Planning Applications

Development approval is generally required if you intend to develop or change the use of your land. In most cases, an application for development approval will be required with an exception to:

• Interior building works on non-heritage listed properties;
• Development on the lot of a single house, including outbuildings, extensions, ancillary dwellings, swimming pools, driveways and gates, unless-
  • The proposal requires the exercise of a discretion by the local government,
  • It is in a heritage area, or
  • The development is located in a bushfire prone area,
  • The demolition of any building or structure in non heritage listed properties;
  • A home office;
  • Any works which are temporary and last less than 48 hours, or;
  • Exempted classes of advertisements.

How to Submit a Development Application

• A completed Development Approval Application Sheet & Checklist;
• A covering letter/report outlining the proposal and addressing any specific issues (eg. justification for variations to relevant planning standards).
• The Certificate of Title including site feature survey (refer checklist).
• Payment of the relevant fees.
• Accurately scaled plans including Site Plans, Floor Plans, Elevation Plans if relevant.
• Additional supporting documents if required.

Applications can be lodged via any of the following methods:

• Email: enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au
• Post: PO Box 42, Kalamunda WA 6926
• In Person: 2 Railway Road, Kalamunda

Once a development application is submitted, the planning team will undergo an assessment process. Most applications will follow these steps during its assessment:

1. Development Control Unit (DCU) Meeting
   Your application will be tabled at an internal meeting compromised of expert members from the City’s Planning, Building, Environment, Environmental Health, and Engineering Service Areas. A preliminary assessment at the meeting will identify if any technical advise may be needed.
    
2. Referrals
   Many applications will be sent to an effected department for technical comments. Further, an application may also be referred externally to a professional body or state authority (e.g. Main Roads, Department of Water, Department of Fire and Emergency Services)
    
3. Advertisements
   If an application may have an impact on surrounding landowners or the wider community, it will be advertised in accordance of the City’s P-DEV 45 – Public Notification of Planning Proposals.
    
4. Assessment and Determination
   Once the previous stages have been finalised, the allocated planning officer will review any comments and referrals made. Hereafter, the officer will assess the application in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements and will request further information or advise of any issues to the applicant. The application will be commented based on the officer’s findings and the relevant data collected during the assessment. The application will lastly be referred to the delegated authority for approval or refusal. Depending on the nature of the application, submissions may be put forward to Council for determination.
    

For further information, see the Summary of the Development Application Process

Development Assessment Panels

Refer to wa.gov.au/government/document-collections/development-assessment-panels-publications-fees-forms-and-templates for all related documentation.

DAP Form 1

DAP Form 2