference will also be assigned.

How do I know what information I am required to submit for my application?

Depending on what type of application you are submitting to the City, you will find all the information required on the City’s website:

Building Applications:

  • Building permit application – certified (BA1)
  • Building permit application – uncertified (BA2)
  • Demolition permit application – BA5
  • Occupancy permit application – BA9
  • Building approval certificate application – BA13

Planning Applications:

  • Development applications
  • Deemed-to-comply Checks
  • Subdivision clearance applications
  • Section 40 certificate (liquor licence)
  • Deemed-to-Comply Check for Single Houses

Health Applications:

  • Food business registration
  • Skin penetration/hairdresser application
  • Trader’s permit application
  • Street market application
  • Food business registration cancellation
  • Public building event application
  • Section 39 certificate (liquor licence)

I have a document to submit, but it is not in an accepted format – what should I do?

Formats accepted by the City are documents in PDF, JPG or GIF format. A document will need to be converted if it is not in one of these formats.

Can I save a partially complete application and submit it at a later date?

Yes. Information that is entered for an application is automatically saved. Incomplete applications are able to accessed under “My Applications”.

I have submitted an application, where can I review and print what was submitted?

Once you are logged in, you are able to review all of your applications on the “My Applications” page. To view details of what you have submitted, please select “Report” next to the relevant application.

How do I know if my application has been reviewed by the City or if further information is required?

Once you are logged in, you are able to review all of your applications on the “My Applications” page. If an application has been reviewed by the City and there was more information required, your application will appear in the “Incomplete Applications” box. If an application has been reviewed and was accepted, your application will appear in the “Accepted Applications” box.

If your application is returned, an email will also be sent to the registered user advising of why the application was returned.

If your application is accepted, an email will be sent to the applicant identified in the application.

I have lodged an application but it now appears in the Incomplete Application box. Why?

If your application has moved to the “Incomplete Applications” box, it means that the application has been reviewed by the City, but it was found that required information was missing. An email would have been sent to the registered users letting you know what additional information is needed. The application is able to be modified to include this information and resubmitted with the City.

After my application has been submitted, how long before I receive the email providing the invoice and payment method?

You should receive an email within one to two working days of the application being submitted. If you have not received notification, you can check the progress of the application on the “My Applications” page. An accepted application will appear in the “Accepted Applications” box and if more information was needed, your application would appear in the “Incomplete Applications” box.

How long do I have to pay the invoice?

For Building Applications and Development Applications your application will not commence processing until all statutory fees have been paid in full. Upon receiving your invoice you have five business days to pay the invoice. If the invoice is not paid within the timeframe your application may be cancelled and will need to be resubmitted with the City.

Which email address will you send the invoice to?

Should your application be accepted, an email will be sent to the applicant acknowledging receipt of the application with an attached invoice. This email will be sent to the applicant identified on the application form, and may not be the registered users email.

How do I track the progress of my application?

Once your application has been accepted, it will appear in the “Accepted Applications” box. If you select the “track” link, you will be directed to a new page where you can view the progress of your application. Select the relevant “track” tab or the “show all” tab, and you can see each event as the application is progressed. If the “track” tab does not appear, check to ensure that you are still logged in.

Building Application FAQ’s

Why is there a difference between terminology? For example, the following words are used in the Stage Decision for different years – report and works complete, application approved, building permit issued.

Due to changes in different computer programs used over time and with the introduction of the Building Act 2011, there has been the requirement for the terminology used to be changed.

What is the difference between a Permit and a Licence?

There is no difference between a permit and a licence. Different terms are used due to the introduction of the Building Act 2011.

Where do I find more information on a building application for my property?

To obtain further information on a building application, please contact the City on 9400 4961.

Land owners can also submit a request to obtain copies of building plans.

Alternatively complete a Freedom of Information request.

I have a planning application however I can’t find the building application?

Please send your request via email.

What happens if I have a structure on my property that does not show up on this online service.

Please send your request via email.

