Find out about the process of applying for planning approval. Learn about the application process, requirements, expected timeframes, and follow our step-by-step instructions.
Understanding the planning approval process
The Western Australian planning system coordinates land use and development by balancing various factors related to the economy, social aspects, and the environment. It is in many cases the first step to undertaking development of any land or property. There are two main approval types under the State Planning Framework:
- Statutory planning applications: generally determined by the local government depending on the delegations under the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015. If the local government is not the determining authority (in the case of Subdivisions, Development Assessment Panel applications), they are still required to undertake assessment of the applications and provide a recommendation to the relevant decision-making authority based on the relevant local planning framework.
- Strategic planning applications: generally determined by the state government with recommendations provided by the local government. Strategic applications include (but not limited to), development of Local Planning Schemes, scheme amendments, structure plans (including local development plans, activity centre or precinct plans) and local planning policies (most cases these are determined by the local government).
Application types that can be lodged with the City for assessment are as follows (refer to each page for the relevant requirements):
- Development (Planning) Approvals (see below)
- Deemed to Comply Checks for Single Houses
- Applications for Written Planning Advice
- Joondalup Design Review Panel
- Subdivision Clearances
- Amendments to the Local Planning Scheme or other strategic applications
Development (planning) approval applications
Note: All development (planning) applications will now require a Certificate of Title to be provided with the documentation. In addition, any development with an estimated cost over $50,000 in value will require digitally drawn plans to be provided. Hand drawn plans will not be accepted and cause the application to be returned.
Applying for Development (Planning) Approval is a crucial step in the process of land development or modification. This process ensures that all development projects align with strategic land use plans and regulations, safeguarding the community's interests and promoting sustainable growth. Whether you're looking to build, extend, or change the use of a property, obtaining this approval confirms your project meets all required standards related to safety, aesthetics, and environmental impact.
Looking for detailed requirements on specific projects? Check out our dedicated pages for tailored advice:
- Dwelling development and alterations or additions
- Change of Land or Property Use
- Swimming pools and spas
- Outbuildings (sheds)
- Carports and garages
- Patio, pergola or shade sails
- Retaining walls
- Fences and street walls
- Granny flats or ancillary dwellings
- Decks
- Minor residential development (i.e. rainwater tanks, solar panels)
Once you have received the determination of your development (planning) application and you wish to make amendments (eg. decreasing the size of the build, altering heights, changing condition requirements) or applying for an extension of time to be able to commence the build, you will need to apply for development (planning) approval as if it is a whole new application as we will need to assess it against the current planning framework which may have changed since receiving the original approval.
You will be required to provide the same documentation as previously submitted, along with a cover letter outlining what changes have been made and/or the reasons why the extension of time is required, and a copy of the amended plans (the amendments will need to be clearly identified on the plans if you are using the previously approved plans). You can apply for both an amendment and extension of time on the same application.
The fee applicable to an amendment or extension of time is $295.
Prior to submitting your planning application please refer to the relevant checklist to ensure that you have included all the required information. Each checklist has an outline of the different documents required to be included with the application based on the type of development.
General application requirements are as follows:
- Application forms:
- Application for Development (Planning) Approval form (not required if lodging online)
- Metropolitan Region Scheme Form 1
- Application for Development (Planning) Approval for Advertisements (required only for signage applications)
- Adjoining Property Owners Comment Form (optional)
- Cover letter: this is a letter which provides an overview of the proposed development and may include the site analysis, impact on surrounding properties, streetscape etc.
- Justification letter (mainly for residential developments): this is a letter outlining what elements of the deemed-to-comply requirements of the Residential Design Codes or applicable local planning framework document the development needs the City's discretion on and what impact it will have on the surrounding neighbourhood. Where applicable a list of the colours and materials should be included in the justification letter.
- Plan package consisting of:
- Site plan: showing all of the current structures on the site and the proposed location of the new development.
- Floor plan: showing the dimensions and layout of the development (a birds eye view).
- Elevation drawings: showing the height of the proposed development from different angles.
- Landscaping plan: includes details of tree locations, trees and plant species (a requirement for any dwelling development located in a Housing Opportunity Area)
- Certificate of Title: confirming property/land ownership. If applying for a new dwelling and the ownership has not changed hands prior to the application being lodged, either the current owners will need to provide a letter of consent, sign the application forms or a copy of the offer and acceptance can be provided as long as the details of the current and future owners are provided.
Important note: it is important that the application is received with all the relevant information outlined in the checklists. The City will not consider an application as acceptable for processing if any of the required information is missing and will be returned to the applicant.
Additional documents may be required depending on the type of development being applied for. Refer to the relevant checklist for the development type for further information.
Choose your preferred method below and remember to submit your supporting documents along with the application form:
Alternate methods:
Download and complete the Application for Development (Planning) Approval Form (PDF) and submit:
-
In person: at the City of Joondalup Administration Centre, located at 90 Boas Avenue, Joondalup.
- Mail: to the City at PO Box 21, Joondalup WA 6919.
Once your application has been received, an invoice will be emailed to you outlining fee and payment details. The fee varies depending on the value and type of development proposed. To ensure you're aware of the exact amount, please refer to the Schedule of Fees (PDF).
Assessment process and timeframes
Upon lodgement of your application, the City’s Planning Services team will review the documentation provided for completeness. Applications will only be accepted where all the relevant information outlined in the applicable application checklist has been provided.
If there is any information missing (i.e. the wrong plans provided, plans are not clear, cover letters have not been provided etc.), the application will be returned to the applicant advising what information is missing and required to be able to accept the application.
If all the information received is deemed sufficient, an invoice will be forwarded to the applicant via email.
After submitting your application, the City will issue an invoice to commence the process. Following payment, a confirmation will be issued via email or letter, marking the start of its processing.
The assessment process includes:
- Planning review: The City’s urban planners will thoroughly assess your proposal against the relevant planning framework, including but not limited to the City’s Local Planning Scheme (LPS3), residential development R-Codes, and any pertinent structure plans or policies. Should more details or suggest changes be required following assessment, the assessing officer will contact the applicant accordingly.
- Site inspection (if needed): To understand the potential impact of your project, a site visit may be needed. If so, the assessing officer will coordinate with the property owner to schedule this.
- Community input (if required): There might be a need to advertise your application for public feedback.
After a comprehensive assessment and resolving any issues, the assessing officer will finalise their decision. The applicant will be informed of the outcome and receive any relevant documentation. While many decisions are able to be made under delegation, certain cases might require Council or State Government review and approval.
The City will endeavour to assess the applications in a timely manner however, the statutory timeframes are as follows:
- Standard review (60 days): This applies to projects not needing neighbour or agency consultation.
- Extended review (90 days): Required for projects involving public comments or state agency consultations.
- Online lodgement: monitor your application's status via the City's Online Lodgement Portal.
- In-person or postal lodgement: for updates, contact Planning Services directly following 30 days from payment.
Important note: The City will provide updates and requests for additional information to the party designated as the applicant on the application forms. If the landowner is not the applicant, please direct your update requests to the listed applicant. This measure is to prevent any miscommunication concerning the application among the relevant parties.
More information and contact
For more information about application for planning approval contact the City’s Planning Services team on 9400 4000 or info@joondalup.wa.gov.au.