This information sheet outlines the planning requirements for ancillary dwellings, including their permissibility across different zones, when a Development Application is required, the applicable development standards under the Residential Design Codes and Local Planning Policies, and the information required to lodge an application.
To help you find the information relevant to your proposal, refer to the following sections:
Land Use Definition and Permissibility – Explains what is considered an ancillary dwelling is and outlines permissibility across different zones, including when a Development Application is required.
Ancillary Dwellings on Residential Zoned Land – Details when a Development Application is not required on Residential Zoned land and the applicable R-Code standards.
Local Planning Policy 5 – Sets out additional requirements for ancillary dwellings in rural zones, including maximum plot ratio area provisions and specific considerations within drinking water catchment areas.
How do I find details about my property? – How to confirm your property's zoning, R-Code, lot size and other planning constraints using the City’s Public Mapping Tool.
Public Drinking Water Source Areas – Additional considerations for properties located within Public Drinking Water Source Areas. Refer to “How do I find details about my property?” to confirm if your property falls within a Public Drinking Water Source Area.
Lodging a Development Application – Development Application requirements, supporting plans and documentation.
Duty Planner Bookings – Information about the City's free pre-lodgement planning advice service.
Lodging a Building Application – The next steps following planning approval.
Ancillary Dwelling – a self-contained dwelling on the same site as a dwelling which may be attached to, integrated with or detached from the dwelling. Also commonly referred to as a “granny flat”.
An ancillary dwelling is a ‘D’ (discretionary) use in Special Rural, Rural Composite, Rural Agriculture, Rural Landscape Interest and Rural Conservation zones.
A ‘D’ use means that the use is not permitted unless the council has granted planning approval (Development Application required).
An ancillary dwelling is a ‘P’ (permitted) use in the Residential zone. A ‘P’ use means that the use is permitted by the Scheme.
An ancillary dwelling is a ‘D’ (discretionary) use in Residential Bushland, Special Rural, Rural Composite, Rural Agriculture, Rural Landscape Interest and Rural Conservation zones. A ‘D’ use means that the use is not permitted unless the council has granted planning approval (Development Application required).
These use classes are demonstrated to the right.
An ancillary dwelling may be exempt from requiring a Development Application provided the follow requirements are met (as per the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes)):
NOTE: additional planning requirements may apply to the ancillary dwelling, and a Development Application may be required regardless of compliance with the above requirements. Contact the City’s Planning Services on 9257 999 for further information or to confirm the zoning and/or density (R-Code) of your property. Refer also to the Planning Layer on the City’s Public Mapping Tool to confirm the zoning and/or density of the property.
Table B is simplified below.
★ = refer to Tables 2a and 2b
A link to Local Planning Policy 5 relating to Ancillary Dwellings is available here.
On rural zoned land, an ancillary dwelling shall have a maximum plot ratio area of 100m2. An ancillary dwelling shall be associated with a single house, which is either constructed or under construction.
Proposals of ancillary dwellings exceeding a plot ratio area of 100m2 in rural areas will only be considered in extenuating circumstances.
Where a proposal for an ancillary is on land within the Middle Helena Drinking Water Catchment area, they shall be limited to a plot ratio area of 70m2 but may be considered up to a plot ratio of 100m2 if supported by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulations (DWER). In this circumstance, the City will undertake an external referral to the DWER as part of the Development Application process however it is recommended to contact DWER for preliminary lodgement advice.
Refer to Planning Layer on the City’s Public Mapping Tool to confirm your lot size, zoning and/or density of the property.
You can also find out if your property is located within a Bushfire Prone Area or within a Public Drinking Water Source Area.
Water Quality Protection Note 25 (WQPN25) provides guidance on land uses and activities within public drinking water source areas (PDWSAs) to protect drinking water quality and public health. To identify whether a site falls within a PDWSA and the associated priority (P) of this PDWSA, refer to the online mapping tool. The land use compatibility for ancillary dwellings in PDWSAs are tabled below (taken from WQPN25).
The ancillary dwelling therefore needs to be able to meet these conditions in WQPN25 to be capable of support. For applications in a PDWSA, a referral to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulations (DWER) may be required as part of the Development Application process, and it is recommended to contact DWER for further advice.
