Wanneroo Council Moves to Streamline Development Approvals
The City of Wanneroo is set to implement a significant overhaul of its planning processes by removing the need for planning approval for low-risk developments across various land-use categories. This initiative aims to cut bureaucratic red tape and enhance operational efficiency for both residents and businesses.
Exemptions for Minor Works and Structures
Under the proposed changes, independent living complexes, residential aged-care facilities, and park homes will no longer require city approval for minor additions such as new patios, carports, pergolas, verandas, shade sails, and decking. Similarly, commercial and industrial sites in non-rural and non-residential areas will be exempt from approval for small structures like decks, retaining walls, shade sails, patios, or facade alterations.
Additionally, site works including earthworks and grading for single houses and grouped dwellings will no longer need formal approval. These measures are designed to reduce the regulatory burden on applicants and allow city resources to focus on more complex projects.
Public Consultation and Policy Details
On Tuesday night, councillors adopted the draft policy on development exemptions, which is now open for public consultation. Currently, all development activities—such as demolition, construction, alteration, excavation, or additions—require approval from the city if they change a building's character or external appearance.
The draft policy specifically excludes certain projects from exemptions, including:
- Heritage-listed sites
- Land within designated bushfire-prone areas
- Projects requiring vegetation clearing
- Projects in special control areas
Economic and Operational Benefits
City administrators describe the policy as adopting a more proportionate and risk-based approach to development assessments. In a report, city officers stated, The intent of the policy is to not only improve internal efficiencies but also provide for improved customer focus and satisfaction through more streamlined approvals.
They noted that many minor proposals currently require full assessment despite posing minimal planning risk, which can create unnecessary delays and divert resources from higher-impact developments.
Support for Local Business and Economic Diversification
In an effort to boost economic diversification and support local entrepreneurship, the policy includes exemptions for breweries and taverns in eligible zones. However, these exemptions will not apply if the lot directly adjoins a residential property or is within 200 meters of an educational establishment, childcare centre, or place of worship.
Impact on Development Applications and Revenue
During the 2024-25 financial year, the city received 1,827 development applications. Under the new policy, approximately 300 of these applications are expected to be exempt from planning approval, representing a 16% reduction in total applications. This change is projected to result in an annual fee revenue loss of about $45,000.
Despite the revenue decrease, city officers argue that the policy will deliver a net positive by reducing administrative burdens. They explained, The reduction in low-risk, minor development applications will enable existing resources within the approval services team to be redirected toward more complex and higher-value development proposals. This shift is anticipated to improve statutory performance, shorten assessment time frames, and minimise risks related to appeals or compliance costs from delays.