Planning Applications FAQ’s

Where can I find more information on a planning application?

To obtain further information on a planning application, please contact the City on 9400 4100. To view or obtain a copy of a planning application a Freedom of Information request is required to be lodged with the City. If you are an applicant and have not received a copy of a recent decision, please send your request via email.

I have a building licence/permit for a structure, but do not have a determined planning application?

Most forms of development in the City require planning approval. Some exemptions to this requirement are set out in the City’s Local Planning Scheme No.3 and previous planning schemes, the most notable of these being a Single House development that complies with all relevant requirements (such as the Residential Design Codes).

Depending on the time in which the structure was built there also may not have been the requirement for a planning application to be lodged. Refer to what requires planning approval for current developments that will need approval.

There are multiple entries for a property address?

If your property has been subdivided, multiple property addresses may be displayed. If a decision was issued prior to the subdivision of a property, details of this application could also be displayed on one of the past properties. In some cases, such as with commercial properties, different property addresses are created for tenancies or shop numbers.

A building/planning application is not displaying, or the information displayed appears incorrect?

Only determined applications are displayed in any search result. If you believe that there may be an issue with the information displayed contact the City via email.

How can I tell if a structure on my property has been constructed in accordance with the approvals, including any conditions that may have been imposed?

To determine if a structure has been constructed in accordance with a planning approval (plans and conditions) you will need to obtain a copy of the planning approval. Copies of planning approvals can be obtained by lodging a Freedom of Information request. Land owners can also submit a request to obtain copies of building plans. Fees may be applicable.

Food Business FAQ’s

Why is the food business I’m searching for not displaying?

Only currently registered food businesses are displayed in any search result. If a food business is not being shown, it may not be registered with the City. If you know the food business is operating, please contact the City on 9400 4000. Also double check the spelling or accuracy of the information you have used to search.

I know an inspection was carried out at my food business recently. Why is this date not shown?

Once a new inspection has been completed, it will usually take up to 10 working days for the information to be entered into the City’s system.

Am I able to see the results of the last inspection?

No. Only the date of the most recent inspection is provided. If you require a copy of an inspection report, please contact the City on 9400 4000. If you are not the business owner, a Freedom of Information request would need to be lodged.

I’ve searched for a food business in the search field, but not all of the information is displaying.

After searching for a food business in the application search, make sure that you click the blue hyperlink to display all of the information.

I’ve searched for a registered food business, but I don’t think the information is correct?

If you believe there may be an issue with the information displayed, you may contact the City on 9400 4000.

What does the risk classification of a food business mean?

The risk classification of a food business is a classification given to every food business based on certain criteria including the types of food being prepared and who they are prepared for. The risk classification in no way reflects the status of the food business in terms of food safety.

Metro Outer Joint Development Assessment Panel (MOJDAP)

Development Assessment Panels (DAPs) are created under the Planning and Development Act 2005 and are independent entities answerable to the Minister for Planning and do not sit under the Department of Planning, the Western Australian Planning Commission or the City of Joondalup.

DAPs are responsible for determining development applications where the likely cost of the development exceeds a specified dollar value. For the City of Joondalup, any proposal over $10 million in value would be determined by the DAP. An applicant may also elect for a development with a value of between $2 million and $10 million to be determined by the DAP.

The City of Joondalup representatives on the Metro Outer Joint Development Assessment Panel are appointed by the Minister for Planning for a two year term.

Membership

Members

Alternate Members

 

 

 

Converting a garage to a habitable room (living space)

A carport or garage may be converted to a habitable room (e.g. bedroom, study, living area) if there is sufficient space elsewhere on the property to provide parking in a complying location. It is recommended that the materials and finish of the proposed alteration match with that of the existing dwelling.

Planning requirements

Converting a carport or garage to a habitable room may require development (planning) approval where it does not meet the requirements of the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes), or the Residential Development Local Planning Policy. There may also be different requirements if you are located in an area subject to a structure plan, local development plan, or activity centre plan.

