Business - Approvals and Permits

Overview

The type of business you plan to operate, whether it’s retail, food, beauty saloon, or something else, must align with the approved land use for the property.

If you’re proposing a different use than what is currently approved (for example, converting a café into a hair salon), you may be required to apply for a change of use under the Shire’s planning framework.

Before signing a lease or purchasing a property check: Local Scheme Zones 

Remember: our team can advise you on the zoning of your site and whether your proposed business activity is permitted or requires further approval.

Planning (Development) Guidelines

When Do You Need Development (Planning) Approval?

Development (Planning) Approval ensures that your proposed business or development complies with local zoning laws and land use regulations under the Shire’s Local Planning Scheme.

You will generally need approval for:

• Construction of new commercial buildings

• Major renovations or increases to floor area

• External building modifications (e.g. signage, outbuildings, patios, pergolas, retaining walls)

• Change in land use (e.g. converting an office to a retail shop)

• Proposals not listed as “P” (permitted) uses in the planning scheme

• Establishing alfresco dining areas

• Setting up a home business or bed and breakfast

Why Is Development (Planning) Approval Required?

A Development (Planning) Approval:

• Helps manage and coordinate future land use in the community
  
  
• Prevents conflicting uses of land (e.g. industrial next to residential)
  
  
• Ensures developments contribute positively to local amenity, safety, and infrastructure
  
  
• Supports sustainable growth and protects community character

What’s Expected During the Pre-Application Stage?

Before lodging any applications, new small business owners are encouraged to prepare a detailed business plan. This will help guide your discussions with the Shire and increase your chances of a smooth and successful approval process.

Your business plan should include:

• Type of business you plan to operate
  
  
• Goals for starting the business
  
  
• What’s required to achieve those goals (e.g. staffing, equipment, compliance)
  
  
• Realistic timeframes for achieving each milestone
  
  
• Proposed location of your business
  
  
• Estimated budget, including:
  • Expected startup and operating costs

  • Any capital or funding you have set aside

Lack of research can lead to delays, unexpected costs, inability to proceed, especially if money has already been spent on leases or fit outs.

Need Help?

Refer to Research and Plan resources

Timeframes and Application

What are the Planning application assessment timeframes?

• All applications are assessed within legislated timeframes; however, the Shire aims to process applications as efficiently as possible.

  The following statutory timeframes apply:

  • 60 days – for applications that do not require public consultation

  • 90 days – for applications that require public consultation

  These timeframes begin once a complete application has been formally accepted by the Shire.

We have created information sheets to assist you in lodging planning applications.

• When is a Planning (Development) Application Required?
  Understand common triggers for requiring approval. (LINK)

• Planning (Development) Application Checklist
  A step-by-step guide to ensure your submission is complete.

Planning Checklists and Forms

• Section 40 – Liquor Licence Support
  Form for obtaining Shire approval to accompany your liquor licence application.

IN RED EXAMPLES OF WHAT WE COULD DEVELOP FOR THE SHIRE OF NORTHAM - ARE THEY APPLICABLE?

Certificate of Local Planning Authority - Section 40

Example of an information sheet: Cockburn

• Application for Home Occupation
  Details on how to apply for a business based from your home.

Checklist Home-Base Business

• Home Occupation vs Home Business
  A clear comparison to help determine which category your setup falls under.

Example of how to differentiate them: Exmouth Stirling Canning

We’ve created a series of information sheets to guide you through the planning application process and help you understand what’s required.

Available resources include:

Example of Kwinana

All Ready?

Apply here: Planning (Development) Application

Public Consultations Requirements

In some cases, your development application may require public advertising. This typically applies when your proposal:

• Includes variations to standard requirements (e.g. reduced setbacks or increased building height), or

• Is considered a discretionary or ‘A’ use under the zoning table.

Public consultation ensures the community has a chance to review and comment on proposals that may impact them.

Consultation can include:

• Letters to nearby property owners

• Notices in newspapers

• Signage on the development site

To see how consultation levels are determined, refer to our Advertising of Planning Proposals Policy (LPP20).

Example:

If you're proposing to convert a residential property into a restaurant (which is an 'A' use in most zones), you’ll likely need to:

• Post a sign on the site

• Notify nearby neighbours

• Run a notice in the local paper

This allows surrounding residents to share any feedback within a 21-day period.

Overview

If you’re planning renovations, changing the layout of your premises, or altering how the space will be used, you may require building compliance to ensure the premises meet current safety and structural standards.

If both a Building Permit and Health Approval are required, Health Approval must be finalised before the Building Permit can be issued.

However, both applications can be prepared and submitted at the same time to streamline the process.

Example:
If you are converting a retail shop into a food business, this may involve a change in building classification under the Building Code of Australia. In such cases, Health and Building teams will work together to assess your fit-out plans to ensure all health and safety requirements are met before issuing permits.

