Understanding Building Applications in the City of Mandurah’s Planning Framework

Building applications in the city of Mandurah planning system is governed by Local Planning Scheme No. 12, which outlines how land can be used and developed. This framework ensures that all development aligns with strategic growth plans, environmental policies, and community expectations.

Key elements of the planning framework include:

• Zoning (Residential, Mixed Use, Commercial, Rural)
• Design standards such as the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes)
• Local Planning Policies (LPPs) like LPP12, covering short-stay accommodation (Airbnb)
• Overlay controls for coastal hazards, bushfire zones, and heritage areas

To check your property’s zoning or overlays, use the City of Mandurah’s Intramaps tool.

If you’re planning a development, a licensed boundary survey is often a legal requirement to verify property lines before lodging applications. For those considering subdividing or building apartments, view our project portfolio for real-world examples of compliant development.

Want to learn more about how planning regulations affect your project? Explore our frequently asked questions or get in touch with our team via the contact page.

Types of Building Applications in the City of Mandurah

Depending on your project, one or more of the following applications may be required:

• Development Application (DA):
  Required for:
  New builds
  Major renovations
  Land use changes
  Start with a Subdivision Feasibility Study to assess constraints and viability.
• Building Permit:
  Needed for:
  Sheds, patios, pools, and retaining walls
  Begin with a Feature and Contour Survey to capture your site’s conditions accurately.
• Demolition Permit:
  Boundary accuracy is essential.
  Engage Licensed Boundary Surveys to avoid disputes or rework.
• Occupancy Permit: Issued for commercial buildings (Class 2–9) or where required post-construction. Precision in compliance is vital—explore our As-Constructed Survey services to ensure you’re fully aligned with post-build requirements.
• Subdivision Application: Handled through the WA Planning Commission, with input from the City.

If your development involves short-stay use (e.g. Airbnb), additional approvals may be required under LPP12.

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Your Application

Here’s how to get started with your application in Mandurah:

1. Check Zoning and Land Use

Use Intramaps to confirm what’s permitted.
Unsure about overlays? Try our Understanding the Potential of Your Property guide.

2. Prepare Documentation

Gather the necessary documents:

• Site plan (to scale, 1:200)
• Floor plans and elevations (to scale, 1:100)
• Recent Certificate of Title
• Planning justification letter (if required)
• Owner’s consent (if not the owner)
  Ensure precision with a Feature and Contour Survey.

Most residential and development projects will benefit from a Feature and Contour Survey to accurately map your site’s existing conditions.

3. Submit Your Application

You can submit forms:

• Email: [email protected]
• In Person: 3 Peel Street, Mandurah WA 6210
  Forms: Download from City of Mandurah’s Building Page.
  Unsure about your boundary? Book a Licensed Boundary Survey.

4. Pay the Fees

Fees vary by project type and estimated cost. See the fee schedule for accurate rates.

5. Await Assessment and Respond to Requests

Standard processing times:

• Development Applications: Up to 60 days
• Certified Building Applications: Around 10 working days
  Be prompt in responding to any requests from the City to avoid delays. PSS Group offers end-to-end land development support, helping you through zoning, surveying, and documentation.

City of Mandurah Site Plan Requirements: A Detailed Breakdown

A well-prepared site plan can significantly improve your application’s success. The City requires:

• A legible plan drawn to scale (1:200)
• North point and property boundaries
• All existing and proposed structures
• Setback distances from boundaries
• Contours or spot levels
• Easements, services, and drainage layout

PSS Group offers accurate and compliant site and feature surveys that meet council requirements, helping ensure your submission moves forward without delays. For property owners considering development, our subdivision feasibility study service can identify constraints and opportunities early on.

If boundary clarity is critical to your application, learn more about our licensed boundary surveys, which are essential for resolving disputes and securing approvals. Additionally, our guide on the ultimate benefits of feature and contour surveys offers insight into how these surveys streamline the planning process and boost project certainty.

Common Building Application Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some of the most frequent issues that cause delays or rejections:

• Using out-of-date or hand-drawn plans
• Missing supporting documentation like the Certificate of Title or justification letters
• Overlooking zoning restrictions or special overlays
• Ignoring bushfire or coastal hazard requirements
• Submitting incomplete application forms
• Assuming timelines—some approvals can take up to 60 days

Start with a Subdivision Feasibility Study to get it right from the start.

Useful Resources and Contact Information

• Planning and Building Services: Visit Page
• Intramaps Zoning Tool: Launch Map
• Download Application Forms: Permits & Fees
• Contact Details:
  City of Mandurah, 3 Peel Street, Mandurah WA 6210
  [email protected]
  (08) 9550 3777
• Before submitting any development or subdivision applications, it’s recommended to begin with a comprehensive feature and contour survey to ensure accurate site data and avoid costly compliance issues.

Airbnb Development Applications within the City of Mandurah

Short-stay rentals like Airbnb must comply with Local Planning Policy No. 12 (LPP12) for the City of Mandurah. If you’re proposing an Airbnb:

• Confirm zoning allows short stay accommodation
• Submit a development application
• Provide a management plan addressing noise, parking, waste, and emergency contact details
• Properties near the foreshore may need additional approvals due to coastal risks

Operating without approval can result in enforcement action, including fines or closure. For technical insights on risk overlays and foreshore impacts, firms like Land Surveys offer advanced 3D reality capture services that support compliance in sensitive areas.

FAQs Regarding Building Applications in the City of Mandurah

• Do I need a building permit for a small shed or patio?
  Yes, unless it is under size and height thresholds — check the City’s guidelines or consult with a licensed surveyor such as R M Surveys for site-specific advice.
• What’s the difference between a planning and building permit?
  Planning permits assess land use and design, while building permits confirm structural compliance with the Building Code of Australia. For full lifecycle support, companies like ESO Surveyors can assist with survey data management through to compliance documentation.
• Can I submit documents online?
  Yes. Email submissions are accepted, and many forms are downloadable via the City’s website.
• How much do permits cost?
  Fees are based on the estimated cost of works. Use the City’s building fee page for details.
• Do coastal overlays affect my application?
  Yes. If your site is within a designated risk area, a coastal hazard assessment or setback compliance may be required.

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