Generally, a conversion will require development (planning) approval where it is:

  • Visible from the street and not of a material or finish that matches the main dwelling
  • Proposed to contain an opening to a habitable room and setback less than 1.5m from a side or rear lot boundary
  • The car parking provided on-site is less than the amount required under the Residential Design Codes. Typically,  two bays are required to be provided.

Building Permit requirements

A building permit application will be required for a carport or garage conversion.

Construction requirements for conversion of a carport or garage to a habitable room

The National Construction Codes – Building Code of Australia (NCC BCA) is a uniform set of technical provisions for the design and construction of buildings and other structures throughout Australia. The goal of the NCC BCA is to achieve acceptable standards of structural sufficiency, safety, health and amenity for the benefit of the community.

Such provisions include the following:

  • The walls of the new addition must maintain a continuous cavity with the existing dwelling
  • The floor to ceiling height must be a minimum of 2.4m
  • Noting that generally, carport floors are constructed without a waterproof membrane or termite barrier, the building permit application must indicate how the proposed works will prevent the ingress of moisture into the new room. The existing slab may need to be drilled to install a termite barrier
  • Natural light and ventilation must be maintained to all existing rooms
  • Hard wired smoke detectors must be installed to protect all existing and proposed bedrooms of the house
  • Applications may also require engineering details
  • Power Meter box – Any existing meter box within the proposed enclosure must be relocated to an external wall.

Building permit application forms (certified or uncertified) are available from the Building Commission.

Certified building permit applications must be accompanied with a Certificate of Design Compliance.

Please refer to the City’s Uncertified Building Application Checklist – Dwelling and Habitable Additions (Class 1a) for information required to be provided with the Building Permit Application (BA2 form).

Fees are in accordance with the Building services fees and charges.

Carport – approval requirements

The Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) define a carport as:

“A roofed structure designed to accommodate one or more motor vehicles, unenclosed except to the extent that it abuts a dwelling or a property boundary on one side, and being without a door unless that door is visually permeable (see through).”

A carport may require a development approval and will require a building permit prior to being constructed.

Planning requirements

On a residential lot, carports will require development (planning) application where it does not meet the requirements of the R-Codes, the City’s Residential Development Local Planning Policy (RDLPP), Development in Housing Opportunity Areas Local Planning Policy (HOALPP), or structure plan (if applicable).

Generally, for a single house or grouped dwelling a development (planning) application is not required for your carport if it complies with the following:

  • Setback the minimum distance from the street boundary for your R-Code density (see table below).
  • Setback the minimum distance from the side boundary for your R-Code density (see table below).
  • The design allows unobstructed views between the dwelling and the street.
  • Where new hardstand areas (e.g. driveway) are being built, 50% of the street setback area is landscaped.

Additional requirements may apply if:

  • For higher dual-density properties, the carport is being built over landscaping or removing trees.
  • The property is within a structure plan area.
  • A new driveway and/or crossover is being constructed, or an existing one modified. In addition to planning requirements, crossovers are required to be constructed in accordance with the City’s Crossover Guidelines.
R-Code Density Minimum Open Space Minimum Carport Street Setback Minimum Side or Rear Setback** Maximum Driveway Width (at the street boundary)
R20 50% Street the house faces: 3m with all buildings having an average street setback of 6m

Other streets (corner property): 1.5m

The carport is required to match the dwelling in respect to materials, roof design, roof pitch and colour and no wider than 60% of the property frontage

Length 10-14m: 1m

Length more than 14m: 1.5m

The total length includes the length of the carport and any attached structures.

6m

or

Where two driveways are proposed, a total width of 9m

R20/25* 50% 5.5m 1m 4.5m
R20/30* 45%
R20/40* 45%
R20/60* 40%
*For properties with a dual-density code (e.g. R20/40) the requirements only apply if the property is developed at the higher density (e.g. R40). If your property has not been built to the higher density, refer to R20 requiremenst.