Step-by-Step Process

Commercial Building Applications

For most commercial building work, a Building Permit is required before any construction begins. Here is how the process works:

Further Information: Commercial Building Process

Step 1: Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3)

The first step is to obtain a Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC) using Form BA3.

This certificate confirms that your plans comply with the National Construction Code and other relevant legislation.

You can obtain a CDC (BA3) through:

• The Shire of Northam, or

• A Private Building Surveyor

For larger or more complex buildings, your CDC may need to be referred to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) before it can be issued.

Your Building Surveyor will manage this referral.

Step 2: Apply for a Building Permit (BA1)

Once the CDC is issued, you must submit a Building Permit Application using Form BA1, along with all supporting documentation, to the Shire of Northam.

Step 3: Issuance of Building Permit (BA4)

If your application is complete and complies with all requirements, the Shire will issue a Building Permit using Form BA4. Only once this is received can construction commence.

Building Guidelines

When Do You Need a Building Permit?

A Building Permit is generally required for any work that involves construction or significant alteration to a building or structure. This includes:

• Construction of new buildings

• Major modifications to existing buildings

• Installation of new commercial fit-outs

• Construction of patios, pergolas, sheds, or other outbuildings

• Changes of use to a discretionary or advertised use under the Land Use Table

• Developments involving heritage-listed buildings or sites within a heritage area

• Proposals that vary from the Local Planning Scheme (LPS6) or Local Planning Policies (LPP), as determined by Shire officers

Why Is a Building Permit Required?

A Building Permit ensures that your project:

• Complies with the Building Code of Australia and other relevant legislation
  
  
• Is structurally sound and safe for occupants and the community
  
  
• Meets fire safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency standards

Don’t risk fines or delays: building without a permit may result in penalties or costly rectification work.

What is expected from you?

• Research and develop all of the documents you need to submit with your application before you lodge it

What can you do to avoid delays?

• Book a free pre-lodgement meeting
• Complete our Self-Assessment Tool

Timeframes and Application

What are the Building application assessment timeframes? 

Under the Building Act 2011, the Shire must assess building permit applications within the following statutory timeframes:

• Certified Applications – 10 working days

• Uncertified Applications – 25 working days

These timeframes begin once a complete application has been received.

While many applications are processed sooner, delays can occur if your submission is missing required information or documentation. To avoid processing delays, ensure your application is complete and includes all necessary supporting documents.

What next?

Once your commercial development is complete, you must complete the Occupancy Permit process before the building can be legally used. This ensures the premises meet all relevant building and safety codes.

The building must not be occupied until an Occupancy Permit has been issued by the Shire of Northam.

All Ready?

Apply here: Building Permit Application

Requirements

An Occupancy Permit is required for all Class 2 to Class 9 buildings, including:

• Shops, offices, cafes, restaurants

• Warehouses, gyms, educational facilities, and other commercial buildings

It is not required for:

• Class 1 buildings: single residential dwellings

• Class 10 buildings: non-habitable outbuildings like sheds, carports, or garages

Step-by-Step Process

Occupancy Permit Applications

Step 1- Submit a Notice of Completion – Form BA7

Within 7 days of finishing construction, you must submit a Notice of Completion (BA7) to the Shire, along with all relevant compliance certificates.

Step 2 - Obtain a Certificate of Construction Compliance – Form BA17

This certificate confirms the completed building complies with approved plans and the Building Code.
You can obtain it from:

• The Shire of Northam, or

• A Private Building Surveyor

Step 3 - Apply for an Occupancy Permit – Form BA9 

Once you have the BA17, submit an Occupancy Permit Application (BA9) to the Shire.

Step 4 - Receive Your Occupancy Permit – Form BA10

If your application is complete and compliant, the Shire will issue an Occupancy Permit (BA10).

Forms and Application

Where to Get the Forms

All building approval forms are available from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS).

To access and download them: DMIRS Building Approvals 

Need Further Support?

Refer to: Research and Plan

All Ready?

How to lodge your: Occupancy Application

Overview

Many businesses, especially those in food service, hospitality, and personal care, require Environmental Health Approval before they can operate.

This approval ensures your premises and operations meet public health and hygiene standards, helping to protect both your customers and your business.

Processes

The process varies depending on your business type. To make it easier, we’ve created tailored checklists and guides for each category:

Public Buildings

• Permanent (e.g. gyms, childcare, bars/clubs, educational institutions)

• Temporary (e.g. one-off events in parks or open spaces)

View Checklists and Forms

Skin Penetration & Beauty Services

• Beauty salons

• Hairdressers & barbers

• Tattooing & acupuncture

• Waxing & nail services

View Checklists and Forms

Food Businesses

• Food businesses

• Mobile food vans

• Home-based (low risk – e.g. cake decorating)

• Outdoor eating areas (alfresco)

• Primary production (e.g. eggs, leafy greens)

• Bed and breakfast establishments

View Checklists and Forms

Portable Signs

• A-Frame device of not more than 1m2

Approval and Legislation

Temporary Accommodation

• