Planning Q & A

Q. Will my design require development approval?

A. This will depend upon a number of factors and viaribles with proposed building projects requiring individual assessment in relation to the necessity or otherwise of a development approval.

There are some characteristics of a design and proposed development type, which will result in a development approval becoming mandatory, such as:

1. Multi-unit developments, duplex, triplex etc.

2. Build strata and survey strata developments.

3. All developments in the Perth Western Suburb local shire authority’s, the Town of Mossman Park, the City of Cottesloe, the Town of Claremont and the City of Fremantle.

4. Developments where there are concessions sought contrary to ‘Residential R Code’requirements (certain shire’s only).

5. Where the lot sizes are under certain size thresholds as set out in local government policy - Check with the local authority, this will vary from shire to shire.

Q. Are development approvals issued in the name of the builder or the owner?

A. Development approvals are issued in the name of the owner – for this reason, owners can secure development approvals directly and go on to provide the approval to the builder of their choice for their express use.

Q. Can my builder commence construction once I we have the development approval?

A. Your chosen builder will also require a building license prior to being able to commence construction – your chosen builder can use the planning approved plans as a template or base for the working drawing that require production as part of the building license application process.