**A boundary wall (where the wall is setback closer than 600mm to a side or rear boundary) may be permitted where it is behind the street setback and meets the length and height requirements of the R-Codes, RDLPP or HOALPP (as applicable).

Carports to multiple dwellings and commercial buildings will require development (planning) approval.

Fees are in accordance with the Planning Services Fees and Charges.

Building permit requirements

A building permit application will be required for a carport.

Building permit application forms (certified or uncertified) are available from the Building Commission.

Certified building permit applications must be accompanied with a Certificate of Design Compliance.

Please refer to the City’s Uncertified Building Application Checklist – Outbuilding (Class 10a) for information required to be provided with the Building Permit Application (BA2 form).

Fees are in accordance with the Building Services Fees and Charges.

Local housing strategy – building in a housing opportunity area

All buildings proposed at the higher density in Housing Opportunity Areas must be designed having regard to the requirements of the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 3 (LPS3), Development in Housing Opportunity Areas Local Planning Policy and the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes).

It is recommended that a land owner engage the services of a suitably qualified architect, designer or draftsperson to assist in both, designing the development and the approval process.

In order to ensure that developments meet the requirements of the Development in Housing Opportunity Areas Local Planning Policy and R-Codes, a development (planning) approval may include conditions that are required to be met as part of the construction and prior to occupation of the new dwellings.

Conditions specific to development in Housing Opportunity Areas may relate to:

  • Landscaping and designated street tree zones within the verge
  • Landscaping and lighting of common property areas in grouped or multiple dwelling developments
  • Establishing additional visitor parking or on-street car parking
  • Crossover location and design.

Patio – approval requirements

The Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) define a patio as: ‘An unenclosed structure covered in a water impermeable material which may or may not be attached to a dwelling’.

For structures that have roofing that is permeable to water refer to Pergolas, shade sails and vergolas.

A patio may require development (planning) approval or a building permit prior to be being built.

Planning requirements

A patio on a residential property will require a development (planning) application where it does not meet the requirements of the R-Codes, Residential Development Local Planning Policy (RDLPP), Development in Housing Opportunity Areas Local Planning Policy (HOALPP) or structure plan (if applicable).

Generally, for a single house or grouped dwelling a development (planning) application is not required if your patio complies with the following:

  • Open on two or more sides.
  • Setback the minimum distance from the street boundary for your R-Code density (see table below).
  • Where the total height (to the top of the roof) of the patio is no more than 2.7m and setback from a side or rear boundary:
    • Patios up to 10m in length posts to the boundary with the roof/eave 450mm from the boundary; or
    • Patios longer than 10m and/or higher than 2.7m, in accordance with the table below.
  • Where visible from the street, the patio is of a consistent style with the existing house, and compatible with the area.
  • Provides sufficient open space and uncovered outdoor living area for your R-Code density (see table below).

Additional requirements may apply if:

  • The finished ground level of the patio is more than 0.5m above natural ground level (e.g. raised decking).
  • A boundary wall is proposed (solid wall setback closer than 600mm to a side or rear boundary).
  • For higher dual-density properties, the patio is being built over landscaping area or removing trees.
  • The property is within a structure plan area.

All patios to multiple dwellings, commercial developments or caravan parks will require a development (planning) application.

Development (planning) approval is required before a building permit can be issued.

R-Code Density Minimum uncovered outdoor living area Minimum open space Minimum street setback Minimum side or rear setback**
R20 20m² 50% Street house faces: 3m, with all buildings having an average street setback of 6m.

Other streets (corner property): 1.5m

Length greater than 10m but the total length of the patio and any attached structures is no more than 14m: 1m

Length more than 14m: 1.5m

R20/25* 20m² 50% Street house faces: 4m

Other streets (corner property): 2m

1m
R20/30* 16m² 45% Street house faces: 4m

Other streets (corner property): 2m

1m
R20/40* 13.3m² 45% Street house faces: 4m

Other streets (corner property): 2m

1m
R20/60* 10.7m² 40% Street house faces: 4m

Other streets (corner property): 2m

1m
*For properties with a dual-density code (e.g. R20/40) the requirements only apply if the property is developed at the higher density (e.g., R40). If your property has not been built to the higher density, refer to R20 requirements.

