Land use permissibility

Find out how land use works, when approval is required and what steps you need to take when establishing or changing a land use.

Land use image

Understanding land use

A land use is determined by:  

  • Zoning (the City has 11 zones, such as Residential, Commercial, Service Commercial, Mixed Use and General Industrial); and  
  • Planning approval granted for a specific use on that property.  

For zoning information, refer to the following sections of the City’s planning scheme below:  

  • Table 1 – Zoning Table;  
  • Schedule 1 – Interpretations (definitions of land uses). 

View Local Planning Scheme

Requirements

If you are unsure of the current approved use of a property, call the City on (08) 9405 5000 and speak with a Planning Officer.

This is essential before signing a lease or purchasing a property.

Some properties may be operating under a land use that is no longer permitted in the current zoning. This is known as a non-conforming use right. Non-conforming use rights are outlined in Part 3 of the Local Planning Scheme. If you believe a site may rely on these rights, please contact the City on 9405 5000 and speak with a Planning Officer.

You do not need Development (Planning) Approval if:

  • The property already has planning approval for the land use you intend to operate; and
  • You comply with all conditions of the planning approval (e.g. parking requirements).

Or 

  • The proposed land use is the same ‘use class’ as the previous one (e.g. office → office).

Or

You do need Development (Planning) Approval if you intend to:

  • Change the land use to a use that is not a ‘P’ (Permitted) land use under the City’s Local Planning Scheme, an exempted ‘D’ (Discretionary) land use under the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015, or an exempted land use under 4.26
  • l;
  • Change the operating hours of the business;
  • Increase patron or staff numbers;
  • Increase the area used for the business;
  • Install or change signage, unless signage is compliant with Local Planning Policy 4.6 Signage;
  • Build or extend structures;
  • Modify provided car parking; and/or
  • Modify a building that is located in a heritage-protected place.Local Planning Policy 4.26 Exemptions from Development Planning Approval

Overview of approval requirements

Depending on your proposal, you may need one or all of the following.

  • Planning approval: Development (Planning) Approval is required for every change of land use. 

  • Building approval: An Occupancy Permit is required whenever land use changes.

  • Health approvals: Sometimes required depending on the business type. This may apply if your business involves:

    • Food handling;

    • Outdoor dining or street trading;

    • Public buildings;

    • Hairdressing, beauty or skin penetration;

    • Accommodation (non-residential);

    • Keeping of animals; and

    • Meat processing.

These applications are referred to the City’s Health Services as part of the planning assessment.

A Development (Planning) Approval application is always required when changing a land use.

For detailed information, including the application process, timeframe and fees, refer to the Development (Planning) Approval page.

Documents to prepare and submit

All development applications must be accompanied by a completed checklist. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant with a list of outstanding items.  

Download, complete and sign the Development (planning) Application Checklist – Change of Use (see below).

How to submit your application

To apply, choose your preferred method below and remember to submit your supporting documents along with the application form:

  • Option 1 – Apply online (preferred): Apply through the online lodgement portal.
  • Option 2 – In person: Download and complete the Application Form PDF (see below), then submit it with all supporting documentation including the checklist at the City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm.
  • Option 3 – By post: Download and complete the Application Form PDF (see below), then mail it with all supporting documentation including the checklist to City of Wanneroo, Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo WA 6946.

Fees

View current planning fees

Planning assessment timeframes

The City of Wanneroo assesses planning (development) applications, within the following timeframes:

  • Up to 60 days for most applications;
  • Up to 90 days if public consultation (advertising to neighbours) is required.

In many cases, straightforward applications that meet all planning requirements are approved sooner than these timeframes. The assessment timeframe begins after:

  • You have submitted a complete application; and
  • The City formally accepts it for assessment.

Planning approval (if required) must be issued before you can apply for a building permit.

Change of Use Development (Planning) Approval Checklist (PDF) Application for Development (Planning) Approval (PDF)

A new Occupancy Permit is required for every change of use. It verifies that the building is safe and suitable for the proposed use.

The Occupancy Permit application may be lodged at the same time as your Development (Planning) Approval application but will not be assessed until planning approval is granted.

For details, visit the Building Permit page.

If your proposed land use involves a regulated activity, your planning application will be referred to Health Services for comment.

Dedicated guidance is available for:

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