How do I find the zoning of my lot?

To find the zoning of your land, you can either check the Shire’s District Planning Scheme map or contact the Shire’s Planning Department.

 

What are the boundary setbacks for my lot?

The Residential Design Codes stipulate the primary, rear and side setbacks for residential zoned landholdings, unless varied by District Planning Scheme No. 1.  Boundary setbacks for ‘Special Residential’ and ‘Special Rural’ zoned properties are defined by an allocated building envelope.  A 20 metre boundary setback applies to landholdings in the ‘General Farming’ and Intensive Farming’ zones.

 

What is the purpose of an allocated building envelope?

Allocated building envelopes apply to landholdings in the Special Rural and Special Residential zones and refers to the portion of a lot which can be used to accommodate all development (inclusive of the dwelling, outbuildings, swimming pool, effluent disposal system etc.).  Building envelopes are often in place to protect vegetation and/or the landscape values of an area to control where vegetation takes place on a lot.

Please view the Building Envelopes section in 'Plans, Publications and Policies' for online plans or contact the Shire’s Planning Department for more information.

 

How do I obtain a copy of my building envelope plan?

Landowners of Special Rural and Special Residential zoned properties can obtain a copy of the allocated building envelope plan that relates to their landholding by clicking on Building Envelopes or by contacting the Shire’s Planning Department.

 

Am I able to modify my allocated building envelope?

There is a general presumption against the modification of allocated building envelopes however landowners may lodge an application for Council’s consideration.  Applications will be assessed against the requirements of District Planning Scheme No. 1. An application form is available from Council’s Building Department.

 

What are the regulations regarding clearing of vegetation in the ‘Special Rural’ and ‘Special Residential’ zone?

Removal of trees within an allocated building envelope is generally accepted however it is recommended that you consult with the Shire before any clearing commences.  The boundaries of the allocated building envelope should be pegged to ensure that no clearing occurs outside the envelope.

 

Other than for installation of a firebreak, clearing of vegetation outside of an allocated building envelope is not supported except where the clearing has been authorised by Council in writing.  Council will not support applications to clear vegetation outside of an allocated building envelope unless it is deemed by Council to be dead, diseased or dangerous. 

 

How long will it take to process my application?

District Planning Scheme No. 1 stipulates a 60 day processing time for Council to determine an Application for Planning Consent.  There may be occasions when an application is unable to be determined within 60 days, for example, an application which needs to be advertised for public comment and then referred to Council for determination.

 

What is the cost of applying for a planning application?

Please click on the following link to access the Fees & Charges associated with applications.  Please note that additional charges may apply to applications that require advertising.

 

Does my application need to go to Council?

The Shire’s Planning Department has the authority to make certain decisions on Council’s behalf however certain applications will to be presented to Council.  It is recommended that you contact the Planning Department for more information.

 

When does Council meet and can I come to the meeting?

Meeting dates for the Development Services Committee and Full Council are available on the Shire’s website.  Meetings commence at 4:00pm and unless otherwise advised, are held at the Council Chambers, Young Street, Harvey

 

Do I need an approval to work from home?

Yes, if you are considering or currently operating a business from home you will need to obtain approval from Council. 

To lodge an application, you must complete an Application for Home Occupation , include a covering letter and provide detailed (scaled) floor plans in your submission to Council.

Please see the following Information Sheet for more details on Home Occupations.

 

My landholding is zoned “Residential” with an assigned density coding of R15/30/50.  When does the R30 and R50 density coding apply?

The split density coding provides the opportunity for a diverse range of dwelling types in the “residential” zoned parts of the Shire.  The R15 coding is a low density code as defined by the Residential Design Codes while R30 and R50 are defined as medium density codes.

The following prerequisites apply to landowners seeking to pursue development at the R30 and R50 densities:

R30  Provision of reticulated sewerage is mandatory and residential development is limited to Grouped Dwellings¹.  A site will only be considered for the R30 density where it has an area of at least 900m².

R50  Provision of reticulated sewerage is mandatory and residential development is limited to Multiple Dwellings².  There is no minimum site area stipulated in District Planning Scheme No. 1 for a site to be considered for Multiple Dwellings however applicable general site requirements are contained in the Residential Design Codes.

Where reticulated sewerage is not available, the base density of R15 shall apply.

¹ Grouped Dwelling – A dwelling that is one of a group of two or more dwellings on the same lot such that no dwelling is placed wholly or partly vertically above another, except where special conditions of landscape or topography dictate otherwise, and includes a dwelling on a survey strata with common property.

² Multiple Dwelling – A dwelling in a group of more than one dwelling on a lot where any part of a dwelling is wholly or predominantly vertically above part of any.

 

Can I keep livestock in the Special Residential zone?

Yes, provided that you have first obtained written permission from Council.  Clause 6.2.2 of District Planning Scheme No. 1 states that Council will not support the keeping or grazing of any animals which may adversely affect the vegetation on the lot concerned or result in soil erosion.  Council will therefore generally only support the keeping of animals inside the Allocated Building Envelope.

 

Do I need Approval to clear native vegetation on landholdings on my farm property?

Yes, approval from the Department of Environment and Conservation is required to clear native vegetation on a rural landholding unless it is for a purpose which does not require a planning permit under the clearing regulations administered by the Department of Environment and Conservation.

 

Do I need an approval for a dam?

Yes, landowners wanting to construct a dam will need to obtain a dam licence from the Department of Water and obtain Planning Consent from Council.

 

Can I build a second dwelling on my Rural Landholding?

There is a general presumption against second dwellings on rural landholdings, however Council will consider approving second dwellings which meet the requirements of Council Policy 15.8 – Second Dwellings on a Rural Location’.  The Applicant must demonstrate that the intensity of the land use on the rural landholding warrants a second dwelling to be used as worker’s accommodation.