Local Planning Policy: Planning Exemptions

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Consultation has concluded

What's being decided?

The City of Vincent wants to make our approvals processes as simple as possible, while balancing the need to have clear oversight and consistent practice. 

We want to hear your feedback on the proposed amendments to our Policy No. 7.5.1 - Minor Nature Development (the Policy).

Your feedback will shape what types of development would not need planning approval within the City of Vincent and under what circumstances.

Some of the more significant changes under these amendments would see an updated exemption to allow temporary events a smoother approvals process when they fall within specific criteria, exemptions to support the further development of creative industries and new exemptions for small patios and sheds under specific criteria. 

(The proposed changes are outlined in further detail below.)

Background

Council adopted Policy No. 7.5.1 - Minor Nature Development Policy on 27 March 2001 and last reviewed the Policy on 11 June 2013.

The Policy provides a list of development types (works or land uses) that are minor in nature and therefore do not need to obtain (or are exempt from needing) planning approval specifically within the City of Vincent.

The purpose of the review of the Policy is to ensure that it remains consistent with current practice, the State planning framework, and the City's expectations for appropriately designed and located development that should not need to obtain planning approval.

The review process has included a desktop review of the current Policy and it's effectiveness, of the recently updated State planning framework, and of examples of current or best practice. This review has informed the changes to the Policy which are summarised below.

Proposed changes

The changes to the Policy are summarised as follows:

  • Title - changed to 'Local Planning Policy: Planning Exemptions' so that it's clear what the policy is for.
  • Structure, Function and Objectives - updated to improve user friendliness and to clarify the purpose, objectives and operation of the policy. Conditions and guidance notes to assist users are included for each exemption.
  • Consistency - removal of the current exemptions that are inconsistent with or duplicate those now listed under the State Government's Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 (Clause 61).
  • Shopfront or Building Façade Works - updated the current exemption to ensure these works still don't need planning approval as long as elements of traditional shopfront design aren't removed.
  • Alfresco Blinds - removal of the current exemption. New proposals for alfresco blinds would need to apply for planning approval.
  • Creative Land Uses - new exemptions for these land uses, including for Art Gallery land uses in town centre and commercial areas, and for additional creative land uses specifically within the Pickle District in West Perth.
  • Minor Works - new exemptions for small patios, sheds and similar structures on residential and commercial properties. Planning approval would not be needed where they meet conditions including a height less than 3.5 metres and an area less than 30 square metres.
  • Events - updated the current exemption to provide guidance on temporary events. Planning approval would not be needed where they occur on a weekly or monthly basis (depending on their location), where the event is no more than 12 hours long, where one week notice is provided to all adjoining residents, and where the event is not of a high scale, impact or intensity.
  • Construction Infrastructure and Activities - updated the current exemption to support temporary construction works by including additional infrastructure and activity types and allowing nearby sites to be used. Planning approval would not be needed for the duration of the construction and only where an construction management plan has already been submitted to and approved by the City.
  • Temporary Viewing Platforms - new exemption for these platforms where they are in place for 3 months or less, they are associated with and no higher than an approved development, and they are appropriately located and screened to reduce impacts on residential properties. The City's Policy No. 7.5.8. - Temporary Viewing Platforms would then be repealed.
  • Minor Amendments - new guidance on what should be considered when deciding whether changes to an approved development are minor amendments and don't need further planning approval.

A full description of the changes is available within the Report to Council dated 23 August 2022. A schedule of modifications to the current policy is also included in the Document Library.

Get involved

To find out more:

Have your say by:

This Consultation has now closed.

If you have any questions please contact Adam Parker, Senior Urban Planner, on 9273 6578 or adam.parker@vincent.wa.gov.au.

What are the next steps?

Following the consultation period, we will review and consider all submissions received and present all information to Council. All submitters will be notified of the Council meeting date prior to the Policy being considered.

What's being decided?

The City of Vincent wants to make our approvals processes as simple as possible, while balancing the need to have clear oversight and consistent practice. 

We want to hear your feedback on the proposed amendments to our Policy No. 7.5.1 - Minor Nature Development (the Policy).

Your feedback will shape what types of development would not need planning approval within the City of Vincent and under what circumstances.

Some of the more significant changes under these amendments would see an updated exemption to allow temporary events a smoother approvals process when they fall within specific criteria, exemptions to support the further development of creative industries and new exemptions for small patios and sheds under specific criteria. 

(The proposed changes are outlined in further detail below.)

Background

Council adopted Policy No. 7.5.1 - Minor Nature Development Policy on 27 March 2001 and last reviewed the Policy on 11 June 2013.

The Policy provides a list of development types (works or land uses) that are minor in nature and therefore do not need to obtain (or are exempt from needing) planning approval specifically within the City of Vincent.

The purpose of the review of the Policy is to ensure that it remains consistent with current practice, the State planning framework, and the City's expectations for appropriately designed and located development that should not need to obtain planning approval.

The review process has included a desktop review of the current Policy and it's effectiveness, of the recently updated State planning framework, and of examples of current or best practice. This review has informed the changes to the Policy which are summarised below.

Proposed changes

The changes to the Policy are summarised as follows:

  • Title - changed to 'Local Planning Policy: Planning Exemptions' so that it's clear what the policy is for.
  • Structure, Function and Objectives - updated to improve user friendliness and to clarify the purpose, objectives and operation of the policy. Conditions and guidance notes to assist users are included for each exemption.
  • Consistency - removal of the current exemptions that are inconsistent with or duplicate those now listed under the State Government's Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 (Clause 61).
  • Shopfront or Building Façade Works - updated the current exemption to ensure these works still don't need planning approval as long as elements of traditional shopfront design aren't removed.
  • Alfresco Blinds - removal of the current exemption. New proposals for alfresco blinds would need to apply for planning approval.
  • Creative Land Uses - new exemptions for these land uses, including for Art Gallery land uses in town centre and commercial areas, and for additional creative land uses specifically within the Pickle District in West Perth.
  • Minor Works - new exemptions for small patios, sheds and similar structures on residential and commercial properties. Planning approval would not be needed where they meet conditions including a height less than 3.5 metres and an area less than 30 square metres.
  • Events - updated the current exemption to provide guidance on temporary events. Planning approval would not be needed where they occur on a weekly or monthly basis (depending on their location), where the event is no more than 12 hours long, where one week notice is provided to all adjoining residents, and where the event is not of a high scale, impact or intensity.
  • Construction Infrastructure and Activities - updated the current exemption to support temporary construction works by including additional infrastructure and activity types and allowing nearby sites to be used. Planning approval would not be needed for the duration of the construction and only where an construction management plan has already been submitted to and approved by the City.
  • Temporary Viewing Platforms - new exemption for these platforms where they are in place for 3 months or less, they are associated with and no higher than an approved development, and they are appropriately located and screened to reduce impacts on residential properties. The City's Policy No. 7.5.8. - Temporary Viewing Platforms would then be repealed.
  • Minor Amendments - new guidance on what should be considered when deciding whether changes to an approved development are minor amendments and don't need further planning approval.

A full description of the changes is available within the Report to Council dated 23 August 2022. A schedule of modifications to the current policy is also included in the Document Library.

Get involved

To find out more:

Have your say by:

This Consultation has now closed.

If you have any questions please contact Adam Parker, Senior Urban Planner, on 9273 6578 or adam.parker@vincent.wa.gov.au.

What are the next steps?

Following the consultation period, we will review and consider all submissions received and present all information to Council. All submitters will be notified of the Council meeting date prior to the Policy being considered.