Use the quick link menu below to move between sections.
How do I find the size of my property?
Does the Shire provide a survey of my property boundary?
How do if find out the zoning of my property?
When do I need developmental approval?
What information needs to be provided in my development application?
Can I submit my application electronically?
Can I get development and building approval at the same time?
How do I find out if my property is affected by bushfire?
I have bought land in the Shire of Coolgardie, can I live on the property in a caravan or shed, until I build my home?
Can I build a shed on a vacant lot?
Do sea containers require developmental approval?
I'm moving house; can I use a sea container to help move my items?
Do second-hand or repurposed dwellings require developmental approval?
Can I have a granny flat or ancillary dwelling on my property?
Do I need development approval to erect an advertising sign?
I want to start a home business; do I need to tell the Shire?
Q – How do I find out the size of my property
Information on your site area and lot dimensions are available from Landgate via Landgate Viewer Plus website.
Map Viewer Plus is an interactive online mapping application for the discovery of land and property information and related purchasable products. It enables users to: Search for, and view land and property information in Western Australia. display the extent of property and administrative boundaries.
The information includes aerial photographs. Aerial imagery is 'photographs' taken from an aircraft at a predetermined altitude and commonly along a predetermined flight grid.
Q – Does the Shire provide a survey of my property boundary?
No. The Shire does not carry out land surveys.
A survey shows the accurate position of the legal boundary for an existing property.
A survey is carried out by a licensed surveyor and involves the measurement and placement of marks (often called pegs) on points of the surface to show the position of existing and new land boundaries.
Q – How do I find out the zoning of my property?
There are 2 ways to find the zoning of your Site
- Via the Shire website under Planning Services – Public Mapping
- The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage have a public mapping tool that provides access to planning, land and heritage data across Western Australia.
Q – When do I need development approval?
Development (or planning) approval is required when you are proposing to establish or change the use of a property.
There are exemptions that apply to residential development, such as new dwellings, extensions to dwellings and ancillary development.
It is always best to check if you require development approval prior to applying for a building permit and commencing works.
Q – What information needs to be provided in my development application?
The Shire has a development checklist, that can be obtained from the Shire or downloaded from the web. If you are unsure, you can speak to the Shire Development Services
Q – Can I submit my application electronically?
Yes. You can email you application to the shire via the mail@coolgardie.wa.gov.au . Please include the address in the subject line.
Q – Can I get development and building approval at the same time?
If you require development approval for your proposal, then this must be obtained before submitting your application for a building permit due to the statutory processing time frames associated with issuing building permits.
Q – How do I find out if my property is affected by bushfire?
Public mapping for bushfire prone areas in Western Australia is available on the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ website at https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au
If you have any difficulties accessing this information, please contact the Shire Development Services.
Q – I have bought land in the Shire of Coolgardie, can I live on the property in a caravan or shed, until I build my home?
Firstly, congratulations and welcome to the Shire.
No. you cannot live on your land in a caravan or Shed. You will have to apply for a Building Permit to construct your dwelling and associated services – sewer, water, power.
Q – Can I build a shed on a vacant lot?
In residential zoned sites, sheds are ancillary development to a residential dwelling. Unless there is an existing house or a house under construction, sheds are not permitted on vacant land.
In Commercial or Industrial Zoned sites, shed type structures are based on the purpose and Scheme Use Class. You will need to submit a planning application. To discuss your proposal on a commercial or industrial zoned site please contact the Shire Development Services.
Q – Do sea cntainers require development approval?
Yes. The Shire has adopted a Local Planning Policy that regulates the number and location of sea containers for storage.
Development Approval and Building Permit are required before placement of the sea container on the property for more than 7 days.
There is requirement to the number, size and length of time the sea container is to be on your property.
For more information on Sea Containers you can obtain the policy from the Shires website.
Q – I’m moving house; can I use a sea container to help move my items?
Yes, a sea container can be on your property for a maximum of 7 days without obtaining a Development Approval.
It will need to be in a location, that does not hinder the neighbours or road users. If a complaint is made about the sea container, it will be asked to be removed immediately.
Q – Do second-hand or repurposed dwellings require development approval?
Yes. If you are proposing to relocate a second-hand dwelling or repurposing a structure to be used as a dwelling, you will require development approval.
Elevations, materials and finishes, photographs and a condition report will need to be submitted with your application. In some circumstances the Shire may impose a bond to ensure that the building works are completed within 12 months.
It is strongly recommended that you speak to a Shire Development Services prior to purchasing a second-hand dwelling or structure.
Q – Can I have a granny flat or ancillary dwelling on my property?
In a Residential zone, the Residential Design Codes permits an ancillary/granny flat dwelling to have a maximum area of 70m2 not including verandahs and garages/carports, on land of a minimum of 450m2 size and an existing single house.
If you are proposing to relocate a second-hand dwelling or repurposing a structure to be used as an ancillary dwelling, you will require development approval.
To discuss your proposal please contact the Shire Development Services.
Q – Do I need development approval to erect an advertising sign?
Generally, yes. Some minor signage is exempt as outlined in Schedule 1 of the Coolgardie Local Planning Scheme. A copy of the Scheme is available to view and download from Shire Website or DPLH Website at https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/coolgardie.
Q – I want to start a home business; do I need to tell the Shire?
Yes, you are required to get development approval for conducting your business at home. Please contact the Shire Development Services for more information.