Perth Builder Pre-Lodgement Checklist - City Bylaws

Land Use and Zoning Western Australia 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia builders must follow local planning and building rules before lodging development proposals. This checklist summarises key municipal steps, documentary requirements and the enforcement framework for proposals submitted to the City of Perth and relevant state regulators. It is written for builders preparing pre-lodgement material so you can identify permit triggers, minimum documentation, likely compliance checks and where to get official guidance.

Pre-lodgement checklist for builders

Use this checklist to prepare documents that the City of Perth and state authorities typically review at lodgement or at a pre-lodgement meeting.

  • Application form and cover letter identifying owner, applicant and project scope; check the City of Perth development approvals page for the correct form and submission method City of Perth development approvals[1].
  • Site plan, floor plans and elevations drawn to scale and keyed to the application.
  • Construction documentation addressing structural, access and applicable building standards; include referencing of the Building Code of Australia where relevant.
  • Compliance statement showing how the proposal meets local planning controls and the R-Codes or planning policies; consult state planning policy and R-Codes guidance WA Planning policies and R-Codes[2].
  • Fee estimate and payment method for development application and separate building approvals; check current fees with the City and Building and Energy WA.
  • Timing: allow time for pre-lodgement meetings and statutory assessment periods; book a pre-lodgement meeting if available.
  • Contact details for the responsible officer and a nominated project contact for further requests.
Book a pre-lodgement meeting with the City early to reduce redesigns later.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of planning and building requirements in Perth is carried out by the City of Perth planning and compliance teams and by state regulators for building standards. Specific monetary fines and penalty structures are set out in the controlling instruments and enforcement policies of the relevant agency or the Local Government Act where local laws apply.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited City of Perth development approvals page; check the City of Perth local laws and enforcement pages for exact amounts City of Perth development approvals[1].
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat and continuing offence categories vary by instrument and are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance notices, stop-work orders, demolition or removal orders, and court action are available remedies under local law and state building legislation.
  • Enforcer: City of Perth Planning and Compliance teams for planning local-law breaches; Building and Energy (WA) for building standard breaches; contact details and complaint pathways are on the City and state regulator pages City of Perth development approvals[1] and Building and Energy WA[3].
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes depend on the instrument (planning decision review or building disputes processes); statutory time limits for appeals are set in the relevant Act or policy and are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Defences/discretion: lawful permits, approved variances or documented licences and reasonable excuse defences may apply as specified by the decision-maker.
If enforcement action is threatened, seek the exact notice reference and compliance timeframe from the issuing officer.

Applications & Forms

The City of Perth publishes application pathways for development approvals and guidance on required documentation; specific form names, fees and lodgement portals are listed on the City website or the state Building and Energy pages. If a named form, fee or lodgement deadline is not shown on the cited page, it is not specified on that page and you must confirm directly with the City or state regulator City of Perth development approvals[1].

How-To

  1. Confirm applicable planning controls and permit triggers by checking the City of Perth and state planning policy pages.
  2. Compile plans, reports and compliance statements aligned to the R-Codes and local planning policies.
  3. Book a pre-lodgement meeting with the City to clarify documentation and likely conditions.
  4. Estimate fees and secure required certificates (e.g., energy, drainage) before lodgement.
  5. Submit the application through the City lodgement portal or as directed, and monitor requests for additional information.
  6. If refused or conditions are unacceptable, follow the City appeal or review procedures within the published time limits.
Keep a single project folder with original certificates and all correspondence for any review or appeal.

FAQ

Do I need a development approval for small residential works?
It depends on zoning, the R-Codes and local planning policies; check the City of Perth development approvals guidance and seek a pre-lodgement meeting for clarity City of Perth development approvals[1].
Where do I check building code compliance?
Refer to Building and Energy WA for building standards and certification requirements, and engage a registered building surveyor if required Building and Energy WA[3].
What planning standards apply to setbacks and open space?
Setbacks and open space standards are governed by the R-Codes and local planning policies; consult the WA planning policy pages for the current codes WA Planning policies and R-Codes[2].

Key Takeaways

  • Start a pre-lodgement process early to identify permit triggers and required documents.
  • Align plans to R-Codes and City policies to reduce refusal risk.
  • Contact City of Perth planning officers or Building and Energy WA for authoritative guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth - Development approvals and guidance
  2. [2] Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage - Planning policies and R-Codes
  3. [3] Building and Energy WA - building standards and regulation

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