Starting a business

In most cases, even for a home business, some type of approval will be required to run a business in the City of Joondalup.

It is not unusual for a business owner to commence operating without the correct approvals in place and this can often be a costly mistake. It is critical to ensure that all approvals are provided prior to signing up to any lease or purchasing a commercial property. The City of Joondalup encourages businesses to seek independent legal advice before signing anything.

The three main types of approvals needed to start a business are:

1. Development (Planning) Approval is usually required to ensure that the business use is consistent with the planning frameworks and zonings in place for the location to avoid any conflicting uses. For example, a vehicle panel beating/spray painting business may only be in specific areas and would require planning approval.
2. Building Approval in most instances a building permit will be required on commercial properties when a new building is being constructed; there are alterations and/or additions to existing buildings (includes modifications to existing dwellings to fit a home business); new fit-outs to existing buildings and miscellaneous structures such as patios, pergolas, signs etc. occur on site.
3. Environmental Health Approval may be required depending on the nature of your business. Health approvals are required for businesses that will incorporate any of the following activities:
   • Food businesses
   • Home business
   • Beauty and hairdressing businesses
   • Liquor licensing

Most forms of commercial development require development approval prior to commencing works or operating a new land use from a building. This includes:

• all new commercial buildings
• external signage and building modifications, including structures such as outbuildings, patios, pergolas and retaining walls
• increases to floor areas
• changes from one land use to another (for example, from an office to a shop), or where the land uses are not permitted (“P”) uses under the City’s Local Planning Scheme
• alfresco activities (dining)
• home business
• bed and breakfast.

A change of use relates to any change made to an existing use of land and usually refers to business activities of a retail, commercial or industrial nature. You may be affected if you are setting up a new business in the City of Joondalup or moving from old premises within the area.

It is important to check with the City of Joondalup beforehand to ensure that your proposed business is suited to a property. If a property has previously been used for a different use, it may be necessary for you to lodge a development application for a change of use.

A development application for change of use is generally required if:

• The premises you want to establish within has previously been approved for a business which is different to your proposed business (e.g. an office to be used as a shop; a warehouse to be used for manufacturing);
• You have different staff and/or car parking needs.

Planning provisions generally work to separate businesses from residential areas to prevent problems associated with noise, smell, traffic and the like. However, the City’s Local Planning Scheme allows for small business operations to be run from a residential home.

Home Businesses are intended to accommodate appropriately scaled small businesses within a residential home (eg hair dressing, beauty therapy etc.). They provide an opportunity for people to establish a small business initially with limited cost outlay and then move into a dedicated commercial premise once the business grows beyond a small scale.

What sort of activity can cause problems?

The City often receives complaints from residents about small scale businesses being run from homes that:

• create repeated, prolonged or loud noise
• increase traffic in the street by delivery vehicles or the parking of customer or client cars
• produce smoke, smells, fumes, dust, light, vibration, electrical interferences, waste products and the like
• are carried out at times outside of normal working hours.

Please note: mechanical repairs, panel beating, spray painting and activities involving noisy machinery do not fit the definition of home business. If you cannot comply with the guidelines for a home business, you will need to look at industrial or commercial premises to set up your business.

Find out more about Home-based businesses.

Development approval will be required for an alfresco dining proposal where it does not comply with the City’s Alfresco Local Planning Policy.

An Outdoor Eating Permit (Environmental Health requirement) is also required to operate an outdoor eating area that is located on public land, such as footpaths. Outdoor Eating Permits are required to be issued annually.

Business support

The City is committed to supporting new and existing businesses to grow and thrive in the region. All businesses located in the City can contact the Economic Development Team for advice, services and programs to help them start, connect and grow their business.

For more information contact business@joondalup.wa.gov.au.

While the City’s Local Planning Scheme permits small business operations within residential homes, they must adhere to standards that prevent disturbances such as noise, traffic, and odors. Home businesses should not involve heavy machinery or cause significant environmental nuisances. Find out more about Home-based businesses.