Planning Application Requirements

What is Development (Planning) Approval?

Development approval, or also known as a planning approval, is a legal document that gives permission for development to occur on a particular piece of land. Development approval can be required for building works or when changing the use of a site.

To obtain development approval, an application must be made to the Shire of Coolgardie. Development approvals ensure that development within the Shire complies with the Planning and Development (Local Planning Scheme) Regulations 2015, Local Planning Scheme No 5 (LPS5), Residential Design Codes (R-Codes), and other relevant legislation and policies.

There are exemptions that may apply to residential development, such as new dwellings, extensions and ancillary development. The Shire would consider the following components: -

Works: Any demolition, erection, construction, alteration or addition to a building or structure
Land Use: How a building is being used is referred to as the “land use”. The Scheme (LPS5) sets out the definitions.

It is always best to check if you require development approval prior to applying for a building permit and commencing works.

How do I know if my Development is Exempt from Planning Approval?

To determine if you are exempt from planning approval please refer to the Shire’s Planning Exemptions document.

Please read this document carefully to determine if the exemptions apply.

If the conditions state ‘The R-codes apply to the works.’, the works are only exempt if they comply with the R-codes which can be found at: Residential Design Codes (www.wa.gov.au)

However, the Shire recommends that you engage your own specialist such as a planning consultant to ensure that the proposed works comply with the R-codes.

For more information. please refer the R-codes Residential Compliance Checklist.

For further information regarding R-code’s relevant to single houses, please refer to the Single House information sheet.

As outlined in sections 2 and 3 of the Shire’s Planning Exemptions document, whether planning approval is required or not is also dependent on the properties intended use and zoning.

What is Development (Planning) Application Requirements?

The planning legislation sets out what constitutes a valid planning application, which comprises:

Completed Planning Application Form and Signed by each owner of the property.
Completed checklist – Development (Planning) Application
Payment - Planning Application Fee
Copy of Certificate of Title (issued within 6 months)
Floor Plans - Drawn to Scale or 1:100 or 1:200
Site Plan – Drawn to Scale or 1:100 or 1:200 showing:
a. North Point
b. Lot boundaries
c. Existing dwelling and other structures on the Refer to the example below.
Elevation Plans – Scale 1:100 or 200 showing front, side and rear elevations showing height, natural ground levels, visually permeable panels and all dimensions. Refer to the example below.
Variations Report or letter detailing any aspects that do not comply with the R-Codes or Shire Policies.

What is Development (Planning) Application process?

The statutory timeframe for development applications is 60 to 90 days, depending on whether an application requires advertising or consultation with other authorities.

Process	Details
Application Submission	The application is checked that all required information is submitted, including Application Form completed and signed, fees paid, plans (to scale) provided and accepted by the Shire.
Assessment	The application will be assessed against the various planning provisions. Depending on the complexity of the application further information may be required, and/or Shire officers will liaison with the applicant.
Referral and/or Public Advertising	Some applications require: - · referral to an external authority (such as Main Roads WA) or · public advertising typically for a period of 21 or 28 days. This process involves notification letters to owners and occupiers of properties considered most likely to be affected by the proposal. During this period, submissions may be made on the proposal and the plans will be available for viewing.
Determination	On completion of the above process and assessment, the officer will establish. if the proposal can be dealt with under delegated authority. If it can, a determination will be issued to the applicant. If Not, it will be referred to a meeting of Council for a decision. Council meetings occur on a monthly basis, so if a Council decision is required, there will also be an increased processing time associated with report preparation and timing of the meeting.
Decision	The Shire will provide the applicant of a copy of the Development (Planning) determination.
Appeal	If a refusal is issued, the applicant has a right of appeal to the State Administrative Tribunal to review the decision.

How to Lodge your Development (Planning) Application?

You can submit your application by:-

Email - via the mail@coolgardie.wa.gov.au . Please include the address in the subject
In-Person – at the Customer service Counters at
- Kambalda Community Recreation Facility – Barnes Drive, Kambalda West
- Coolgardie Community Recreation Centre – Sylvester St, Coolgardie