**A boundary wall (where the wall is setback closer than 600mm to a side or rear boundary) may be permitted where it is behind the street setback and meets the length and height requirements of the R-Codes, RDLPP or HOALPP (as applicable).

Building permit requirements

A building permit is not required when the patio complies with all of the following:

  • The structure is freestanding.
  • The structure is no more than 10m².
  • The structure is no more than 2.4m in height.

Building permit application forms (certified or uncertified) are available from the Building Commission’s website.

Certified building permit applications must be accompanied with a Certificate of Design Compliance.

Please refer to the City’s Uncertified Building Application Checklist – Patio (Class 10a) for information required to be provided with the building permit application (BA2 form).

Lodge a building, planning or environmental health application online

Lodging your application online is simple and convenient and also allows you to track your application anytime. Building, Planning and Health applications can be lodged and tracked via the City’s new online services portal myJoondalup.

Lodge a New Building, Planning and Health Application

Applications that can be lodged and tracked online via myJoondalup

Planning applications: Continue reading “Lodge a building, planning or environmental health application online”

Ancillary dwelling (granny flats) – approval requirements

The Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) define an ancillary dwelling, also known as a granny flat, as a:

“Self contained dwelling on the same lot as a single house which may be attached to, integrated with or detached from the single house.”

Ancillary dwellings cannot be constructed on the same lot as a grouped dwelling where there is common property.

Planning requirements

Ancillary dwellings must:

  • Be located on the same lot as a single house. The lot area must not be less than 350m² (the City’s Online Maps can be used to determine a lot area);
  • Have a maximum floor area of 70m²;
  • Provide an additional car bay (in addition to car parking provided for the main dwelling) where the property is not within:
    • 800m of a train station, or 250m from a high frequency bus route;
    • For properties with a dual-density code (e.g. R20/40) and built to the higher density, 800m walkable catchment of a train station, or 200m walkable catchment of a high frequency bus route.
  • Comply with all other requirements of the R-Codes and local planning policies which apply to a single house (not including open space), street surveillance and outdoor living areas.
  • Where visible from the street, complement the existing house by way of scale, roof design, detailing, window size, material and colours.

Additional requirements may also apply if the property is located within a structure plan area.

Where the Ancillary Dwelling does not satisfy these requirements (with the exception of being located on the same lot as a single house, which cannot be varied) the applicant may apply for an assessment against the relevant Design Principles of the R-Codes. The City will then review the proposal to determine if it is able to be supported or not.

Please note that it is generally considered by the City that an ancillary dwelling with a plot ratio area of more than 70m² does not meet the Design Principles of the R-Codes.

An ancillary dwelling can be rented out separately to the main house, subject to meeting the definition of dwelling under the Residential Design Codes.

Approval requirements

An Application for Development Approval is required for ancillary dwellings which do not meet the above requirements.

A building permit application is required for all ancillary dwellings.

Development Assessment Panel (DAP)

A Development Assessment Panel (DAP) is an independent decision-making body for some larger scale development (planning) applications. These panels are comprised of technical experts and elected local government representatives.

The DAP for the City of Joondalup is the Metro Outer Joint Development Assessment Panel.

Type of DAP applications

DAPs are generally responsible for determining development applications where the cost of development:

  • is $10 million in value or higher, excluding a warehouse development (mandatory DAP applications).
  • is between $2 million and $10 million (or a warehouse development with a value of $2 million or greater) and an applicant has elected for the DAP to determine the application.
  • for residential development, the proposal includes 10 or more dwellings.

DAP process

It is recommended applicants email Planning Services to arrange a pre-lodgement meeting prior to submitting a DAP application.

