City of South Perth - Development Applications

Development Applications

A development approval, through a development application, is the first step to building or changing a land use associated with any development site.

Application Information

What is the difference between development application and a building permit?

Applying for Development Application (DA) and a Building Permit (BP) are two separate processes, both controlled under different legislation.

A DA and subsequent development approval approval grants permission for a development or land use under the Planning and Development Act 2005. It ensures that the proposal has been assessed and is consistent with the Local Planning Scheme, Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) and other relevant legislation and policies.

A BP ensures that the building is structurally safe and complies with the relevant building legislation.

Do I need a building permit?

Can I lodge a building permit application at the same time?

If both a development approval and building permit are required, a development approval should be obtained first, prior to a building permit being lodged.

The City accepts building permits where all conditions of development approval have been met. In case of certain developments, where approval is not required, the City is able to accept the application subject to relevant documentation being submitted.

Where it is determined that a development proposal requires a development approval and this has not been obtained prior to lodgement of a building permit, the permit may be rejected pending determination of a development application.

How do I obtain a building permit?

Can I view development applications within the City?

Where a development has the potential to affect surrounding properties, the City will undergo a consultation process. Comments received as part of consultation are taken into account when making a decision on the development.

The City's Planning Policy P301 Community Engagement in Planning Proposals provides guidance on the geographic extent, method and duration of the required consultation for various kinds of planning proposals. The Policy also provides advice to submitters on the extent to which their comments may contribute to the City's decision-making process.

Visit the Advertised DA page of this website for details of where you can view the development applications currently open for comment.

Planning customer enquiries

One of our urban planners is available to attend to general planning enquiries during business hours. Enquiries can be made as follows:

By phone on 9474 0777 - a message will be taken if the duty planner is unavailable
In person - by appointment at the Civic Centre. Please call to make an appointment
In person - from 9.30-10.30am or 3-4pm at the Civic Centre (no booking required)
Online via Microsoft Teams - please call to make an appointment.

Unable to lodge online?

Checklist

Fees

Register or sign in

To submit an application, you will need to register or sign in for a mySouthPerth account. Click the Register and Sign In option at the top right of this page to proceed.

For assistance with your mySouthPerth account, visit our information page.

Already signed in?

If you see your initials at the top right-hand corner of this page, you are already signed in.

Submit an application

To submit an application, proceed below.

Before you begin

Prior to commencing the application via the link below, ensure you have an electronic copy (eg scan) of the following documentation prior to completing the application process:

Covering letter outlining the application and proving any justification for discretion sought
Fully dimensioned and scaled plans including site plan, floor plan and elevations which show all structures and lot boundaries
Fully dimensioned and scaled elevation drawings showing all structures and natural ground level and proposed ground/floor levels
Information relating to the materials required for lodgement of a development application can be found within the Development Application Checklist

Please note that additional information such as technical reports (eg acoustic assessment) and additional plans such as a landscaping plan may be requested depending on the specific site context and requirements under the planning framework.

You will be required to attach this information during the application process.

Application attachments

Please ensure you are attaching all plans, materials and supporting information relevant to the application as part of your initial lodgement. Any omissions, or additional materials will be required to be sent as separate emails, which will be limited to standard email size limitations (eg 10MB).

Lodge a Development Application

Lodgement guidance

Type of location - property or land?

When lodging your application, you are presented with two options to search the location.

To use the Property search method, click on Property and enter the street number and street name (eg 199 Thelma Street, or 2/203 Thelma Street, or 205B Thelma Street)

To use the Land search method, click on Land and enter the lot number and plan number (eg Lot 3497 DP187254, or Lot 1 SP5985).

Where can I find the lot and plan numbers?

Refer to the Certificate of Title, especially if it has been recently subdivided.

Alternatively, you can refer to the City's mapping tool. Via mapping, search and select the location. Scroll down to the Land - Property Information section via the information to the right of the page. The data for the land search is the Lot on Plan data. You can copy and paste this information into the land search when you start your application.

What if there are no land details in mapping?

I cannot lodge as I have errors

Do I complete any section/s with 'for City officer use only' in it?

How do I attach documents?

The lodgement process may include requirements to attach documents. Please refer to the Before you begin section on this page in relation to requirements and ensure you have this information prior to commencing the process. You will be presented with options for mandatory and optional documentation.

Mandatory documentation

Mandatory document types will be displayed within the mandatory documentation section. There may be more than one document required, and the name of each document will be listed.

To add the document, click the Add button, search and select the correct document then click Open. A pop up will display with your document name as well as the attachment type. Select Save when complete. The document will then be uploaded to the lodgement.

Please note, if you have more than one document for this mandatory field, you can select Add Another via the pop up or Add via the main screen once you have attached the first document.

Complete the process for each mandatory attachment type.

Optional documentation

The lodgement process will also include the ability to attach optional documentation. Please ensure you refer to the Before you begin section of this page for guidance on required documentation as not all may be listed as mandatory.

To attach optional documentation, click the Add button under Optional Attachments, search and select the correct document then click Open. A pop up will display with your document as well as a drop down section to select your Attachment Type. Click the drop down and select the correct type. Select Save when complete. The document will then be uploaded to the lodgement.

Repeat this process for each additional document.

Post lodgement process

Once your application is lodged, the following steps will apply:

Your application will be reviewed within seven (7) days to ensure all required information/documentation has been provided. You will be contacted if anything is missing
When all documentation has been received to the City's satisfaction, the lodgement part of the process will be complete
The application will then be assessed and the following statutory timeframes apply:
Development applications requiring neighbour consultation should generally be determined within 90 days from the date the application is accepted
If consultation is not required, they should be determined within 60 days from the date the application is accepted
Applications that are required to be referred to a Council Meeting for determination may take 90 days or more depending upon receipt of all relevant information from the applicant.

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