Applying for Development Approval
Development Approval Application Guide
Development Approval – or ‘DA’ – is planning consent from the Shire. It is required for many types of land ‘uses’ or for works, or for both. It is not the same as a building approval, which looks at the structural requirements of buildings (the ‘nuts and bolts’). Obtaining a DA (or being exempt) does not mean that you have, or do not need, building approval.
The planning laws in WA require that a person must not use land or carry out any works before development approval has been obtained, unless the use or development is exempt under clause 61 of the Regulations. (Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015).
Common exemptions in Clause 61 of the Regulations include swimming pools, internal building work, and the construction or extension a single house, where these proposals meet certain conditions.
The Shire’s ‘Exempted Development and Land Use Policy’ and Schedule A of the Shire's Local Planning Scheme 9, provides a large number of additional exemptions if certain conditions are met.
If your proposal is not exempt, you will need to lodge an application for Development Approval.
Submitting a DA Application:
If you are familiar with the development approval process and are ready to apply, visit our
Forms & Fees page to access the application forms and current fees.
If this is your first time applying for planning approval, the information below will help you understand the process and determine whether an application is required.
Step 1: Check whether approval is required
Start by reviewing our Town Planning Schemes page, which provides an overview of the planning rules that apply within the Shire.
You can also use our Online Mapping Tool to find information about your property, including zoning, lot size and other planning constraints.
Step 2: Understand the approval process
If your proposal requires Development Approval, review the information in this step-by-step guide to understand the assessment process and the steps your application will go through before a decision is made.
Related information
Planning Information Sheets collection
Amending or Extending the Term of Development Approval
Following the issue of development approval, applicants sometimes seek to amend the approval or, in circumstances where they have been unable to commence the development, they may request an extension of time.
The Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 allow landowners to apply to amend a previously granted planning approval.
Amendments
An approved development may be amended by applying to modify the existing development approval.
When assessing a proposed amendment, the Shire will consider whether the approved development remains substantially the same, or whether the changes are so significant that they result in a new or different development proposal.
If the proposed changes are considered to create a new or different use or development, the amendment application may not be accepted or may be refused. In these circumstances, a new application for development approval will generally be required.
Extension of Time
A development approval is valid for a specified period. If additional time is required to commence or complete the approved development, an application may be made to extend the term of the approval.
When considering an application for an extension of time, the Shire will have regard to factors including:
- Whether the planning framework has changed significantly since the approval was granted;
- Whether the original approval relied on the exercise of planning discretion;
- The extent to which the approved development has been progressed or implemented; and
- Whether there have been any material changes to the site or surrounding locality since the approval was granted.
If an application for an extension of time is refused, a new development application may be required.
State administrative tribunal
Individuals, organisations and Government agencies can apply to the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) to make decisions, settle disputes and review decisions.
Before SAT can make a decision, it needs to be given the power to hear a matter; this is called an enabling law. SAT is empowered to make decisions for a range of enabling laws including more than 156 Acts, regulations, town planning schemes and by-laws. To apply to SAT you must first identify the relevant enabling law.
Visit the SAT website.