Draft Development Approval Exemptions Policy

The draft Development Approval Exemptions Local Planning Policy was adopted for the purpose of advertising at the Ordinary Council Meeting of 24 February 2026. The draft policy seeks to improve customer experience by reducing the need for development approval for some low-scale and low-impact categories of development. See project background in the menu bar for more information.

Types of development which will no longer require Development Approval include:

• Temporary and minor development (as defined in the specific policy)
• Additions and alterations to existing non-residential buildings
• Additions to grouped dwellings
• Up to 3 new grouped dwellings
• Signage on City owned/managed land, and
• Signage on private land.

Exemptions will only apply where the proposal meets the requirements of the R-Codes, the City's Town Planning Scheme, or is not on a Heritage-listed property.

Exemptions only apply to planning approvals. Separate approvals under building or health legislation are still required.

Get involved

• Fill out the online submission form below
• Written submissions (must include full name and address)
  • via email to StrategicPlanning@bayswater.wa.gov.au
  • via electronic submission form below (included as an attachment)
  • via mail to: Chief Executive Officer, City of Bayswater, PO Box 467, Morley, WA 6943
  • Hard-copy feedback forms are also available at the City's Civic Centre and Libraries.

All submissions are to be received on or before 5pm, Friday 10 April 2026.

Next steps

The City will consider all submissions, and Council will make a final decision on the policy at a future meeting.