General Planning Enquiries
An Urban Planner is available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 8.30am to 5pm to assist customers with general planning enquiries, either by the phone or in person.
We can assist with general enquiries such as:
- land zoning
- development application lodgement and process
- statutory timeframes
- community consultation requirements
- general advice on State and Local planning policy requirements, including the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes)
Please note: General advice will be provided, Urban Planners cannot confirm if any departure from the planning framework or development application would be supported without a formal submission of an application.
Written Planning Advice
What is this application for?
Examples of common written planning advice requests include:
- The zoning and density code (R-Code) of a property
- The current approved use of a property
- Policies that are applicable to a particular site or zone
- Local Authority comments for a subdivision ‘Form 4A - Application for extending the period of time for submission of a diagram or plan of survey’
- Confirm that minor development proposals are exempt from development approval in line with Council's Local Planning Policy 32
Please note: the Town is unable to provide written planning advice on the suitability of a proposed variation to the planning framework. These matters can only be dealt with as part of the formal submission of an Application for Development Approval (DA).
How can I apply and what do I submit?
The fee for written planning advice is currently $73.
Application Form - Written Planning Advice
You can lodge your application by emailing admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au. The application is not accepted until payment has been received.
Exemption from Development Approval Checks including Deemed-to-Comply Checks
The Town of Victoria Park provides planning services for written confirmation on whether your proposal is exempt from development approval or requires an 'Application for Development Approval (or DA)' to be submitted and approved.
The Town encourages applicant to submit one of the following suitable application types to obtain written confirmation that their proposal is exempt from requiring development approval. The intent of this check is to provide applicants with confidence that their proposal can proceed straight to a building permit.
The processing of building permit applications are 'fast tracked' where the Town has provided written confirmation of development approval exemption.
Deemed-to-Comply Check
The construction of a new single house or extensions and or renovations to a Single House may be exempt from requiring development approval. This applies if the plans meet the deemed-to-comply criteria of Volume 1 of the Residential Design Codes or any local planning policy that amends or replace these criteria. In the Town of Victoria Park, Local Planning Policy No.25 - Streetscape varies some provisions of the Residential Design Codes.
Please note: the construction of a new Grouped Dwelling or additions to a Grouped Dwelling require an Application for Development Approval (DA).
How can I apply and what do I submit?
The fee for a deemed-to-comply check is currently $295.
The following relevant documentation must be submitted with the application:
- Application form - Deemed-to-Comply Check
- Site Plan - showing lot dimensions, all existing an proposed structures, existing and proposed existing and proposed ground levels, any structures proposed to be removed, existing and proposed pedestrian and vehicle access, car parking spaces including layout and dimensions, any proposed open space and landscaping
- Floor Plans - of buildings proposed to be erected or altered, and any buildings proposed to be retained, complete with setbacks to all lot boundaries
- Elevation Plans - of buildings proposed to be erected or altered, and any buildings proposed to be retained, complete with existing and proposed ground levels and wall and roof height dimensions taken from natural ground level
- Landscape Plan - showing planting areas and proposed tree locations and species
You may be asked to provide more information before the application is accepted and lodged.
You can lodge your application by emailing admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au. The application is not accepted until payment has been received.
What advice will I receive?
We will assess your development plans against the Residential Design Codes and Local Planning Policy 25 - Streetscape (which varies some provisions of the Residential Design Codes).
Advice of the outcome will be provided within 14 days of the application being accepted and lodged.
The advice will state either that:
- The proposal is exempt from development approval; or
- The proposal is not exempt from development approval. This will include the reasons why, by briefly outlining where and how the proposal does not meet the deemed-to- comply criteria of the R-Codes and any relevant local planning policy
What happens next?
If the advice states that your proposal is exempt, you may lodge an application for a building permit.
If your proposal is not exempt, you have a number of options available to you:
- You may apply for development approval, or
- You may amend your plans to address the areas of non-compliance and submit another deemed-to-comply check, or
- You may amend your plans to address the areas of non-compliance and apply for a building permit. Please note that if you choose this option, an area of non-compliance that was not addressed fully may be identified through the building permit process and you may be requested to apply for development approval
Other Council Approvals May be Required
Whilst your proposal may be exempt from requiring development approval, please note that other Council approvals may still be required, such as a Building Permit, Work Zone Permit or Food Business Registration. This depends on the specifics of your proposal, please contact the Town of Victoria Park for further information.
Land Use Exemption Check
Proposals seeking to change the land use of a premises, may be exempt from requiring . For example, a premises changing its use from an 'Office' to a 'Restaurant / Cafe'.
Exemption check process
The applicant is to complete a self-assessment checklist outlining key details about their proposed business. Within 14 days of lodging the self-assessment checklist,
How can I apply and what do I submit?
There is currently no fee applicable.
The following relevant documentation must be submitted with the application:
- Self-assessment checklist - Land Use Exemption
- Floor Plans/ Tenancy Plan – indicating the total net lettable area
- Signage plan (if applicable) - show the location of the signage and dimensioned signage graphics
You can lodge your application by emailing admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au.
What advice will I receive?
The Town will advise in writing whether your business proposal is exempt from development approval and you will be provided with a list of other Council approvals / permits which may be required. The current timeframe for this advice is 1 – 2 weeks.
The Town also invites applicants to meet with the Place Leader for your suburb to discuss your proposed business and how the Town’s various initiatives may help your business establish firm commercial foundations within our community.
Other Council Approvals May be Required
Whilst your proposal may be exempt from requiring development approval, please note that other Council approvals may still be required, such as a Building Permit, Work Zone Permit or Food Business Registration. This depends on the specifics of your proposal, please contact the Town of Victoria Park for further information.