Planning
Planning covers both the use of land and its development. Planning rules decide what you can build on a property, what you can use it for, and what approvals you need first. In Western Australia, those rules come from the local planning scheme, the R-Codes and local planning policies.
What a town planner does
A town planner works out which planning controls apply to a property, whether a proposal meets them, and how to get approval where it does not. That can mean preparing an application, explaining a variation, or advising early on whether an idea is realistic.
How Saltbush Planning can help
Saltbush Planning works with homeowners, builders and developers on residential projects. Services include development applications, use applications, subdivision, compliance assessments, due diligence before purchase, and planning justification letters.
The development approval process
1Check the planning framework
Zoning, R-Code, local planning scheme and policies, structure plans, heritage and bushfire. PlanWA and the council's website are good starting points.
2Design and early advice
Concept plans checked against the R-Codes and local policies. A pre-lodgement meeting with the council can flag issues early.
Does it need development approval?
NOExempt
Usually a single house that meets every deemed-to-comply requirement, with no heritage or other special controls. You can ask the council to confirm this in writing within 14 days. Then go straight to the building process.
YESDevelopment application needed
Continue with the steps below.
3Prepare the application
Application form signed by the owner, plans, a planning report or justification for any variations, and the application fee.
4Lodge
With the local government. Larger projects may be decided by a Development Assessment Panel.
5Assessment
Checked against the scheme, R-Codes and local policies. Referred to agencies where needed, such as for bushfire, heritage, roads or water.
More information
The council may ask for more details or changes. A quick reply keeps things moving.
6Advertising, if required
Neighbours and others may be invited to comment, usually for 14 days, where the proposal varies the requirements or the scheme requires it.
7Decision
Made by council officers, a council meeting or a Development Assessment Panel. The statutory timeframe is 60 days, or 90 days if advertised. Decisions may take longer than this, for reasons outside the applicant's control.
APPROVED8Approval and conditions
Some conditions must be cleared before a building permit is issued. Approval usually lasts two years to substantially start the work.
REFUSEDRefused or not decided?
You can apply to the State Administrative Tribunal for a review within 28 days, or amend the proposal and apply again. No decision in time counts as a refusal.
Building process
Building permit, construction and inspections, through your builder and the local government's building team.
General guide only. Timeframes are statutory and local requirements vary.
Talk through your options
Whether you are still checking what applies to your lot or have plans ready to lodge, get in touch to discuss the options for your project and request a quote. Include the property address and a short description of what you would like to do.
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