Perth Fuel Charges & Bylaws for Service Stations

Taxation and Finance Western Australia 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia service stations must follow local planning, licensing and environmental rules when setting fuel prices, installing pumps or storing petroleum. This guide summarises which municipal and state authorities apply, how federal fuel excise interacts with local charging, compliance checks and practical steps for operators in Perth.

Regulatory overview

Responsibility is shared: the City of Perth administers local planning approvals and local laws for land use and signage, state agencies regulate petroleum storage and environmental controls, and the Australian Taxation Office sets fuel excise and excise reporting obligations. Operators should review the City of Perth local laws and planning guidance for development approvals City of Perth local laws[1], federal excise rules ATO fuel excise[2] and state petroleum licensing and storage guidance DMIRS petroleum guidance[3].

Check both local planning and state petroleum rules before changing pumps.

Key instruments and when they apply

  • Local planning approvals and conditions under the City of Perth planning scheme, required for new service stations or major alterations.
  • State petroleum and hazardous-substance regulations for on-site storage, bunding and spill response administered by DMIRS or the relevant state department.
  • Federal fuel excise and reporting obligations set and collected by the ATO; excise is charged per litre at federal rates.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is by multiple agencies depending on the issue. The City of Perth enforces local laws and planning conditions; state regulators handle petroleum storage and environmental orders; federal agencies enforce excise and taxation obligations. Specific monetary penalty amounts and escalation steps are not specified on the cited municipal and state pages cited below, so operators should consult the linked pages and contacts for exact figures.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited City of Perth or DMIRS pages; see the linked enforcement pages for current infringement amounts and penalty units.
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence treatment is not specified on the cited pages; councils and state regulators may issue infringement notices, improvement notices or prosecution.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, improvement directions, licence suspension or revocation, remediation orders and court action are possible depending on the statutory instrument and breach.
  • Enforcer and complaints: City of Perth By-law Enforcement and Planning for local law and planning breaches, state regulators (DMIRS) for petroleum storage and environmental incidents; contact links are in Resources below.
  • Appeals and reviews: appeal routes depend on the instrument (planning review, tribunal or court); specific time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited municipal pages and should be confirmed with the listed agencies.
Failing to contain a fuel spill can trigger immediate state environmental orders.

Applications & Forms

Development applications, building permits and environmental licences may be required. The City of Perth publishes planning application guidance but specific form numbers and fee amounts are not always listed on a single page; operators must use the City planning portal for DA lodgement and consult DMIRS or state portals for petroleum licence applications. For federal excise registration and reporting use the ATO online services linked below.

  • Development application: lodge via the City of Perth planning portal; check the City application checklist for required documents and fees.
  • Petroleum storage or hazardous goods licensing: apply to the designated state regulator (DMIRS or equivalent) where required.
  • Excise registration: register with the ATO for fuel excise obligations and reporting; fees and lodgement methods are published by the ATO.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Unapproved pump or signage installation — likely planning enforcement or removal order.
  • Inadequate fuel storage containment — possible remediation orders and licence action by state regulator.
  • Failure to register or report excise liabilities — federal penalties administered by the ATO.

Action steps for operators

  • Confirm whether the proposed work needs a Development Application from the City of Perth and lodge the DA if required.
  • Check state petroleum storage rules and obtain any licences or approvals before installing or altering storage tanks.
  • Register with the ATO for excise and ensure accurate reporting and payment of fuel excise.
  • If you discover a spill or suspected breach, report immediately to the City of Perth and the state regulator per their emergency contact procedures.

FAQ

Who sets fuel excise and how does it affect pump prices?
Federal fuel excise rates are set by the Australian Taxation Office; stations must factor excise per litre into retail pricing and comply with ATO reporting and payment rules.
Do I need a City of Perth permit to replace pumps or install new signage?
Major alterations, new pumps or signage commonly require a Development Application or building permit from the City of Perth; check the City planning portal for exact requirements.
Who do I contact to report an unlicensed fuel storage or a spill?
Report local law or planning breaches to the City of Perth by-law or planning team and report petroleum storage incidents to the state regulator (DMIRS or the designated environmental agency).

How-To

  1. Check whether your work is classed as development under the City of Perth planning scheme by reviewing the City guidance and planning maps.
  2. Prepare required documents: site plan, containment details, environmental management plan and signage artwork as applicable.
  3. Submit a Development Application through the City of Perth planning portal and pay the applicable fee.
  4. Apply for any required state petroleum storage licence or notification with the state regulator and implement required bunding and spill controls.
  5. Register for fuel excise and reporting with the ATO if you will be liable for excise.
  6. Comply with conditions, allow inspections and respond promptly to any improvement or enforcement notices.

Key Takeaways

  • Both City planning approval and state petroleum licences can be required before work starts.
  • Fuel excise is federal and separate from local charging rules; register with the ATO for excise obligations.
  • Failing to meet storage, environmental or planning rules may lead to orders, licence action or fines.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth local laws and planning guidance
  2. [2] Australian Taxation Office - Fuel excise
  3. [3] WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

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