How long do I have to appeal a planning decision?

Time limits vary by the decision notice and by whether SAT has jurisdiction; exact time limits are not specified on the cited City pages and must be confirmed with the issuing decision or SAT.

Can I make changes to my application after a refusal?

You can usually submit an amended or new application to the council; retrospective or amended applications may affect enforcement and should be discussed with City planning.

Who enforces planning breaches in Perth?

Enforcement is carried out by City of Perth planning compliance and by-law officers; complaints can be made through the City contact page linked above.

Planning Appeals & Hearings in Perth, Western Australia

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

In Perth, Western Australia, decisions on development applications and related planning approvals can be reviewed through council processes and by applying to the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT). This guide explains where to start, who enforces local planning and bylaw rules, typical enforcement paths, and practical steps to lodge an appeal or seek a review after a council planning decision. Use the contacts and forms listed below to confirm time limits and fees that apply to your case.

Overview of Appeals and Hearings

Local planning decisions are usually made by the City of Perth or its planning delegates; if you disagree with a decision you can seek internal review or apply to SAT for a merits review in many cases. For City of Perth development application information and decision notices see the City planning pages City of Perth development applications^[1]. For SAT processes related to planning and development, see the SAT guidance on planning matters SAT planning and development^[2].

Appeals commonly require clear grounds, supporting evidence and timely lodgement.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of planning approvals, conditions and local laws in Perth is undertaken by the City of Perth (planning compliance, rangers and by-law officers) with powers under local laws and state planning legislation. For inspection and complaint pathways and official contacts see the City contact pages City of Perth contact and complaints^[3].

Fines: specific monetary penalties for planning or local law breaches are set out in the applicable local law or infringement schedules; amounts are not specified on the cited City pages.
Escalation: repeated or continuing offences may attract higher penalties or court action; precise escalation steps are not specified on the cited pages.
Non-monetary sanctions: compliance or remedial orders, stop-work notices, seizure of materials, or injunctions via the courts are used where permitted by law.
Enforcer: City of Perth planning compliance and by-law officers manage inspections and notices; complaints and inspection requests use the City contact link above.
Report suspected breaches promptly to the City for assessment.
Appeals and review: merits reviews of many council decisions can be lodged with SAT where permitted; time limits and fees for SAT lodgement are specified by SAT and should be confirmed on their pages.
Defences and discretion: common defences include a reasonable excuse, existing lawful use, or approved variations and permits; councils and SAT may consider approved variations or retrospective applications.

Applications & Forms

SAT application forms and guidance: check SAT for the correct form to lodge a review and any procedural information SAT planning and development^[2].
City of Perth development application and amendment forms are published on the City website; specific fees and submission methods are described on the City pages cited earlier City of Perth development applications^[1].
Fees and deadlines: precise fee amounts and exact time limits for appeals are set by the decision notice, the City or SAT; if not shown on the decision notice, they are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed with the issuing office.

Action Steps

Check the council decision notice immediately for any appeal time limit and stated review rights.
Contact City planning or compliance to request internal review or clarify enforcement pathways via the City contact page cited above.
Gather documents: plans, communications, approvals, and any expert reports to support an appeal or review.
If eligible, lodge a merits review application with SAT following SAT’s published procedure and form SAT planning and development^[2].

FAQ

How long do I have to appeal a planning decision?: Time limits vary by the decision notice and by whether SAT has jurisdiction; exact time limits are not specified on the cited City pages and must be confirmed with the issuing decision or SAT.
Can I make changes to my application after a refusal?: You can usually submit an amended or new application to the council; retrospective or amended applications may affect enforcement and should be discussed with City planning.
Who enforces planning breaches in Perth?: Enforcement is carried out by City of Perth planning compliance and by-law officers; complaints can be made through the City contact page linked above.

How-To

Confirm the decision and any review rights or appeal time limit on the decision notice.
Contact City planning for advice and to ask about internal review or amendment options.
Assemble evidence: plans, permits, correspondence and any specialist reports.
Complete and lodge the correct SAT application if SAT has jurisdiction, and pay any lodgement fee required by SAT.
Attend the hearing or directions hearing and follow procedural directions; provide submissions and evidence by the required dates.

Key Takeaways

Act quickly: check decision notices for time limits and lodge reviews promptly.
Engage City planning early to explore internal review or remedial options.
Use SAT procedures for merits review when applicable and follow their form and fee guidance.