Operating a lodging house for more than six people requires registration, planning approval, and possibly building approval. Discover the requirements and learn how to apply.
Definition
A ‘lodging house’ is any building, structure, or part of the building or structure, permanent or otherwise, that offers lodging or boarding for more than six people — exclusive of the family of the keeper of the lodging house - for hire or reward.
Exclusions
- Establishments holding a publican’s general licence, limited hotel licence, or wayside-house licence under the Licensing Act 1911.
- Student housing affiliated with non-government schools, as outlined in the School Education Act 1999.
- Any building comprising residential flats.
Overview of requirements
Outlined below are the approvals required for operating a lodging house:
- Planning approval: Development (Planning) Approval is a mandatory requirement.
- Building approval: A building permit is required for constructing a new building or making additions to an existing building. Fitouts to an existing building may require a building permit, please refer to the Department of Energy Mines industry Regulation and Safety Bulletin. An occupancy permit may also be required.
- Environmental Health approval: Every lodging house must be registered and approved by the City.
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.
Apply for lodging house approval
For detailed information on how to apply, fees, and the application process, please refer to the Requirements for planning applications page.
To confirm if a Building Permit and/or Occupancy Permit is required for your project, contact the City to discuss your plans.
If you have confirmed that a permit is required, the application form, checklist, assessment process, and fees can be found on the Requirements for building applications page.
Gather detailed plans and specifications of the proposed premises, including a scaled site plan, floor plans, and internal elevations. Include these with your application.
More information and contact
For further details on lodging houses, contact the City on 9400 4000 or info@joondalup.wa.gov.au.