Thinking about adding a carport to your home or property? This page explains when planning and building approvals are required, setback and design requirements, and how to apply.

Definitions

  • Carport: An unenclosed structure designed to accommodate one or more motor vehicles and being without a door.

  • Development (Planning) Approval: Approval required for certain developments to ensure compliance with zoning and planning requirements. It may be required prior to a Building Permit if your carport does not meet all relevant Deemed-to-Comply criteria of the R-Codes.

  • Building Permit: Permission to commence building work that meets required building standards.

  • R-Codes: State planning standards that guide the design and development of residential properties. Proposals that comply with the R-Codes may not require Development Approval in some circumstances.

Setback and building code requirements

If your property is used for residential purposes and where the R-Codes apply, development requirements are generally set out in the Residential Design Codes. 

Requirements may vary for other zonings or where a Local Development Plan (LDP) or Structure Plan applies. For site-specific advice, contact the City. 

Planning approval is required if the development does not comply with the Residential Design Codes, LDP (if applicable) and Structure Plan (if applicable) and Local Planning Scheme. 

A carport must be set back at least 900mm from a side boundary or another building on the same property.

This may be reduced to 500mm if all the following conditions are met:

  • The carport has two or more sides open, with at least one third of its perimeter open

  • The roof covering is polycarbonate or another non-combustible material

  • Any ceiling lining and wall cladding, including gables, are non-combustible; and

  • The carport does not provide direct vertical support to any part of the Class 1 (dwelling) building.

How to apply

The requirement for Development Approval for a carport varies depending on the zoning of the property and compliance with the relevant planning provisions. The table below outlines when Development Approval is required and the conditions that must be met for each zone.

Zoning
Development Approval Required
Requirements
Residential and Mixed useNo
  • The carport is associated with an approved Single House or Grouped Dwelling and the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) apply;
  • The carport fully complies with the relevant provisions of the R-Codes, any applicable Local Development Plan (LDP) and Structure Plan and Local Planning Scheme;
  • The carport is not located on a heritage-protected site.
Rural ResourceNo
  • The carport is associated with an approved Single House;
  • The carport satisfies the requirements of Schedule 6 of Local Planning Scheme.
All other zonesYesDevelopment Approval is required.

You can check your property’s zoning, R-Code and whether a Local Development Plan applies using the City’s Online Mapping System.

Check your zoning

Checklist

This checklist is applicable to all additions to residential development including but not limited to patios, outbuildings (sheds), carports, retaining walls, house extensions. All development applications must be accompanied by a completed and signed checklist PDF (see step 3). Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant with a list of outstanding items. 

Checklist informationWhen it is required
City of Wanneroo Application for Development ApprovalAlways
Metropolitan Region Scheme Form 1Required for approvals only under the MRS and not the Local Planning Scheme.
Payment of relevant fees (refer to Planning Fee Schedule)Always
Current copy of the property's Certificate of Title (no more than six (6) months old)Always
Site feature surveyOnly required where there is a proposed change in ground levels
Site plan drawn to scaleAlways
Floor plan drawn to scaleAlways (not required for retaining walls)
Full set of elevation plans drawn to scaleAlways
Statement identifying all design elements which do not satisfy the deemed-to-comply standard of the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) and the City's planning framework, including written justification outlining how the proposal meets the design principles and objectives of the R-Codes and the City's planning frameworkWhere development is located in a zone where R-Codes apply
BAL Assessment (or BAL Contour Map)If property is within a bushfire prone area (unless less than 1100m² in size)

 

Information to include on your plans

The essential details include:

Site feature survey

To a scale (not less than 1:200) including street verge showing existing:

  • Contours at 0.5m intervals extending past property boundaries; 
  • Relevant spot levels; location and finished floor levels of adjoining buildings; 
  • All structures, including buildings and retaining walls; 
  • Trees on the site in addition to street trees and other fixtures (bus stops, power poles, traffic islands etc); and 
  • Location of adjoining buildings. 
Proposed full site plan to a scale

To a scale not less than 1:200 showing: 

  • Site dimensions, scale bar, north point, lot boundaries and existing contours and levels;
  • Proposed buildings and existing buildings to be retained on the site; 
  • Setback distances of buildings from the boundaries of the site; 
  • Position and finished levels of all proposed buildings, walls, fences, retaining walls and other structures; 
  • Location and dimensions of driveways, crossovers, pedestrian accessways and parking spaces; 
  • Structures and trees to be demolished or removed; 
  • Areas to be landscaped; 
  • Proposed finished ground levels over the site; 
  • Location, height (relative to natural ground level) and length of all existing and proposed retaining walls. 
Floor plans

To a scale of not less than 1:100 of the internal layout of each floor / building showing: 

  • Use / purpose of all areas / rooms; 
  • Location of external doors and windows; 
  • The line of any upper floors clearly indicated over the lower floor plan; and 
  • The finished floor levels of each floor of the building. 
Elevations

To a scale of 1:100 of all buildings showing: 

  • Existing natural ground levels, wall heights and roof heights relating to the established datum (AHD); 
  • Proposed finished floor levels and ground levels; 
  • Location of openings and if openings are clear glass or obscure glass; 
  • The external appearance of the building; and 
  • The external appearance and height of any proposed fencing forward of the building line. 
Stormwater drainage plan

Showing: 

  • Size, location and capacity of soakwells, or other measures for on-site stormwater retention; and 
  • Provision of grated trafficable lids for soakwells located within vehicular accessways or driveways. 
Colours and materials schedule

Showing: 

  • Schedule of all external finishes and materials of the development including roof, walls, windows, fencing, and driveway materials and colours. 
Other

Written justification for variations to the acceptable development provisions of the R-Codes or Council Policies, if applicable (optional). 

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 – Residential Additions (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 consultation with the public (neighbours) or other public authority 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.

Development (Planning) Application Checklist – Residential Additions (PDF) Development (Planning) Approval Application Form (PDF)

A Building Permit is required.

You have two ways to apply:

Option 1 – Certified application (BA1 form)

Includes a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3) prepared by a registered private building surveyor. 

You will need to complete and submit the following: 

Option 2 – Uncertified application (BA2 form)

We assess and certify your application as part of our process. You do not need to arrange a private surveyor.

You will need to complete and submit the following: 

  • Application for building permit - uncertified (BA2) form
  • Payment of relevant fees (refer to building fees schedule) 
  • Site plan drawn to a minimum scale of 1:200, showing the location of the proposed carport, setbacks from lot boundaries and other structures, finished floor levels and site levels. 
  • Building plans including floor plans, elevations and sections  
  • Construction details and specifications demonstrating compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) 
  • Structural engineering details and certifications
  • Energy efficiency assessment and supporting documentation 
  • Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment and construction requirements (where applicable) 
  • Any other reports or certifications required to demonstrate NCC compliance 
  • Street and verge bond permit application
  • Development approval (if required)

Documents to prepare

For detailed information, including the application process, timeframe, and fees, refer to Building Permit page. 

How to submit your application

You can submit your Building Permit application:

  • Option 1 – Apply online (preferred): Apply through the online lodgement 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: All owners of the land must be listed on the application.

Fees

View current building fees

Timeframes

  • Certified applications: within 10 business days
  • Uncertified applications: within 25 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.