Learn about the process when developing your property based on the type of development you are undertaking.
Development considerations
The City can provide general information about whether your proposed development requires a Development Application (also known as ‘planning approval’) and / or a Building Permit.
Figuring out where to start on a project can be confusing. To get started, we suggest you review the handy information sheet specific to your project for an overview of the development considerations.
Find the type of development below to learn more about approval types and click the link to get your PDF guide.
| What are you planning? | Approval type - general guide | Download information sheet |
|---|---|---|
Single, grouped (unit or townhouse) or multiple dwellings (apartment) | A single house or grouped dwelling may be exempt from development approval where the development meets all Deemed-to-Comply requirements of the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes). Any single house or grouped dwelling located within the City’s Heritage Protection Area (Mt Lawley, Menora and Inglewood) requires development approval | |
| Residential additions | Any development to an existing dwelling is considered an addition. Additions to single houses or grouped dwellings may be exempt from development approval where the additions meet the deemed-to-comply requirements of the R-Codes. Additions to multiple dwellings (apartments) always require a development application. Any additions located within the City’s Heritage Protection Area (Mt Lawley, Menora and Inglewood) requires development approval. | Download |
| Patios, pergolas, and shade sails | Patios may not require approval if they meet the deemed to comply requirements of the R-Codes. Pergolas and shade sails in most cases do not require planning approval unless in a Heritage Protection area. | Download |
| Outbuildings (shed) | An outbuilding is an enclosed structure that is not habitable and not attached to a dwelling. Development approval is not required if it meets the deemed-to-comply requirements of the R-Codes. Outbuildings located within the City’s Heritage Protection Area (Mt Lawley, Menora and Inglewood) require development approval. | Download |
| Carports and garages | A carport is an unenclosed structure designed to accommodate one or more motor vehicles with either no door, or a permeable door. A garage is any roofed structure, other than a carport, designed to accommodate one or more motor vehicles. Carports and garages may be exempt from requiring development approval is they meet the deemed-to-comply requirements of the R-Codes. Carports and garaged located within the City’s Heritage Protection Area (Mt Lawley, Menora, and Inglewood) require development approval. | Download |
| Ancillary dwellings (granny flats) | An ancillary dwelling self-contained dwelling on the same site as a dwelling which may be attached to, integrated with or detached from the dwelling. An ancillary dwelling may be exempt from requiring development approval if it meets the deemed-to-comply requirements of the R-Codes. Ancillary dwellings located within the City’s Heritage Protection Area (Mt Lawley, Menora, and Inglewood) require development approval. | Download |
| Retaining walls and site works | A retaining wall is a wall/structure that is designed and built to support or retain soil or other materials that cannot naturally be supported. Development approval is not required for retaining walls and/or site works if it complies with the deemed to comply requirements of the R-Codes. Retaining walls located within the City’s Heritage Protection Area (Mt Lawley, Menora, and Inglewood) require development approval. | Download |
| Street walls/front fences | A street wall or fence is a wall, screen or barrier that abuts a street boundary or is located in the primary street setback area (normally anywhere in front of a dwelling). A street wall may not need a development approval if it meets the deemed-to-comply requirements of the R-Codes. Street walls located within the City’s Heritage Protection Area (Mt Lawley, Menora and Inglewood) require development approval and must meet specific material requirements. | Download |
| Home office, home occupation and home business | Businesses run from home are categorised in these three categories. A home office or home occupation do not require a development approval. Home businesses require a development approval as they often have additional planning requirements. | Download |
| Development in heritage areas (Mount Lawley, Inglewood, and Menora) | Heritage properties or properties located in a Heritage Protection have very few circumstances where development may be exempt. If you live in or are intending to develop on a property within one of the City’s heritage areas, there are additional development considerations for development you should be aware of. | Download |
| Subdivisions | All subdivision of land (i.e. the ‘cutting up’ of land into new lots) in Western Australia is controlled by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) which sets minimum standards and requirements. | |
| Crossovers | A crossover is the section of a driveway that crosses over the verge, from the edge of the property boundary to the edge of the road. The City requires prior approval for all crossover works prior to construction with a Crossover installation application. |
- Getting the right advice and assistance prior to lodging an application is important to save your time and get your approval quicker. We recommend that you contact our experienced Development Services Team before submitting your application. We can save you time and help you submit a successful application. The City offers a range of difference advice services to suit your needs such as planning advice.
- The City provides general planning or building advice regarding the legislative planning and building requirements within the City of Stirling every day from 8.30am to 5.00pm for phone enquiries on (08) 9205 8555 or counter enquiries at the City’s Administration Centre, 25 Cedric Street Stirling.
Obtaining a copy of your existing house plans can be a great way to start planning your development.
There are two ways to submit a request for copy of existing plans:
Online
To submit an online application, please use the eLodgement service.
Offline
If you'd prefer to submit your application offline, please submit an offline form in person at the City of Stirling Administration Building.
You can also post it to:
Development Services,
25 Cedric Street Stirling WA 6021
Please note that only property owners can request a copy of plans and all properties may not have any existing plans on record.
