Understanding Building Applications in the City of Stirling Planning Framework
Building Applications in the City of Stirling, Before you break ground, it’s essential to understand how your project fits into the City of Stirling’s planning framework. Getting this right from the outset saves time and helps you avoid costly rework.
Overview of Planning Regulations
- Zoning Laws: Define what can be built on your land, and vary between residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use zones. Before making major development decisions, it’s smart to conduct a Subdivision Feasibility Study to assess what’s achievable on your property under Stirling’s zoning.
- Setbacks: Regulate how close structures can be to property boundaries. A professionally prepared Feature Survey helps ensure your design complies with these setback requirements and provides accurate measurements to avoid rework.
- Heritage Protections: Some areas or buildings may have heritage constraints that affect design, materials, and permissible works.
Stirling Local Planning Scheme
The City of Stirling’s Local Planning Scheme sets rules for:
- Permissible and discretionary uses of land
- Site coverage, height limits, and density controls
- Requirements in structure plan areas and local development plans
Understanding these regulations early and using a detailed Land Development Planning Process Guide can help reduce planning confusion and improve approval success.
Planning vs. Building Permits
Planning approval relates to land use—what you can do with your property.
A building permit ensures the proposed structure complies with safety, design, and construction standards under the Building Act 2011.
In most cases, you need both planning approval and a building permit. To avoid boundary-related issues during the approval process, it’s essential to confirm legal boundaries with a Licensed Boundary Survey before submitting your application.
Types of Building Applications in the City of Stirling
Different types of development require different applications. Understanding yours early prevents processing delays.
- Residential Building Applications
Covers new builds, extensions, patios, sheds, swimming pools, garages, carports, and renovations. Most of these projects will require accurate feature and contour surveys to ensure your plans meet local site and zoning requirements.
- Commercial/Industrial Building Permits
Required for business premises such as offices, restaurants, medical clinics, and warehouses. These often demand advanced construction surveying services, including steel setout and structural compliance checks.
- Demolition Applications
Required for the removal of existing buildings or structures.
- Change of Use Applications
If you’re changing the use of a property—e.g., converting a home into a shop or starting a business from home—you’ll likely need planning approval. Start by understanding the development potential of your property to avoid zoning conflicts and approval delays.
Airbnb & Short-Stay Accommodation
To operate legally in Stirling:
- You’ll need development (planning) approval
- The City considers issues like parking, amenity impact, and noise
Before proceeding, ensure you’re covered with accurate licensed boundary surveys to define your property limits and protect against legal disputes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Your Application
The City of Stirling offers online lodgement via the Planning and Building Portal. Here’s how to navigate it:
Step 1: Determine Application Type
- Certified Building Application: Submit with a Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC) from a registered building surveyor.
- Uncertified Application: The City of Stirling assesses the design and issues the CDC internally.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
You will generally need:
- A site plan showing all existing and proposed structures
- A feature and contour survey from a licensed surveyor
- Architectural drawings and engineering certifications
- An energy efficiency report (e.g. a NatHERS 6-star rating)
- Planning approval (if required)
Step 3: Submit the Application
You can lodge your application:
- Online via the City of Stirling Planning & Building Portal
- Or in person at the City’s Main Administration Centre in Inglewood
Step 4: Pay the Application Fees
Fees are based on the project type and value. The City will issue a fee invoice upon lodgement.
Step 5: Assessment Timeframes
- Certified Applications: Typically 10 business days
- Uncertified Applications: Around 25 business days
City of Stirling Site Plan Requirements: A Detailed Breakdown
Your site plan is one of the most important components of your application. Mistakes here often lead to delays.
What to Include in Your Site Plan
- Accurate lot boundaries and dimensions
- Location of existing and proposed buildings
- Setbacks from property boundaries
- Locations of driveways, crossovers, easements, and services
- Natural features like trees, contours, stormwater drainage
- North point and scale
Why a Licensed Surveyor Matters
- Ensures accuracy and regulatory compliance
- Reduces the chance of boundary disputes
- Required for many applications, particularly where height, slope, or encroachments are an issue
Common Building Application Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common errors to speed up your approval:
- Missing key documents (e.g., outdated plans, no energy report)
- Submitting the wrong type of application (certified vs. uncertified)
- Not obtaining planning approval first where it’s required
- Overlooking verge permits for construction material storage on council land
Pro tip: Always cross-check with Stirling’s building and planning checklists before lodging.
Useful Resources & Contacts
Helpful Links
Key Contacts
- City of Stirling Building Services
Phone: (08) 9205 8555
Email: [email protected] - PSS Group – Site plans, surveys & compliance support
Airbnb Development Applications within the City of Stirling
Operating an Airbnb or short-stay rental in Stirling? You’ll need to follow the City’s planning policies.
Key Steps:
- Submit a Development Application
- Public consultation may be required
- The City assesses compliance with parking, occupancy, and amenity criteria
Airbnb Conditions Often Include:
- Designated off-street parking
- Maximum guest numbers
- Clear management plans for noise, waste, and complaints
Tip: Review your approval annually and update management plans as needed.
FAQs – Building Applications in the City of Stirling
- How do I apply for a building permit in Stirling?
Via the Stirling Planning & Building Portal or through a registered building surveyor. - What documents are required?
Site plan, survey, structural drawings, energy report, and planning approval (if applicable). - What’s the difference between certified and uncertified?
Certified: Private surveyor supplies CDC
Uncertified: City assesses and issues CDC - How long does approval take?
Certified: ~10 business days
Uncertified: ~25 business days - Can I apply online?
Yes, all applications can be lodged via Stirling’s eLodgement portal. - What’s required for Airbnb/short stay use?
Planning approval, parking, occupancy caps, and guest management plans. - Can I get approval for something already built?
Yes, but retrospective approval is more complex and costly.
