Perth Low-Impact Development Exemptions - Bylaws

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

Perth, Western Australia property owners and developers often ask when works qualify as "low-impact" and whether they are exempt from planning approval. This guide explains how the City of Perth handles exemptions for low-impact developments, who enforces the rules, what common exemptions typically cover, and the practical steps to confirm or seek an exemption. Where the City does not publish fixed penalty figures for a specific exemption on its public pages, this guide notes that the figure is not specified on the cited page and points to the office to contact for confirmation. Follow the steps below to check status, apply where needed, and resolve disputes.

What are low-impact development exemptions?

Low-impact development (LID) exemptions usually cover minor works that have minimal change to land use, minimal environmental impact and no material effect on neighbours or public amenity. Examples include small sheds, minor landscaping, certain low fences, and some rainwater and stormwater treatments where local laws or planning schemes list them as permitted without development approval. Exact categories and thresholds vary by local planning scheme and local laws.

Check local planning scheme thresholds before starting works.

How to determine if your work is exempt

  • Review the City of Perth local planning scheme and any local laws that list exempt development.
  • Contact the City planning or development services to confirm whether your proposal is exempt.
  • Check state-level planning policies only where the City’s planning documents reference them.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of planning breaches and unauthorised development in Perth is generally the responsibility of the City of Perth's planning and compliance officers within its Planning, Building and Ranger services. Where penalty figures or exact penalty provisions are not listed on the City’s public guidance pages for a specific exemption, those figures are not specified on the cited page[1]. Contact the City for definitive penalty amounts and procedures.

  • Enforcer: City of Perth Planning and Compliance officers and Rangers (By-law Enforcement).
  • Fines: specific amounts are not specified on the cited page; contact the City for current penalties and daily/continuing offence rates.[1]
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat and continuing offence procedures are set out in local laws or the local planning scheme and are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work or remediation orders, seizure of unauthorised structures, and court proceedings may apply where authorised by the planning scheme or local law.
  • Inspections and complaints: report unauthorised works to the City’s compliance contact and request an inspection; see official contact for the correct pathway.[1]
  • Appeals/review: appeals against enforcement notices or refusal of retrospective approval are typically to the State Administrative Tribunal or other review body; time limits and lodgement steps are set by the relevant Act or procedural rules and are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Defences/discretion: defences such as "reasonable excuse" or prior approvals may apply; the City may exercise discretion for variances or retrospective permits where the scheme allows.
If you find unauthorised works, contact the City promptly to limit escalation.

Applications & Forms

For many low-impact items there is either no form required because the work is exempt, or a simple development application or building permit is needed when an exemption does not apply. Where the City does not publish a dedicated exemption form, state that no specific form is published on the City’s general guidance pages and contact Planning to confirm submission requirements.[1]

  • Common application types: Development Application, Building Permit, or retrospective Development Approval when works were carried out without approval.
  • Fees: fees vary by application type; specific fee amounts for exemptions or retrospective approvals are not specified on the cited page—confirm with the City.
  • Deadlines: statutory time limits for appeals or compliance notices depend on the notice or Act and are not specified on the cited page.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Installing unauthorised structures (sheds, pergolas) without confirming exemption — may lead to remedial orders or application fees.
  • Altering stormwater drainage or runoff without approval — may require remediation and engineering certification.
  • Building fences or retaining walls over threshold heights without consent — could trigger compliance action.
Document approvals in writing before starting to avoid enforcement action.

How to get an exemption or confirmation

  1. Review the City of Perth planning guidance and local planning scheme to identify listed exempt development classes.
  2. Contact the City planning counter or compliance team to request written confirmation that your proposal is exempt or to identify required permits.
  3. If required, lodge a Development Application or building permit with the supporting plans, pay fees and await assessment.
  4. If a notice or order is issued, follow the remedial steps or lodge an appeal within the statutory period noted on the notice.

FAQ

Do small garden sheds need approval in Perth?
It depends on size, location and the local planning scheme’s exempt development list; confirm with the City for written guidance.
Can I rely on a state policy for a local exemption?
Only where the City’s planning scheme or guidance expressly references a state policy; otherwise follow the City’s local rules.
Who do I contact about an unauthorised low-impact change?
Contact the City of Perth planning and compliance team using the official contact pathways to request inspection and guidance.[1]

How-To

  1. Identify the proposed works and check the City’s published exempt development list or guidance.
  2. Call or email the City planning service to request written confirmation whether the work is exempt.
  3. If exempt, keep the City confirmation on file; if not, prepare and lodge the appropriate application.
  4. Pay any fees, respond to requests for information, and follow conditions on approvals or remediation orders.

Key Takeaways

  • Many minor works may be exempt but Always confirm in writing with the City of Perth first.
  • Enforcement is by City compliance teams; specific penalty figures are not always published online—contact the City.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth Contact Us

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data