Application for Development Approval
Development approval (also known as Planning approval) is required for most types of development and land use in the Shire of Exmouth.
Development includes:
- the erection, construction or demolition (some) of any building or structure (above or below ground)
- building alterations or additions
- excavation / fill works.
Most development/land use proposals require development approval from the local authority before they can proceed. To obtain development approval you need to lodge a development application with the Shire of Exmouth. The information below contains development application checklist and information sheets and aims to assist you in preparing and lodging a Development Application.
What needs to be submitted?
Development Application Information sheets
Please view the relevant information sheets for guidance on what is required.
Application for Development Approval and Checklist
When you are prepared to submit a development application, a copy of the Application for Development Approval form and the checklist of required supporting documentation can be downloaded here. Depending on the nature of your application additional information may be requested.
Please ensure to provide the application and supporting documentation all together. The reasons for requiring complete applications include:
a) Information is required pursuant the Local Planning Scheme 4 (i.e. therefore required by law);
b) Assessment cannot be carried out by a planning officer until all information is received and
c) Complete information reduces delays arising from an incomplete application.
How to lodge an application?
Development applications can be submitted using one of the options below.
.
By E-mail to:
info@exmouth.wa.gov.au
When lodging an application online, all application correspondence must be submitted in PDF format without password protection. The application and any supporting documentation must not be bundled in one pdf attachment so that each supporting document is attached as a separate file and named accordingly (for example, DA form, Plans, Cover Letter).
Total attachments must not exceed 14000MB. If the attachments exceed the above mentioned size, please either send them via link or e-mail in several e-mails. If submitting the application in several e-mails, please ensure they are all e-mailed on the same day.
In Person at:
the Shire's Administration office
Ningaloo Centre, 2 Truscott Crescent
Exmouth WA 6707
Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 4:15pm
Please ensure that any supporting plans are drawn to scale and printed out on the relevant paper size. The hardcopies of documents must be accurate and of appropriate quality. Staples must be removed from documents prior to lodgement.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
By Post to
Shire of Exmouth
PO box 21
Exmouth WA 6707
Please ensure that any supporting plans are drawn to scale and printed out on the relevant paper size. The hardcopies of documents must be accurate and of appropriate quality. Staples must be removed from documents prior to lodgement.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
What happens after an application is submitted?
The development application is registered and referred to the Planning department for processing. The application is assessed in accordance with the Shire of Exmouth Local Planning Scheme No 4, Residential Design Codes, State Planning Policies and relevant Local Planning Policies. If any additional information is required, the applicant will receive correspondence outlining the required information.
Where required, the application will also be referred to adjacent and nearby landowners and/or occupiers for comment. The minimum referral timeframe is 14 days, however in some cases, the referral timeframe may be longer (e.g. 21 days).
Some applications may also require referral to other government authorities.
How long does it take to assess development applications?
The Planning Department has 60 statutory days (90 statutory days, if advertising and/or external consultation are required) in which to make a determination on an application for development approval. If a decision on a development application is not made within the relevant statutory timeframes, an automatic 'Deemed to be refused' notice can be issued. The relevant statutory timeframes can however be extended if the applicant agrees to this in writing, which will allow for the application to continue to be processed.