Perth Planning Fines - Pay Online & Penalties
Perth, Western Australia residents and developers may face planning fines or compliance notices when development occurs without approval or contravenes planning conditions. This guide explains how local enforcement works, what penalties and orders may be imposed, how to pay online or by other methods, and the common actions you can take if you receive a notice. Where specific monetary amounts or time limits are not shown on an official page referenced in Resources, the text notes that they are "not specified on the cited page"; resources are current as of February 2026.
Penalties & Enforcement
Local planning compliance for the City of Perth is administered by the council's planning and compliance teams and enforced under local planning instruments and state planning law. Penalties depend on the instrument used and whether the matter is handled administratively or through the courts.
- Monetary fines: specific dollar amounts for planning breaches are not always listed on consolidated municipal pages and may be set in the applicable bylaw or the Planning and Development Act 2005 or delegated instrument; where not listed, the amount is not specified on the cited page.
- Continuing offences: some notices carry daily penalties for ongoing breaches; the exact rate is not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary orders: council can issue stop-works orders, remedial orders to remove or alter development, and compliance notices requiring actions within a set timeframe.
- Court action: persistent non-compliance may be prosecuted in court, with penalties and costs set by the court and relevant legislation.
- Enforcer and contact: Planning and Compliance / Regulatory Services at the City of Perth handle investigations, inspections and notices; contact details are in Resources below.
- Inspections and complaints: members of the public can lodge a planning compliance complaint with council; council may inspect and issue infringement notices or orders.
- Appeals and review: decisions on development approvals are eligible for review by the State Administrative Tribunal in many cases; review time limits and processes vary and where not specified on the cited municipal page the time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Failing to resolve planning breaches can lead to formal orders and court action.
Applications & Forms
Forms and applications depend on the type of notice or penalty. Commonly used documents include remedial action forms, applications for retrospective development approval, and requests for review or extension of time.
- Retrospective development application: submit the standard development application form where a retrospective approval is sought; fees and supporting documentation depend on the application type and are set by council's fees schedule.
- Request for internal review: councils often provide a form or process to seek internal review of an enforcement decision; if no municipal form is published, a written request addressed to the planning compliance team is normally required.
- Payment methods: councils usually accept online payments, BPAY, phone or in-person payments for any fines or fees; check the council payments page for current options.
Lodge forms early and keep copies of approval notices.
Common Violations
- Building or works without approval.
- Development that breaches approved plans or conditions.
- Failure to comply with a remedial or stop-work order.
- Unapproved change of land use or unauthorised signage.
Action Steps
- If you receive a notice, read it carefully and note any compliance deadlines.
- Consider lodging a retrospective development application if you wish to regularise unauthorised works.
- Contact the City of Perth planning compliance team to request information or an internal review.
- If a decision affects your approval, consider SAT review; obtain legal or planning advice early.
FAQ
- How do I pay a planning fine online?
- Use the City of Perth payments portal or the payments method listed on your infringement notice; if a specific online payment page is not shown on the cited municipal page, refer to the council Payments/Fees page in Resources.
- Can I appeal or seek a review of a planning penalty?
- You can request an internal review with council and, for development decisions, apply to the State Administrative Tribunal where applicable; specific time limits are not specified on the cited municipal pages.
- What happens if I ignore a planning compliance notice?
- Ignoring a notice can lead to further orders, daily penalties for continuing breaches, enforcement action and possible prosecution in court.
How-To
- Confirm the issuing authority named on the notice and read the compliance requirements.
- Gather supporting documents: approved plans, permits, communications and photos showing compliance or remediation work.
- Decide whether to pay the fine, seek an internal review, or submit a retrospective development application.
- If paying, follow the payment instructions on the notice or use council payment options.
- If disputing, lodge a written request for review with council promptly and keep copies.
- If the matter remains unresolved, consider applying to the State Administrative Tribunal or seeking legal advice.
Key Takeaways
- Act promptly on notices to minimise penalties and avoid escalation.
- Retrospective applications can regularise unauthorised works but may attract fees and conditions.
- Contact council's planning compliance team early for guidance on next steps.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Perth - official website
- Western Australia Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage
- State Administrative Tribunal of Western Australia
- Western Australian legislation portal