(Statutory Timeframe of 60-90 days)
To lodge a Development Application, please complete the Development Application Form and Checklist linked below.
Form and Checklist
The following is required to be lodged with the application:
Survey plan of the site
If the site has a significant change in natural ground levels across the site, a survey plan may need to be provided to demonstrate the change in levels across the site and any associated cut and fill proposed to level the site. We request details of any earthworks (cut, fill, retaining walls) in relation to the natural ground level (NGL). Note, fill will count towards the height of the ancillary dwelling above natural ground level. NGL to be based on Australian Height Datum;
Bushfire Prone Area
If your property is located within a Bushfire Prone Area, you may need a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment. Depending on the BAL rating you may also require a Bushfire Management Statement or Bushfire Management Plan. Contact an accredited bushfire consultant to find out more.
Water Catchment Area
If your property is in a Water Catchment Area additional supporting documentation may be required. Refer to the associated State Planning Policy 2.9 – Water information sheet to confirm if additional information is required.
Public Drinking Water Source Area
If your property is located within a Public Drinking Water Source Area, the application will require referral to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation who need details about the effluent disposal system, expected number of customers, fertiliser use, spray use or anything else that affects water quality. The City will execute the referral on your behalf, however, please refer to the associated State Planning Policy 2.9 – Water information sheet to confirm if additional information is required.
Clearing vegetation
If you are proposing to remove any trees or vegetation you will need a landscaping plan showing existing trees and trees proposed to be removed. Larger scale clearing or clearing of native vegetation may require a clearing permit. Clearing permits are assessed by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER). Contact DWER for further advice and to confirm if a clearing permit will be required.
Details on proposed and/or existing effluent disposal systems
Ensures that effluent disposal systems can effectively manage the proposed works and can manage the proposed capacity of bedrooms on site. The Environmental Health team will review this as part of the Development Application and impose associated conditions and advice notes to ensure effluent disposal management systems can support the proposed land use. Contact the City’s Environmental Health team for further advice on 9257 9999.
Stormwater management details
Stormwater management details are required where a development has the potential to alter natural drainage patterns or increase stormwater runoff. The purpose of these details is to demonstrate that stormwater generated from the site can be appropriately managed on-site, in accordance with best practice principles, without causing nuisance, inundation, erosion, or adverse impacts to adjoining properties or the local drainage network. The submitted information is to outline the proposed drainage strategy, including collection, conveyance, treatment, and disposal methods. Refer tothe Stormwater Design Guidelines for further information or contact the City’s Developmental Engineering team on 9257 9999.
Crossover details
Where the proposal requires a crossover to be added or modified, a crossover permit may be required. Refer to the Crossover Guideline for further information or contact the City’s Developmental Engineering team on 9257 9999.
The City offers a free Duty Planner service to help landowners and community members with planning matters. This service provides general guidance only – staff can outline key considerations and likely information requirements, but they cannot assess proposals or indicate whether they would support them.
If you would like to discuss your proposal, you can book a Duty Planner meeting here: Duty Planner – Online Booking. You can also contact the City directly on 9257 9999 or via enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au if you need further advice.
Please note:
Duty Planner meetings are primarily for planning matters.
If you also have building-related questions, a Building Surveyor can attend the meeting alongside the planner.
However, if you are seeking building advice only (for example, lodging a Building Permit), please contact the City directly instead of booking a Duty Planner meeting.
(Statutory Timeframe of 10 Business Days for a BA1 or 25 Business Days for a BA2)
Once you receive your planning approval, the next step is to lodge a Building Application.
For further details on the Building Permit process, you may refer to the City’s Building Checklist and Guidelines Webpage, the WA Building and Energy Website and/or contact the City on 9257 9999.
This information sheet is for guidance purposes only. This information sheet relates to the general development application process and does not account for special or extenuating circumstances. The City of Kalamunda assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions contained in this information and shall not be held responsible for the misinterpretation or misapplication of the information contained in this document. In some instances, the local government may require additional information from the applicant, referral to related government agencies or public advertising beyond the scope of a standard application to make an informed decision on the application.
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