Local Governments are responsible for receiving, assessing, and reporting on all DAP applications. Where an application is required to be determined by a DAP the City will forward the application to the DAP secretariat upon receipt, and will then provide a report to the DAP following a technical assessment of the proposal.

Further information on DAPs, their roles and responsibilities and relevant fees are available from the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.

Search decisions on building and planning applications

Development (planning) application – application process

On 18 December 2020, the Planning Regulation Amendment Regulations 2020 were gazetted by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC). These amendments introduce various improvements to local planning processes and the first stage of these changes became operational on 15 February 2021. In the context of development applications, the amendments generally relate to the following:

  • Exemption of small residential developments (such as some patios, water tanks, cubby houses etc),
  • The introduction of a ‘deemed-to-comply’ check process so a preliminary assessment can be undertaken by the local government to determine if planning approval is required for single houses, as well as
  • Removing the need for planning approval for certain change of use applications.

The Regulation amendments will mean some of the City’s processes will change, so people who frequently do business with the City’s Planning Services may find the assessment process different to normal practice. This includes (but not limited to) requiring all of the necessary information up-front as part of the application and the City only sending one ‘request for information’ for non-complex applications to address any issues identified during the assessment.

In addition, some of the City’s policies and information sheets will be superseded by the changes introduced by WAPC. The City is currently in the process of updating the City’s documents, but in the meantime, if any inconsistency exists between the Regulations and City’s information, the Regulations will prevail.

As a result, certain development which currently requires planning approval may be exempt from 15 February 2021. For further information on the specific exemptions under the Amendment Regulations, please visit the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage website or contact the City’s Planning Services on 9400 4000.

Lodgement

Once an application has been lodged with the City it will be checked to ensure all necessary information has been provided. If any further information is required prior to the City accepting the application, the applicant will be notified of the required information.

If your application is considered complete and is accepted, further plans and/or information may need to be requested following a detailed planning assessment prior to the City being able to determine the application.

Acknowledgement of application

If the development (planning) application has been lodged online, or no payment was made at the time of lodgement, an invoice will be emailed to the applicant providing details for payment. The processing of the application will commence once fees have been paid in full.

Following payment of your application fee, an email or letter acknowledging receipt of the application will be sent.

Assessment of application, site visit and consultation

Once an application has been acknowledged, an Urban Planner will assess the application taking into consideration the relevant planning requirements. This includes the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 3 (LPS3), the R-Codes (for residential development), and any relevant structure plans and local planning policies.

It is common for City officers to visit a property during the assessment process. This is to assist in determining the potential impact a proposal may have on the street or adjoining property. Should an inspection be required the City may contact the landowner to arrange a suitable time.

As part of the assessment of an application, the City may need to advertise the application for public comment.

The applicant will be contacted directly if further information or amendments are required after an assessment is undertaken.

Decision on application

Following the application being assessed and resolution of any issues, the decision on the application will be issued. The decision letter and plans will be sent to the applicant.

Most applications are able to be determined by City officers under delegated authority. This generally includes residential applications and minor commercial development. Some applications may need to be referred to Council or the State Government for determination. After a full assessment has been completed the City will notify the applicant if an application requires determination by Council or the State Government.

Timeframe

The City endeavours to process all applications in a timely manner. Depending on the complexity of your application, and if additional information is required during the assessment, the timeframe to process an application will vary.

The City statutory timeframes for the processing of development (planning) applications are:

  • 60 days to determine applications where no consultation is required
  • 90 days if any consultation is required.

These timeframes may be extended in agreement with the applicant.

If a development (planning) application has been lodged online, the progress of the application can be tracked through the City’s eApplication service.

If any application has been lodged in person or via post, please contact the City’s Planning Services for updates. It is recommended that applicants wait four weeks before contacting the City for an update to allow time for your application to be progressed.

To assist the City in processing applications as quickly as possible, it is necessary to ensure all relevant information is provided at the time of lodgement, and additional information required through the assessment is provided promptly.

