HOW TO MAKE A PLANNING APPLICATION
This fact sheet describes how to make a planning application and how it is determined.
INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR A PLANNING APPLICATION:
A completed planning application form is required for all planning applications. For details on the information required for each type of planning application, please refer to the attached Development Checklist.
FEES AND CHARGES:
Fees and charges apply to applications for development approval. Please refer to the Planning & Building Fee Calculator for the appropriate fees and charges to accompany your application.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE A PLANNING APPLICATION IS LODGED?
Once an application is lodged, the Town’s planning services team will advise you by mail within 10 days how the application will be determined (either by Delegated Authority, the Town Planning & Building Committee or Council). You will also be advised of a contact officer and the anticipated date and time of the meeting if it is to be considered by either the Committee or Council.
In some cases, it will also be necessary to advertise an application in accordance with the requirements of the Town Planning Scheme prior to a determination. You will be advised if advertising is necessary and what the fee for this is. Advertising can take the form of written notice being served on surrounding owners and occupiers of land, newspaper advertising and/or a sign being placed on site. A submission period of not less than 14 days is required, during which time written submissions will be accepted by the Town. You will be advised of any written submissions received and these will be considered as part of the assessment process along with the application.
HOW LONG DOES THE PLANNING PROCESS TAKE?
The time taken to determine applications is dependent on the type of application, whether it requires advertising and what level of delegation is required to make a determination. For simple applications which can be determined under delegation, permits will generally be issued within one month of a full and complete application being lodged. If the application cannot be determined by staff under delegation it will be referred to the Town Planning & Building Committee or Council for determination. Appeal rights exist 60 days after lodgement if no advertising is required or 90 days if an application requires advertising. Council may approve (with or without conditions), or refuse an application.
Please note that the level of information provided with the application will impact the time taken to determine it. It is important to ensure the development application form is complete and that all the required accompanying information including accurate plans and elevations are provided.
IS A DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL THE SAME AS A BUILDING PERMIT?
No. Development approval is a different process to that of a building permit. In most cases an approved development application would also require a building permit before the development can commence. The building permit relates only to the detailed construction and engineering of buildings and other structures.
Plans accompanying an application for building permit should match those of the development approval (where development approval is required in the first instance).
HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH A PLANNING OFFICER?
As the Town’s planning officers will be assessing numerous applications at any one time, appointments are important if you wish to discuss a planning application in person.
Please telephone the Planning Administration Officer on 9339 9328 or email planning@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au. to arrange an appointment between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday.