Subdivision

Subdivision is the division of land into smaller lots and/or amalgamation of several lots into one larger lot.

The potential to subdivide a lot is based on the size of the land and density code (R-Code) that is applied to the land. You can determine the density code and zoning of a property using the City’s Online Maps.

In addition to meeting the lot size requirements, consideration also needs to be given to:

  • The requirements of state planning policies (principally the R-Codes) and development control policies. These requirements are set by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC).
  • The requirements of local planning policies, primarily the Residential Development Local Planning Policy.
  • The shape of the lot and whether or not an existing dwelling is to be retained or removed to facilitate a subdivision.

Application requirements and process

All applications for subdivision (including amalgamation, boundary realignment, strata, survey strata and green title subdivision) are lodged directly to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage. Application forms, fees and further information on the subdivision process can be obtained from the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, including a subdivision process flow chart.

Applications for subdivision are determined by the WAPC.

The City’s role in the subdivision process is to provide the WAPC with a recommendation on a particular subdivision application, and then confirm that any conditions relevant to the Local Government that are applied to an approval have been met by the applicant (known as a subdivision clearance).

Please note that the City is unable to provide advice on the design of a subdivision and cannot advise whether a subdivision proposal is likely to be supported.

Further information

The Subdivision and Subdivision Clearance Application factsheet provides further information on subdivision requirements and the process.

Subdividing or developing in a Housing Opportunity Area is subject to additional requirements. Please refer to Building in a housing opportunity area for further information.

A suitably qualified licensed land surveyor, planning or subdivision consultant can assist with providing further advice on subdividing your property.

Subdivision – clearance of subdivision conditions

The approval of a subdivision application will usually be subject to conditions that are required to be met (or cleared) prior to lodging your plan for final approval from the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) and applying for new titles.

New building work (for example, retaining walls greater than 500mm) or demolition that is required as part of a subdivision may also require other approvals before doing any work. This may include:

A subdivision clearance application must only be lodged once all work has been completed to meet the conditions of subdivision approval.

Application requirements

You are required to lodge an application for clearance from the City for the conditions noted as ‘Local Government’. The application must include:

  • Completed Subdivision Clearance Checklist.
  • One copy of the Deposited Plan/Survey Strata Plan.
  • Supporting information (e.g. photos, compaction certifications, issue of building permits) to demonstrate how each condition has been met.
  • Where applicable, evidence that any required notifications under section 70A or restrictive covenants under section 129BA of the Transfer of Land Act 1893 have been lodged with Landgate.
  • Clearance application fee. Refer to the Planning Schedule of Fees

Please note that, should the information submitted be incomplete or incorrect, or evidence of how conditions have been fulfilled not be provided, the application will not be accepted.

Lodgement

You can lodge an application for subdivision clearance:

Online

Lodge your application

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