Will I need a development (planning) application?
A development application, also known as a planning application, may be required for the development or use of land.
Development generally includes the construction, alteration or extension of any building or structure, the carrying out of site works, or changes in use (regardless of whether physical works are involved).
Whether a development application is required will depend on the nature of the proposal and how the land or property is intended to be used.
An application for development approval must be lodged and approved prior to commencing any development or use of land within the City, unless the proposed development or use is exempt from requiring planning approval.
A list of development and use exemptions is available via the following links:
Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015
City of Busselton Local Planning Scheme No. 21
Local Planning Policy 4.11 Exempt Development
Types of development that may require a development application
If you are considering any proposed development and are unsure if a development (planning) application is required, your first step should be to refer to the Frequently Asked Questions.
These resources offer general information and guidance on common questions related to various types of development, including but not limited to:
General – Residential
- Ancillary Dwellings
- Building Envelopes
- Home-Based Business
- Outbuildings
- Swimming Pools and Spas
- Subdivision and Amalgamation
- Clearing of Vegetation (including street trees)
- Crossovers and Driveways
- Fences
- Additions including Patios
- Private Jetties and Boatlifting Structures
General – Non-Residential
- Advertisement Signage
- Dams - Construction, Expanding and Altering
- Extractive Industry
- Tree Farms - Harvest and Haulage
- Section 40 Certificates
Special Control Areas
- Landscape Value Areas
- Old Dunsborough Special Character Area
- Quindalup Special Character Area
- Eagle Bay Special Character Area
- Yallingup Special Character Area
Unhosted Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA)
- Unhosted STRA
- Renewing an Unhosted STRA Approval
- Unhosted STRA - Change of Manager
If the information you’re seeking is not available on the Frequently Asked Questions, and you are still unsure if a development (planning) application will be required for your specific proposal, it’s best to consult with the Planning team early in the design process.
For further assistance, follow the link to Planning Advice.
When is a retrospective development application required?
A retrospective development application is required when development or use of land has commenced without obtaining the prior development approval.
This application must include the same supporting documentation as any application for development approval as outlined below.
Please note that penalty fees will apply to a retrospective development application.
How do I apply for development (planning) approval?
Refer to the How-to Guides for step-by-step instructions on how to apply for development approval.
How long will the decision-making process take?
In accordance with the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015, the statutory timeframes to determine an application for development approval are as follows:
- 60 days where no referrals are required; or
- 90 days where referrals, including neighbour consultation, are required.
What happens once I have lodged my development application?
Once your application has been accepted for assessment, it will be assigned to a Planning Officer for review.
The assessment will address the matters to be considered under the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015, including whether advertising to surrounding landowners/occupiers and/or consultation with external agencies is necessary.
Throughout the process, the applicant will be kept informed of any status updates, requests for additional information, or suggested modifications to the proposal.
Each application is assessed on its individual merits, having regard to the zoning, objectives of the Scheme, relevant State and Local Planning Policy(s) and the site‑specific context.
Upon completion of the assessment, a decision will be made to either approve, approve with conditions, or refuse the application.
Will my application be advertised to my neighbours?
Unless an application must be advertised in accordance with the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015, the requirement to advertise an application is determined by the decision-maker (the City).
When assessing if an application needs to be advertised, the Planning Officer/s will consider the following, but not limited to:
- The nature of the proposed development;
- Any proposed variations requiring the exercise of planning discretion;
- Potential impacts on the amenity of adjoining properties or wider community; and
- The relevant planning framework.
Consultation methods may include written notification to affected landowners and occupiers, as well as advertising of the proposal on the City’s website. Letters are sent to the registered service addresses of surrounding landowners as well as the residential address.
In some instances, notification in a local newspaper and the erection of a notice/sign on site may also be required, with associated costs to be borne by the owner or applicant.
How is a decision made on my application?
Under the Western Australian planning framework, the local government (the City) is the primary decision-maker for an application for development (planning) approval. In considering an application for development approval, the local government shall have due regard to the matters to be considered under cl 67 of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 (Deemed Provisions) and apply the principles of orderly and proper planning.
Upon completion of the assessment, a decision will be made to either approve, approve with conditions, or refuse the application.