Learn about the requirements for installing a new swimming pool or spa, including planning and building approvals, setbacks and safety barrier standards.
Definitions
- Swimming Pool or Spa: A swimming pool or spa is defined as any structure containing water to a depth greater than 300mm and is used for swimming, wading or the like.
- Development (Planning) Approval: Approval required for certain developments to ensure compliance with zoning and planning requirements.
- 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.
Swimming pools and spas requirements
- Planning approval: Development (Planning) Approval is not required for swimming pools where they are associated with a Single House or Grouped Dwelling and the works are not located in a heritage-protected place. Whilst swimming pools and spas are exempt from the requirement to obtain development approval. Where a compliant pool barrier is required within the front setback area of a dwelling and varies the requirements of the R-Codes, development approval for the front fence is required.
- Building approval: A Building Permit is required prior to the construction or installation of any swimming pool or spa that will contain more than 300mm (30cm) depth of water.
- Inspections: All swimming pool and spa safety barriers must be inspected by the City’s Swimming Pool Inspector prior to filling with water. Failure to do so is an offence and can result in an infringement and prosecution.
Swimming pools and below-ground spas must generally be set back from structures by a distance equal to the maximum depth of the pool or spa. For example, a 1.2m deep pool must be at least 1.2m from houses, retaining walls, dividing fences and similar structures.
Pools and below-ground spas may be located closer to boundaries if supported by a Structural Engineer’s report.
All private swimming pools and spas with water deeper than 300mm must have a compliant safety barrier installed to restrict access by young children. Pool and spa owners are responsible for ensuring their barrier is installed correctly, remains functional and is maintained in accordance with State regulations.
The City inspects swimming pool and spa safety barriers within a four-year cycle, as required under the Building Regulations 2012. However, owners must ensure barriers remain compliant at all times, not just at the time of inspection.
What the barrier must do
Your safety barrier must:
- Prevent unsupervised access by young children;
- Be permanently installed; and
- Meet the technical requirements of the applicable Australian Standards and WA regulations.
Where to find detailed barrier requirements
The technical standards for pool and spa barriers, including heights, clearances, gate operation and portable pool requirements, are set by the WA Government. For full and up-to-date guidance, refer to Swimming Pool and Spa Safety Barrier Requirements.
All new swimming pool and spa safety barriers must be inspected by the City prior to filling the pool or spa with water.
How to apply for a swimming pool
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 information | When it is required |
| City of Wanneroo Application for Development Approval | Always |
| Metropolitan Region Scheme Form 1 | Required 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 survey | Only required where there is a proposed change in ground levels |
| Site plan drawn to scale | Always |
| Floor plan drawn to scale | Always (not required for retaining walls) |
| Full set of elevation plans drawn to scale | Always |
| 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 framework | Where 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 (PDF).
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 below, then submit it 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 post: Download and complete the Application Form PDF below, then mail it with all supporting documentation 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.
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:
- 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.
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 swimming pool, setbacks from lot boundaries and other structures.
- Pool barrier to be illustrated on the Site Plan along with compliance statements with the applicable building standards.
- Building plans and elevation including floor plans, elevations and sections.
- Construction details and specifications demonstrating compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).
- Structural engineering details and certifications.
- 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
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.
