Introduction

Building Applications in the City of South Perth is a sought-after location for residential and commercial development, offering riverside living and a vibrant local community. Whether you’re extending your home, subdividing land, opening a new business, or planning an Airbnb, understanding how to submit a building application is essential to avoid costly delays.

This guide walks you through the process of submitting a compliant building application, including zoning information, required documents, Airbnb regulations, and expert tips—ensuring a smooth journey from submission to approval.

What Is a Building Application in South Perth?

A building application in South Perth is a formal request submitted to the City for approval to construct, modify, or repurpose a structure. This includes residential extensions, commercial developments, subdivisions, and short-term accommodation such as Airbnb.

Understanding Building Applications in the City of South Perth Planning Framework

Whether you’re subdividing, building, or developing property in South Perth, your proposal must align with key planning documents and frameworks set out by the City and State. Here’s what you need to know:

Core Planning Documents to Be Aware Of:

1. Local Planning Scheme No. 6 (LPS 6)
   This governs zoning, land use, and development requirements within the City of South Perth. It’s crucial to check this to know what kind of development your site permits. If you’re unsure where to begin, a Subdivision Feasibility Study is the ideal starting point to understand your site’s potential and constraints.
   
2. R-Codes (Residential Design Codes) – Volumes 1 & 2
   These state-wide codes dictate residential building standards such as setbacks, open space, and building height. Volume 1 is generally for single and grouped dwellings; Volume 2 is for apartments and mixed-use developments. For developers aiming to maximise yield while complying with these regulations, PSS Group’s Land Subdivision Services provide end-to-end support from concept to approval.
   
3. Precinct Plans & Local Planning Policies
   These provide more specific design and development guidance tailored to each local area or “precinct.” They’re key for aligning your project with the area’s character. To ensure accurate planning and reduce rework, start your project with a Feature and Contour Survey.
   
4. City’s Online Mapping Tool
   This tool lets you check zoning, lot size, overlays (like heritage or flood risk), and other critical planning layers for your site. Knowing your boundary conditions is essential, and Licensed Boundary Surveys can eliminate disputes and ensure legal clarity before submission.

Types of Building Applications in the City of South Perth

Select the correct application type based on your project scope:

• Residential Development – New homes, extensions, carports, granny flats, or backyard subdivisions (rear strata). If you’re considering subdividing your block, check out how to subdivide your land to create your retirement fund.
• Commercial Projects – Shop fit-outs, signage installation, or use change (e.g., retail to café). It’s critical to understand your site boundaries for compliance; see our licensed boundary surveys.
• Short-Stay Accommodation (Airbnb) – Hosted or unhosted rental setups. Ensure you’re compliant with zoning and structural constraints; we recommend starting with a subdivision feasibility study to assess what’s possible.
• Demolition Permits – Full or partial structural removal. For accurate planning and boundary compliance, a licensed boundary survey may be required.
• Subdivision Applications – Green title, survey-strata, amalgamations. Learn how to understand the potential of your property to determine what subdivision path is best for your situation.

Tip: Unsure of your application type? Contact the City’s planning team or consult a survey professional before applying.

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Your Application

1. Check Zoning and Development Controls

Start by using the City’s mapping tools to confirm:

• Your property’s zoning and R-Code
  Whether the site is heritage-listed
• Required setbacks, height limits, and permissible uses

Before proceeding, it’s beneficial to understand your land’s full potential—read more on Understanding the Potential of Your Property.

2. Prepare Required Documentation

Your application must include:

• Site plan (to scale: 1:100 or 1:200)
• Floor plans and elevation drawings
• Landscaping plan (if applicable)
• Certificate of Title
• Justification letter (if varying R-Code or policy requirements)
• Application form and cover letter

Ensure your site data is accurate by starting with a Feature and Contour Survey, which provides essential topographic and boundary information.

3. Use the Application Checklist

• Download the Planning Application Checklist to ensure you meet all submission requirements.

If you’re unsure about property boundaries or are addressing a dispute, consider a Licensed Boundary Survey to resolve any uncertainties before submission.

4. Submit the Application

Lodge your documents via:

• Email (PDF format, clearly labelled)
• In person at the South Perth Civic Centre

Fees are based on project value and can be found in the City’s Fees & Charges section.

Need help planning your subdivision or development scope? Start with a Subdivision Feasibility Study to assess viability before you commit.

5. Respond to Further Information Requests

The City may ask for:

• Revised plans
• Community consultation results
• Additional technical documents

6. Await Approval

Standard application processing takes 60–90 days, depending on project complexity and whether advertising is required.

City of South Perth Site Plan Requirements: A Detailed Breakdown

A compliant site plan must include the following:

• Scale and north point
• Lot boundaries and dimensions
• Existing and proposed structures
• Setbacks from all lot boundaries
• Vehicle access, car bays, and crossovers
• Verge details (trees, infrastructure, footpaths)
• Landscaping and open space areas
• Street names and orientation

Tip: Professionally drawn site plans improve your chances of a smooth approval process.

Common Building Application Mistakes to Avoid

To streamline your approval, avoid these common issues:

• Incomplete or outdated forms
• No Certificate of Title or incorrect lot info
• Unscaled or unclear site plans
• No justification for variations to R-Codes
• Submitting under the wrong application type
• Missing management plans for short-term rentals

Useful Resources and Contact Information

Use these official City of South Perth resources to streamline your building or development application:

• Planning and Building Services
  Access information on planning schemes, development application requirements, building permits, and key local policies.

For deeper insight into how top survey firms manage local planning challenges, view Master Surveying’s professional approach to integrated planning and surveying services.

• Online Mapping Portal (IntraMaps)
  Explore property zoning, R-Codes, lot dimensions, heritage overlays, and other relevant site data.

To see how 3D geospatial tools enhance zoning clarity, explore Land Surveys’ 3D Reality Capture technologies in practice.

• Forms and Checklists
  Download application forms, checklists, and supporting documentation templates for all project types.

For inspiration on how modern surveying firms streamline data workflows, see ESO Surveyors’ Survey Data Management systems.

• Fees and Charges
  View the latest fees for development applications, planning assessments, and building permits.

Curious about how fees and scope are handled in broader contexts? Check out MNG Survey’s service overview for benchmarking.

• Location: City of South Perth Civic Centre, Corner Sandgate Street & South Terrace, South Perth WA 6151
• Phone: (08) 9474 0777
• Email: [email protected]

For detailed enquiries, consider booking an appointment with a planning officer through the City’s customer service channels.

Airbnb Development Applications in the City of South Perth

Operating an Airbnb or short-stay rental in South Perth requires development approval—particularly for unhosted listings.

Required documentation includes:

• Floor and site plans
• Cover letter and application form
• Owner consent (if applicable)
• Management plan (noise, parking, rubbish)
• Justification letter outlining compliance with local planning objectives

Applications are assessed on amenity impact, parking, land use compatibility, and existing short-stay density in the area.

FAQs: Building Applications in South Perth

• Do I need approval for a patio or shed?
  Yes — any structure impacting setbacks, street appearance, or lot coverage typically needs development approval.
• Can I apply online?
  Yes. You can submit applications by email or deliver hard copies to the Civic Centre.
• How long does it take to receive approval?
  Most applications are processed within 60–90 days.
• Can I operate an Airbnb without a permit?
  Not recommended. Most short-stay accommodation requires formal development approval.
• What happens if I build without approval?
  You may be required to cease works, pay penalties, and remove or modify the structure.

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