The approval requirements for home-based businesses vary based on their specific classification. Find out about requirements and how to apply.
Home business classifications
The first step in understanding approval requirements is to determine which classification your home-based business falls under.
There are three types of home-based businesses:
'Home office' means you work from the home you live in.
To be classified a ‘home office’ business, you must meet the following criteria.
Your business does not:
- Entail clients or customers traveling to and from the dwelling.
- Display any advertising signs for the business on the premises.
- Require any external change to the appearance of the dwelling.
- The business is carried out solely within the dwelling.
‘Home occupation’ means you work from the home you live in, or land around the home.
To be classified a ‘home occupation’ business, you must meet the following criteria.
Your business does not:
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Employ a person that is not a member of your household.
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Cause injury to or adversely affect the amenity of the neighbourhood.
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Occupy an area greater than 20 metres2.
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Have more than one advertising sign and no larger than an A4 size (0.2m2).
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Involve the retail sale, display or hire of any goods of any nature, unless the display or hire is done only by means of the internet.
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Need a greater number of parking facilities than normally required for a residential property, or an increase in traffic volume in the neighbourhood.
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Provide a service of greater capacity than normally required in a residential zone.
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Involve the presence or use a vehicle of more than 4.5 tonnes tare weight.
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Include provisions for the fuelling, repair or maintenance of motor vehicles.
‘Home business’ means you operate your business from the home you live in, or on land around your home.
To be classified a ‘home business’, you must meet the following criteria.
Your business does not:
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Employ more than two people that are not members of your household.
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Cause injury to or adversely affect the amenity of the neighbourhood.
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Occupy an area greater than 50 metres2 .
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Involve the retail sale, display or hire of any goods of any nature, unless the display or hire is done only by means of the internet.
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Need a greater number of parking facilities than normally required for a residential property, or an increase in traffic volume in the neighbourhood.
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Provide a service of greater capacity than normally required in a residential zone.
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Involve the presence or use a vehicle of more than 4.5 tonnes tare weight.
If you require written confirmation that your business is classified as a ‘home Office’ or ‘home occupation’, please refer to the Written planning advice page for instructions. Please note: fee applies.
Overview of requirements
Requirements for approvals depend on the type of home business classification as well as the type of business you are operating.
- Planning approval: Only businesses classified as a ‘Home Business’ require Planning (Development) Approval.
- Building approval: A Building permit is required for constructing a new building or additions to an existing building. An Occupancy Permit may also be required if the use changes. To verify whether your home business needs a building permit, please submit a detailed request in writing outlining proposed plans and send this to the City via info@joondalup.wa.gov.au.
- Environmental health approval: Environmental health approval may be required for certain types of business activities. This includes food businesses and skin penetration procedures including beauty treatments, tattoos, and piercings.
Important note: before proceeding with your applications, we strongly recommend contacting the City via email to discuss your specific project. This initial consultation allows us to provide tailored guidance on the approvals required and the recommended order for application submissions. This step is crucial to ensure that you follow the correct process for your business needs.
How to apply for home business approval
For detailed instructions, including the application form, checklist, and fees, please refer to the Requirements for planning applications page. Ensure you use the 'Development (Planning) Application Checklist: Home Business' when applying. Additionally, your Home Business must comply with the Home Business Local Planning Policy (PDF).
It is also recommended you obtain comments and signed plans from any adjoining property owners and occupiers that may be impacted by the home business.
If you have confirmed a building permit is required, please refer to the Requirements for building applications page, for the application form, checklist, assessment process and fees.
If you have a food or skin penetration related business, refer to the following dedicated pages:
For other types of business, please seek advice from the City.
More information and contact
For more information about home-based business approvals, please contact the City on 9400 4000 or info@joondalup.wa.gov.au.