Planning & Development Approval in Perth
You’ll need planning approval (also called development approval) if your proposed works do not fully comply with the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) or your local council’s planning policies. Planning approval ensures that your design is consistent with the intended use of the land and its impact on neighbouring properties.
Planning approvals are issued by your local council after assessment against the R-Codes, the Local Planning Scheme, and any relevant local planning policies. Once approved, you can proceed to the building approval stage with confidence that your design complies with planning requirements.
Take a look at the more detailed explanation below.
DOCUMENTS YOU NEED
The documents you’ll usually need to obtain planning approval include:
1. Site Survey – Completed by a licensed surveying company. You can order this directly through a surveyor, or we can organise it for you.
2. Architectural Planning Drawings – Drawings that clearly define the proposed spaces and building layout.
3. Certificate of Title – A current copy, not older than six months.
4. Planning Approval Application Forms – These vary between councils and can be downloaded from your local council’s website.
DRAWINGS YOU NEED
The most common set of architectural drawings required for planning approval includes:
1. Site Plan – Showing the proposed development in relation to site boundaries, existing structures and neighbouring properties.
2. Landscape Plan – Indicating soft and hard landscaping, fencing, and outdoor areas.
3. Floor Plans – Detailing the layout, dimensions and intended use of each space.
4. Elevations – Showing all external views, building height, and materials.
5. 3D Presentation (optional) – Helpful for visualising the overall appearance of the proposed design.
When You Need It
Planning approval is required in the following cases:
When you are developing grouped or multiple dwellings, such as townhouses or apartments.
When you plan to subdivide land or create strata lots.
When your design doesn’t meet specific R-Code provisions, such as setbacks, site coverage, open-space ratios, privacy or building height limits.
When you intend to make additions or alterations that change the building’s external appearance or increase its floor area.
When the property is located within a special control area, heritage precinct or character zone, which may have additional planning requirements.
When you are changing the use of a building or site, for example converting a residence into a home business.
When You Don’t Need It
In many straightforward cases, planning approval isn’t required. This usually applies to developments that fully comply with the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) and any local planning policies.
Planning approval is generally not needed when:
You’re building a single house on a residential lot that meets all R-Code provisions (setbacks, height, open space, privacy, etc.).
You’re carrying out internal renovations that don’t alter the external appearance or structural layout of the building.
You’re adding minor structures such as a patio, pergola, carport, or shed that comply with the R-Codes and your local council’s requirements.
You’re replacing existing materials (like re-roofing or re-cladding) without changing the form, colour, or footprint of the building.
You’re doing maintenance or repair work that doesn’t impact the external design or land use.
It’s always best to check with your local council’s planning department before starting, as each council can have slightly different requirements, especially in areas with heritage, coastal, or special control zoning.
If you’re unsure, BUILD.UP.STUDIO can review your proposal and confirm whether planning approval is required — saving you time and avoiding unnecessary delays.
Information provided is for general guidance only and must be verified with the relevant authorities for each specific case; no liability is accepted.
We are servicing all Perth metro area including but not limited to these council areas:
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