The friendly team at the Customer Care Centre can provide you assistance with a wide variety of City services and information, including:
For information about the location and opening hours click the button below:
The friendly team at the Customer Care Centre can provide assistance with a wide variety of City services and information, including:
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.
Planning Applications:
Health Applications:
Yes, you can update your registration details by contacting the City via email with the information you wish to change.
Please provide all registration details by contacting the City via email with the information you wish to cancel.
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.
If you have forgotten your password or user ID then the e-application login screen will assist you to reset your password.
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.
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:
Planning Applications:
Health Applications:
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.
Yes. Information that is entered for an application is automatically saved. Incomplete applications are able to accessed under “My Applications”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There is no difference between a permit and a licence. Different terms are used due to the introduction of the Building Act 2011.
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.
Please send your request via email.
Please send your request via email.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After searching for a food business in the application search, make sure that you click the blue hyperlink to display all of the information.
If you believe there may be an issue with the information displayed, you may contact the City on 9400 4000.
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.
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.
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.
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:
A building permit application will be required for a carport or garage conversion.
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:
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.
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.
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:
Additional requirements may apply if:
| 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). |
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Carports to multiple dwellings and commercial buildings will require development (planning) approval.
Fees are in accordance with the Planning Services Fees and Charges.
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.
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:
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.
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:
Additional requirements may apply if:
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). |
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A building permit is not required when the patio complies with all of the following:
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).
Lodging your application online is simple and convenient and also allows you to track your application anytime. Planning and Building applications can be lodged and tracked via the City’s new online portal – myJoondalup.
Lodge a New Building or Planning Application
To lodge health applications click on the link below. These applications cannot be tracked online currently, but will be available soon on your myJoondalup portal.
Lodge an Environmental Health Application
The City has launched a new online self-service portal – myJoondalup. If you lodged an application prior to Thursday 21 March 2024, through the old e-applications service portal, it can be tracked by clicking on the button below. This service will eventually be switched off and you will need to contact either Planning Services or Building Services on 9400 4000 to request an update on those applications. New applications lodged after Thursday 21 March 2024, can be tracked via your myJoondalup account.
Track Applications lodged prior to 21 March 2024
View Frequently Asked Questions
Planning applications: Continue reading “Lodge a building, planning or environmental health application online”
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.
Ancillary dwellings must:
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.
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.
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.
DAPs are generally responsible for determining development applications where the cost of development:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
The fee associated with a development application varies depending on the value and type of development proposed.
Planning services schedule of fees
You can lodge a development application via the following methods:
Online applications can be lodged via the City’s myJoondalup portal.
Visit the City of Joondalup Administration Centre, 90 Boas Avenue, Joondalup
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.
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.
A development (planning) application is required for most types of commercial development including:
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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:
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.