Development (Planning) application requirements

Amendments to the Residential Design Codes 2024

The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) have released amendments to State Planning Policy 7.3 Residential Design Codes Volume 1 and Volume 2 (R-Codes) that come into effect from Wednesday 10 April 2024. The main amendment is the introduction of Part C of R-Codes Volume 1. Further information on the amended R-Codes is available on the DPLH website

Refer to Amendments to the Residential Design Codes and the Local Planning Framework webpage for more information.

Amendments to Planning Regulations 2020

On 18 December 2020, the Planning Regulation Amendment Regulations 2020 were gazetted by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC). These amendments introduce various improvements to local planning processes and the first stage of these changes became operational on 15 February 2021. In the context of development applications, the amendments generally relate to the following:

  • Exemption of small residential developments (such as some patios, water tanks, cubby houses etc),
  • The introduction of a ‘deemed-to-comply’ check process so a preliminary assessment can be undertaken by the local government to determine if planning approval is required for single houses, as well as
  • Removing the need for planning approval for certain change of use applications.

The Regulation amendments will mean some of the City’s processes will change, so people who frequently do business with the City’s Planning Services may find the assessment process different to normal practise. This includes (but not limited to) requiring all of the necessary information up-front as part of the application and the City only sending one ‘request for information’ for non-complex applications to address any issues identified during the assessment.

In addition, some of the City’s policies and information sheets will be superseded by the changes introduced by WAPC. The City is currently in the process of updating the City’s documents, but in the meantime, if any inconsistency exists between the Regulations and City’s information, the Regulations will prevail.

As a result, certain development which currently requires planning approval may be exempt from 15 February 2021. For further information on the specific exemptions under the Amendment Regulations, please visit the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage website or contact the City’s Planning Services on 9400 4100.

 

The City’s development (planning) application checklists outlines the information required to be provided as part of your application. This generally includes:

In addition to a development application, a building permit may also be required.

Fees

The fee associated with a development application varies depending on the value and type of development proposed.

Planning services schedule of fees

Lodgement

You can lodge a development application via the following methods:

Online

Online applications can be lodged via the City’s myJoondalup portal.

In person

Visit the City of Joondalup Administration Centre, 90 Boas Avenue, Joondalup

By post

Post your application to the City at PO Box 21, Joondalup WA 6919.

To assist in enabling the City to process applications as quickly as possible it is necessary to ensure all relevant information is provided at the time of lodgement, and additional information required through the assessment is provided promptly.

Prior to the application being accepted by the City it will be checked to ensure all necessary information has been provided. If any further information is required prior to the City accepting the application, the applicant will be notified of the required information.

If your application is considered complete and is accepted, further plans and/or information may need to be requested following a detailed planning assessment prior to the City being able to determine the application.

Development (planning) application – what requires approval

A development application is an application made under the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 3 (LPS3), and is required for most forms of development. If approval is required, it must be obtained before starting any work.

The purpose of lodging an application for development approval is for the City to assess your proposal to ensure that it meets the requirements of Local Planning Scheme No. 3, and any applicable activity centre plans, structure plans, local development plans, and state and local planning policies.

In addition to an application for development approval, a building permit or environmental health approval may also be required.

Residential development

  • Some minor structures to a single house and grouped dwelling development may require approval, depending on where it is to be built. Further information on approval requirements for specific building types is available:
    • Patio
    • Outbuilding (shed)
    • Carport
    • Retaining walls
    • Street walls and fences
    • Garages
    • Ancillary dwellings (granny flats)
  • A single house (a newhouse or building works on green title lot or strata lot with no common property) requires approval where the development meets the planning requirements of LPS3, deemed-to-comply provisions of the Residential Design Codes or the replacement requirements of the City’s Residential Development Local Planning Policy, Development in Housing Opportunity Areas Local Planning Policy, a requirement of an applicable structure plan or other local planning policy.
  • Grouped dwelling (house on a strata lot with common property, or more than one house on a lot) or associated development requires approval where the development is:
    • a new grouped dwelling(s);
    • a carport, garage, boundary wall/fence, retaining wall, pergola, veranda, or external fixture associated with an existing grouped dwelling that does not satisfy the LPS3, deemed-to-comply provisions of the R-Codes, the City’s Residential Development Local Planning Policy, Development in Housing Opportunity Areas Local Planning Policy, or a requirement of an applicable structure plan or other local planning policy; or
    • is located in a bushfire prone area.
  • Multiple dwellings (apartments) and any associated development requires approval.

