The City has a statutory timeframe of 60 days from the date on which the application is accepted (which can be different to the date it is lodged). This timeframe can be extended to 90 days should the development require advertising to neighbouring properties or referral to a State Government Department or Agency.
The City may also contact you to initiate a 21 day Stop-the-Clock process which would allow you to submit further information prior to the statutory time frame expiring.
Ancillary dwellings (commonly known as granny flats) are small, self-contained dwellings on the same site as a main house.
As of July 2025, granny flats in Kwinana that meet the deemed-to-comply requirements of the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) no longer require development approval. This change supports greater housing supply and diversity.
Please note that R-Codes only apply to residential land. In other zones (e.g. Special Rural and Special Residential) other local planning policies apply and development approval may be required.
A development application comes from the Local Government’s Planning Department and assess your development’s compliance with the Local Government’s planning scheme. A building permit comes from the Local Government’s Building Services Department and assess your development’s compliance with the National Construction Codes. Often, if you need a development application, you will also need a building permit.
The Zoning and Use Classes table (Table 1) in the City’s Planning Scheme deals with the type of land use that is permissible in what zone. Land use is broken up into different categories. If you are unsure what land use your property would fall under, please contact the City’s Planning Department for guidance. Permissibility is broken down into four different categories:
- A ‘P’ use is a use that is permitted and does not require development approval for the land use itself. If there is construction associated with this use, it may require a planning application.
- An ‘AA’ use is a use that may be permitted as long as development approval is granted for it through the development application process. Please note, a development application is only required if the land use is changing to an ‘AA’ use. An existing use may continue to operate without approval. For example, approval would only be required if the use was changing to an ‘AA’ use from a ‘P’ use or other ‘AA’ use.
- A ‘SA’ use is the same as an ‘AA’ use exempt that the development must be advertised to neighbouring properties as part of the development application process.
- A ‘X’ use is a use that is not permitted in that zone.
There are multiple different rules and policies that can apply to different properties depending on their zoning. For example, the State Government’s Residential Design Codes and the City’s Local Planning Policy No. 14 apply to all Residential land within the City. The City has separate Local Planning Policies for both Special Rural and Special Residential zoned land. Different sections of the City’s Planning Scheme apply to different zones. If you would like to find out about the specific rules and policies that apply to your policy, please contact the City’s Planning Department.