Building applications in the city of Gosnells, located in Perth’s thriving south-eastern corridor, has specific planning regulations and building approval processes. Whether you’re planning a new home, setting up an Airbnb, developing residential units, or managing a commercial project, understanding Gosnells’ requirements is crucial for success.
This complete guide outlines the City’s planning framework, types of applications, submission steps, and important tips to ensure your project is approved without unnecessary delays.

Understanding Building Applications in the City of Gosnells Planning Framework

The first step before lodging a building application is to understand the City of Gosnells’ planning framework.
Applications are assessed based on:

• Local Planning Scheme No. 6
• State Planning Policies (SPPs)
• Residential Design Codes (R-Codes)

Early zoning checks are critical—particularly for Airbnbs, subdivisions, or commercial builds. Failure to meet these controls is one of the most common causes of rejections.

Start with a Subdivision Feasibility Study to evaluate compliance and constraints.
Obtain a Feature and Contour Survey before designing to ensure accuracy.
Define legal boundaries early with Licensed Boundary Surveys.
Understand the Potential of Your Property to assess development viability before investing.

Types of Building Applications in the City of Gosnells

The City processes a variety of building applications, depending on your project type:

• Residential Development Applications (new houses, extensions, granny flats)
  Begin with a Feature & Contour Survey for proper setbacks and design data.
• Commercial Development Applications (retail stores, offices, industrial buildings)
  Use Licensed Surveying Services to ensure compliance from setout to completion.
• Subdivision Applications (Green Title, Survey Strata)
  Assess land potential with a Subdivision Feasibility Study.
• Short Stay (Airbnb) Accommodation Applications – If building or extending, include a Feature Survey. Always confirm zoning and contact us for Change of Use support.
• Demolition Permits – Evaluate redevelopment options with Understanding the Potential of Your Property.
• Occupancy Permits – We support you with end-to-end surveying and documentation.

Each application type requires different supporting documents and may involve public consultation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Your Application

Submitting a building application to the City of Gosnells involves these essential steps:

1. Pre-Lodgement Consultation
   Meet with the City’s planning team to identify zoning restrictions, potential issues, or required modifications.
2. Prepare Required Documents
   Make sure to prepare:
   
   • Site Plan (meeting City standards)
   • Floor Plan
   • Elevation Drawings
   • Certificate of Title
   • Cover Letter or Justification Letter
   • Completed Application Form
     Need clarity? See: Understanding the Potential of Your Property
3. Digital Submission via Online Portal
   The City prefers online submissions, which speeds up assessment timelines. Ensuring your documentation is accurate and complete can save weeks.
   Before submission, our feature and contour surveys provide the critical site detail City planners often require.
4. Application Fee Payment
   Fees vary depending on the estimated development cost and complexity.
5. Assessment and Possible Consultation
   Larger projects or those involving short-term rentals like Airbnbs may trigger community consultation. Ensure your property boundaries are correct with our licensed boundary surveys, a common requirement for building compliance.
6. Decision Notification
   Approval is issued if your project complies with zoning and planning rules. Otherwise, modifications or appeals may be needed.
   To maximise the value of your land and avoid delays, learn how PSS Group can assist in subdivision feasibility studies.

City of Gosnells Site Plan Requirements: A Detailed Breakdown

A site plan is critical for building approval. The City of Gosnells requires site plans to include:

• Accurate property boundaries with dimensions
• Location of existing and proposed buildings
• Setbacks from all boundaries
• Vehicle access points and driveways
• Landscaping plans
• Orientation (North Point) and Scale

 Tip: Engage a professional surveyor (like PSS Group) to avoid costly rework and ensure compliance with City of Gosnells site plan requirements.
PSS Group can support your project from the ground up with Licensed Boundary Surveys that define legal property limits with precision, and Feature and Contour Surveys that provide essential topographic data for planning. If you’re planning to subdivide, start with a Subdivision Feasibility Study to understand development potential, or explore how PSS Group supports Land Subdivision Projects end-to-end.

Common Building Application Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to prevent rejections or lengthy delays:

• Incomplete Applications
  Missing site plans, certificates or mandatory forms can stall your submission. Make sure your documentation is backed by a reliable feature and contour survey to ensure you’re submitting accurate data from the start.
• Ignoring Zoning Restrictions
  Never assume you can use your property for Airbnb, subdivisions, or other purposes without first checking land-use rules. Read our guide on how to understand the potential of your property before making any assumptions.
• Plan Discrepancies
  Inconsistencies between your floor plan and site plan often trigger requests for revisions. Our team ensures alignment from survey through to submission. Learn more about our licensed boundary surveys to prevent legal and design mismatches.
• Late Engagement
  Skipping a pre-lodgement meeting with council or planners increases the risk of non-compliance. Our subdivision feasibility study helps you identify potential issues and mitigate them early.
• Underestimating Approval Timeframes
  If public advertising or neighbours’ consultation is required, approvals can take 60+ days.

Being proactive by double-checking requirements, engaging early with planners, and building in extra time for consultation will save you headaches—and money.

Useful Resources and Contact Information

Helpful links and contacts for your building application:

• City of Gosnells Building and Development Portal
• Phone: (08) 9397 3000
• Email: [email protected]
• Online Forms: Development Application, Subdivision Application
• Pre-Lodgement Appointment Booking: Available through the City’s website
• Always refer to the City’s application checklist to verify you have included all documents.

Airbnb Development Applications in the City of Gosnells

Operating an Airbnb in Gosnells is subject to strict planning regulations.
You must:

• Confirm zoning allows short stay accommodation.
• Lodge a formal development application.
• Submit a Justification Letter detailing guest management plans.
• Provide parking arrangements and noise management strategies.

Unapproved Airbnb operations may face fines and enforcement actions under the City’s planning laws. For zoning clarity and planning support, companies like MNG Survey can provide urban planning expertise in coordination with your surveyors.

FAQs Regarding Building Applications in the City of Gosnells

1. How long does it take to get building approval in Gosnells?
   Approval generally takes 30 to 60 days, depending on project size and complexity.
2. Can I lodge my building application online?
   Yes, Gosnells offers a streamlined digital submission portal for faster processing.
3. What is the key document needed for site plans?
   An accurate, scaled site plan showing setbacks, structures, and landscaping is essential. If you’re exploring advanced options like 3D data, Land Surveys offers reality capture technologies that can enhance planning and visual submissions.
4. Is council approval needed for Airbnb properties?
   Yes. Any short-term rental use under three months typically requires planning approval.
5. What supporting documents are required for a building application in Gosnells?
   To lodge a complete building application, you must provide a site plan, floor plan, elevation drawings, certificate of title, a completed application form, and any necessary supporting documents like a cover letter or justification statement.

Need help preparing your building application for the City of Gosnells? Contact PSS Group for expert surveying and site plan services.”For personalized assistance with your building application in the City of Gosnells, contact our team of experts today.”