Find out about planning and building approvals for commercial buildings, what you need to submit and how to apply.
Definitions
- Commercial Building: A premises used for commercial purposes such as retail, office, industrial, hospitality or mixed-use activities.
- Development (Planning) Approval: Approval confirming that your proposal complies with applicable zoning and planning requirements. It must be obtained before a Building Permit can be issued.
- Building Permit: Permission to commence building work that meets required building standards.
- National Construction Code (NCC): Australia’s primary set of technical construction requirements for building design and performance.
Requirements
Planning approval: A Development (Planning) Approval is required for the construction of any Commercial Building and associated additions, extensions and modifications to the buildings or the site, unless exempt under the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 or the City’s Local Planning Policy 4.26 Exemptions from Development (Planning) Approval.
Building approval: A Building Permit is generally required for the construction of new commercial buildings, additions, alterations, fit-outs and changes of use. Depending on the proposed works and use, an Occupancy Permit may also be required before the building can be occupied.
Health approval: If your development involves a food business, public building, liquor licence, skin penetration premises (e.g. beauty therapy or tattooing), caravan park, camping ground, lodging house, public swimming pool or onsite wastewater disposal, approval from the City's Health team may also be required. See Business permits and approvals pages.
Note: If your commercial building has already been constructed without prior approvals, see the Unauthorised works page for guidance on how to apply retrospectively.
How to apply
For detailed information, including the application process, timeframe and fees, refer to the Development (Planning) Approval page.
Documents to prepare
Refer to the Non-Residential Development Checklist (PDF), 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 for Development (Planning) Approval PDF form 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 for Development (Planning) Approval PDF form below, then mail it with all supporting documentation including the checklist to City of Wanneroo, Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo WA 6946.
Fees
Planning assessment timeframes
- Up to 60 days for most applications
- Up to 90 days if consultation with the public or other public authority is required.
The assessment period commences once the City has received and accepted a complete application, including all required plans, supporting information and application fees.
Development (Planning) Approval, where required, must be issued before a Building Permit can be obtained.
Development (Planning) Approval Application Form (PDF) Non-Residential Development Checklist (PDF)
A Building Permit is always required for commercial construction work.
Applications for a commercial Building Permit must be lodged as a Certified (BA1) application. A Certified Application has had its technical assessment completed by a private Building Surveyor and has been issued with a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3).
Certified Applications must be submitted complete with all prior approvals (including Development Approval).
Documents to include with your Certified (BA1) application
For detailed information, including the application process, timeframe and fees, refer to Building Permit page.
You will need to complete and submit the following:
Payment of relevant fees (refer to Building Fees Schedule web page)
Development Planning Approval
Street and Verge Bond Permit
Notice and Request for Consent for Encroachment or Adversely Affect (BA20) form (if required)
Septic tank approval (if required) – refer to Septic Tanks page.
How to submit your application
You can submit your Building Permit application:
- Option 1 – Apply online (preferred): via the City’s online application portal
- Option 2 – In person: With all supporting documentation at the City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm.
- Option 3 – By mail: With all supporting documentation to City of Wanneroo, Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo WA 6946.
Note: A completed BA1 application form must be submitted with all class 2-9 applications with all owner signatures.
Fees
Timeframes
Once your application and payment have been received, the City will assess your submission.
Processing timeframes
- Certified applications: within 10 business days.
If further information is required, you will be contacted. The requested information must be provided within 21 days or within an agreed timeframe.
When applying for a Building Permit, you must also submit a Street and Verge Bond Permit Application. This includes a non-refundable administration fee and a bond based on the value of works.
For details, including current fees and the link to apply online, visit the Street and Verge Bond Permits page.
