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.
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.
How do I find out the zoning of my property?
The requirements for each type of development vary depending on the zoning of your property. There are 2 ways to find the zoning of your Site
- Shire's Intramaps.
- DPLH public mapping tool – PlanWA Mapping
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.
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.
For more information please visit the Shire's Planning Application Requirements page.
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.
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.
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.
If you have any difficulties accessing this information, please contact the Shire Development Services.
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.
For more information please visit the Shire's Caravan Occupation page.
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.
Do Sea Containers 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 further information please visit the Shire's Sea Containers page.
I'm moving house; can I use a Sea Container to help my 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.
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.
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.
For further information please visit the Shire's Granny Flat page. To discuss your proposal please contact the Shire Development Services.
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.
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.
How do I find out site details?
Information on the property, lot sizes, dimensions and recent aerial imagery is available from:
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.
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.
Where do I find the planning provisions for the site?
The Planning requirements for your site are based on (1) the type of development, (2) the zoning of your site and (3) location of your site.
In most instances your development requirements will be contained in the following documents: -
- Shire of Coolgardie Local Planning Scheme No 5. A copy is available via Shires Website or DPLH website
- Residential Design Codes (R-Codes)- Vol 1 is a State Planning document that applies to all residential developments in Western Australia. A copy is available on Shire Website: coolgardie.wa.gov.au or DPLH website
- Shire of Coolgardie Local Planning Policies – available on the Shire Website
- Main Roads WA– Vehicle access and/or signage on Goldfields Highway, Great Eastern Highway/Bayley Street or Coolgardie-Esperance
- Water Corporation – To ensure the water demand requirements for your development are resolved in the planning stage of your proposal.
Do I need building or health approval?
Applying for development approval and a building permit and / or health approval are separate processes, controlled under different legislation.
- A building permit ensures that the building is structurally safe and complies with the relevant building Building permit application forms (certified or uncertified) are available from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS)’s website at commerce.wa.gov.au/building-commission.
- A Health approval may be required for matters such as food and liquor premises, beauty therapy as well as noise generating premises such as
If you are unsure if your proposal requires further approval or would like further information on the Building Permit process or Health requirements contact the Shire Development Services team.