If you're planning a building project, renovation, or alteration, there are specific approvals you’ll need to obtain before starting. Find out about requirements and how to apply.
Definitions
- Dwelling: building or portion of a building being used, adapted, or designed or intended to be used for the purpose of human habitation on a permanent basis by a single person, a single family, or no more than six persons who do not comprise a single family.
- Single House: a dwelling standing wholly on its own green title or survey-strata lot, together with any easement over adjoining land for support of a wall or for access or services and excludes dwellings on titles with areas held in common property.
- Grouped Dwelling: a dwelling that is one of a group of two or more dwellings on the same lot such that no dwelling is placed wholly or partly vertically above or below another except where special conditions of landscape or topography dictate otherwise and includes a dwelling in a strata titles scheme with common property.
- Multiple Dwelling: a dwelling in a group of more than one dwelling on a lot where any part of the plot ratio area of a dwelling is vertically above any part of the plot ratio area of any other but:
- Does not include a grouped dwelling; and
- Includes any dwellings above the ground floor in a mixed-use development.
- Ancillary Dwelling: self-contained dwelling on the same site as a single house or grouped dwelling. Refer to Granny flat or ancillary dwellings webpage for specifications.
- Dwelling Additions: refers to the expansion of an existing building by constructing new spaces such as additional rooms, extending the footprint of the dwelling, or other structural elements. In this context it does not include the addition of incidental structures such as patios, outbuildings etc.
- Dwelling Alterations: involve making changes to the interior or exterior of the dwelling without necessarily increasing its size such as modifications to walls, ceilings, flooring, fixtures and finishes.
- Development (Planning) Approval: This is the City’s approval of your project's design and location, ensuring it aligns with local zoning and planning rules. It's the essential first step for any new building or significant alteration on your property.
- Building Permit: A formal permission from the City for the construction, extension, or major renovation of a building, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.
- R-Codes: R-Codes, formally known as Residential Design Codes - Volume 1 or 2, are a set of regulations that govern residential development in Western Australia. They detail the minimum requirements for the design and assessment of residential properties, focussing on aspects like building size, open space, setbacks, and density to ensure sustainable and community-friendly development across various residential zones.
How to apply
Single houses
Development (planning) approval is not required for a new single house or extension or other minor works to a single house if it meets the deemed-to-comply requirements of the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) or the local planning framework. If you believe your single dwelling proposal complies with the deemed-to-comply requirements of both the Residential Design Codes and the local planning framework, you can apply directly for a building permit or a Deemed to Comply Check. Refer to the Requirements for planning applications webpage for further details.
Grouped dwellings
If you are building new grouped dwellings or additions to an existing grouped dwelling within the City of Joondalup, you will need planning approval from the City. This applies regardless of whether your project meets the specific requirements outlined in the R-Codes or the local planning framework.
Multiple dwellings
All new multiple dwelling developments and additions to existing multiple dwellings will require planning approval.
If your project does not comply with the requirements set out in Step 1 above, you will need to apply for Development (Planning) Approval. This requires submitting an application form, along with building plans and a cover letter. Application fees will apply.
For detailed information, refer to the Requirements for planning applications webpage for information on applying for development (planning) approval applications.
The National Construction Code 2022 sets out nationwide standards for building design and construction, focusing on safety, health, and amenity.
A building permit is required for all dwelling types whether it is for new dwelling/s, additions or alterations to existing dwellings.
You have two options when applying for a Building Permit:
- Certified application: Lodge a BA1 form, accompanied by a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3 form) signed by a registered building surveyor, confirming compliance with building standards.
- Uncertified application: Lodge a BA2 form.
You can download BA1 and BA2 forms from the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry, Regulation and Safety website.
For more detailed information, including the application form, checklist, assessment process, and fees can be found on the Requirements for Building Applications page.
More information and contact
For more information on approval and permit requirements for constructing new dwellings or making additions and/or alterations to existing dwellings, contact the City on 9400 4000 or via info@joondalup.wa.gov.au. You can also visit the City’s Customer Care desk during office hours Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5pm.