Commercial development

A development (planning) application is required for most types of commercial development including:

  • Construction of and additions to non-residential buildings.
  • Home Business
  • Short-term Accommodation, including bed and breakfast, holiday house and other holiday accommodation.
  • External signage where it does not meet the requirements of the City’s Advertisements Local Planning Policy.
  • Alfresco activities in public land where it does not meet the requirements of the City’s Alfresco Activities Local Planning Policy.
  • Changing a land use of a commercial building or tenancy, except where:
    • the land use is Permitted (P) in the zone where the building or tenancy is located; or
    • the land uses listed in the table below is Discretionary (D) in a commercial, mixed use or centre zone, meets the corresponding conditions, and there are no externa building works proposed that otherwise requires development approval.
Land Use Condition
Shop Net lettable area is no more than 300m²
Restaurant/Café Net lettable area is no more than 300m²
Convenience store Store is not used for the sale of petroleum products
Consulting rooms No more than 60% of the glass surface of any window on the ground floor of the consulting room is obscured glass
Office Office is not located on the ground floor of a building
Liquor store – small N/A

 

 

 

When is a building permit required?

A building permit application is an application made under the Building Act 2011 and Building Regulations 2012, and is required for most forms of building work.

A building permit application enables the City to ensure your proposal meets the requirements of the National Construction Code Building Code of Australia (NCC BCA), and relevant Australian Standards.

Further information can be found on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website.

When to lodge a building permit application

In most instances all types of building work will require a building permit. For works that don’t require a building permit, please refer to the list of exempted works as outlined in the Building Regulations 2012 Schedule 4 clause 2.

Commercial

In most instances a building permit will be required on commercial properties when a new building is being constructed, there are alterations and/or additions to existing buildings, new fitouts to existing buildings and miscellaneous structures such as patios, pergolas, signs etc occur on site.

A shop fitout may be exempt from requiring a building permit. Please refer to the list of exempted works as outlined in the Building Regulations 2012 Schedule 4 clause 2.

Development (planning) application – public comment

The City encourages land owners and/or applicants to discuss proposals with neighbours that may be affected by a development before submitting an application.

It is strongly recommended that an application includes comments and signed plans from the owner(s) and occupier(s) of adjoining lot(s) if the proposed development has the potential to impact on surrounding properties. This will assist in minimising the amount of time taken to process an application.

If neighbour comments have not been received with an application and there is the potential to have an impact, the City may need to advertise for public comment.

Once an application has been lodged and a preliminary assessment undertaken, the City will advise the applicant of any consultation requirements.

Consultation process

Consultation for residential development generally consists of a letter to adjoining land owner(s)/occupier(s) notifying of the development and providing 14 days to view the development plans on the City’s website via the Community Consultation page. Hard copy plans are available at the City’s Administration Building upon request.

Larger developments may also need to be advertised by way of a sign on the development site, and/or a notice in the local newspaper and website. Costs associated with putting a sign on site and/or notice in newspaper are paid for by the applicant.

Building plan enquiries

A City officer is available in person and by phone to answer general enquiries between 8.30am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

The City can provide general advice on planning and building matters. This includes advice on:

  • What planning and building requirements need to be considered
  • Application requirements.

For detailed advice on your building plans it is recommended you consult with a builder, architect, planning consultant or draftsperson.

For large scale residential and commercial developments it is recommended you contact Planning Services to make an appointment to discuss plans before lodging.