Find out about approval requirements for apartment dwellings.
Definitions
Multiple dwelling: Commonly referred to as apartments, this includes more than one dwelling on a lot where part of one dwelling is vertically above another. It:
- does not include a grouped dwelling; and
- includes dwellings above the ground floor in a mixed-use development.
- Development (Planning) Approval: Approval required for certain developments to ensure compliance with zoning and planning requirements. It is required before a Building Permit can be issued if your dwelling does not meet all 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.
Note: If the dwellings have been constructed without prior approvals, see the Unauthorised works page for guidance on how to apply retrospectively.
How to apply to build multiple dwellings
Multiple Dwellings Development Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, ensure you have prepared all required documentation.
Required documents
- Development Application Form
- Payment of applicable fees
- Current Certificate of Title (issued within the last 6 months)
- Development proposal summary
- Site feature survey
- Site plan (drawn to scale)
- Floor plans (drawn to scale)
- Elevation plans (drawn to scale)
- Colours and materials schedule
- Landscaping plan
- Building performance diagrams
- Illustrative views, perspectives or 3D models
- Design statement demonstrating compliance with:
- State Planning Policy 7.0 – Design of the Built Environment
- State Planning Policy 7.3 – Residential Design Codes
Additional documents (if applicable)
- Metropolitan Region Scheme Form 1. Required only where approval is required under the Metropolitan Region Scheme.
- Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment or Bushfire Management Plan. Required for development within a bushfire-prone area (unless exempt).
- Design Review Panel Response Statement. Explain how Design Review Panel comments have been addressed.
- Traffic Impact Statement or Transport Impact Assessment. Required where applicable under WAPC Traffic Impact Assessment Guidelines.
- Acoustic Report. May be required where noise impacts need assessment.
- Waste Management Plan
- Universal Design Compliance Checklist and Annotated Plans. Required for:
- Developments of 10 or more multiple dwellings under R-Codes Volume 1; or
- All developments assessed under R-Codes Volume 2.
Plans and supporting information
Development proposal summary
Include:
- Site and context analysis
- Plot ratio calculations
- Number, mix and size of dwellings/apartments
- Accessibility information
- Car parking provision
- Cross ventilation and daylight performance information
Site feature survey
Include:
- Existing contours and levels
- Adjoining building levels
- Existing structures and retaining walls
- Existing trees and street trees
- Nearby infrastructure and features
Site plan
Include:
- Building locations and setbacks
- Vehicle and pedestrian access
- Open space areas
- Landscaping and deep soil zones
- Overshadowing information
- Overlooking/privacy treatments
- Stormwater management details
- Street verge infrastructure and obstructions
Landscaping plan
Include:
- Existing trees retained and removed
- Deep soil areas
- Proposed planting schedule
- Open space design
- Hardscape elements
- Lighting and irrigation
- Stormwater management
Floor Plans
Include:
- Room layouts and dimensions
- Furniture layouts
- Apartment numbers and areas
- Accessibility provisions
- Private open space dimensions
- Vehicle access and parking layout
- Storage and bin storage areas
Elevations and sections
Include:
- Building heights and levels
- Setbacks and building envelopes
- Façade and roof design
- External materials and colours
- Adjacent building context
- Pedestrian and vehicle entries
Building performance information
Include:
- Solar access analysis
- Overshadowing diagrams
- Ventilation diagrams (where required)
Illustrative material
Include:
- Photomontages or perspective drawings
- 3D computer-generated model.
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 – Multiple Dwellings (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
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.
Multiple Dwellings Checklist (PDF) Development (Planning) Approval Application Form (PDF)
A Building Permit is required.
To apply:
Complete the 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:
- Application for building permit - certified (BA1) form
- Payment of relevant fees (refer to building fees schedule)
- Development approval (if required)
- Street and verge bond permit application
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: A completed BA1 application form must be submitted with all applications including all owners signatures.
Fees
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.
