The City of Vincent and the State Government have introduced legislative, regulatory and policy reforms to support Western Australia’s COVID-19 Recovery and create a more flexible, responsive and contemporary planning system.
These reforms will remove barriers to enable development, create and protect jobs and support business.
A range of planning exemptions have been introduced to make it easier for people to start new businesses and undertake small improvements to their homes or businesses, getting more people back to work and boosting local economies.
The key planning exemptions that are available for small businesses and for small projects are outlined below. While you may not need planning approval it’s important to remember that you may still need Building and Health approvals from the City.
Exemptions for Small Projects
If you’re thinking of doing a small residential or non-residential project then this may also not require planning approval. You can check these planning exemptions below, but please note that these do not apply to heritage-protected places.
Your proposed works may still need Building Approval. To confirm, give our Building team call on 9273 6000 or email us at mail@vincent.wa.gov.au.
Small projects that don’t require planning approval
- Additions to a single house or grouped dwelling that comply with the acceptable development requirements of the Residential Design Codes and the City of Vincent Policies, where applicable. This may include patios, pergolas, decks, sheds, carports, garages and small extensions.
- Installing solar panels that are parallel to the angle of the roof.
- Shade sails.
- Swimming pools and spas.
- New signs that comply with the requirements in the City’s Signs and Advertising policy found here.
- Installing water tanks that are outside of the street setback area; have a volume less than 5000 litres and if:
- Fixed to a building, are no higher than the eaves of the building.
- Not fixed to a building and is more than 1 metre from each lot boundary, are no higher than 2.4 metres.
- Not fixed to a building and is 1 metre or less from a lot boundary, are no higher than 1.8 metres.
- Installing cubbyhouses that are outside of the street setback area and:
- Have a floor level no more than 1 metre above natural ground level
- Have a wall height no more than 2.4 metres above natural ground level
- Have an overall height no more than 3.0 metres above natural ground level
- Have a floor area no more than 10 square metres
- Are not installed within 1 metre of more than one lot boundary.
- Installing a flagpole that;
- Has a height no more than 6 metres above natural ground level
- Has a diameter no more than 200 millimetres;
- Is not used for advertising
- Is the only flagpole on the lot.
- Maintenance and repair works.
- Demolition of single houses, grouped dwellings (subject to them not sharing a common wall with another building), sheds, patios, garages and carports.
- Internal building work.
- Temporary works that are in existence for less than 48 hours, unless otherwise agreed with the City.
Small business works that don't require planning approval
- Internal Building Work
- Shop front alterations where the alignment or street setback of the shop front is not changing. This does not include the installing roller doors and shutters. Shop fronts are required to maintain an active and interactive relationship to any adjacent street(s), to ensure surveillance and visual amenity of the public domain and communal spaces.
- Changing texts and graphics on existing signs and advertising.
- New signs that comply with the requirements in the City’s Signs and Advertising policy found here.
- Installing solar panels that are parallel to the angle of the roof.
- Temporary works that are in existence for less than 48 hours, unless otherwise agreed with the City.
Exemptions for Small Businesses
The State Government and the City are removing unnecessary red tape by expanding the range and types of businesses that don’t need planning approval and don’t need to provide parking. This includes shops, restaurants, cafes, offices, consulting rooms, small bars and private recreation facilities.
To find out whether your business is exempt from needing planning approval there are three things that you need to know:
- What land use your business falls under. For example, a hairdresser is a ‘Shop’ land use.
- What zone your business will be located in.
- That your business meets the applicable conditions, such as limits on floor space.
To check this please refer to the common land uses listed below. This is where you can find out whether your business is exempt from needing planning approval and what Health and/or Building approvals are required before you begin operating.
These exemptions only apply where there are no changes to the building, such as an increase in floor area or noticeable changes to the front of the building.
Disclaimer
This information is produced by the City of Vincent in good faith and the City accepts no responsibility for any ramifications or repercussions for providing this information. Verification with the original planning schemes, relevant development approvals and other relevant documents and legislation is recommended for detailed references.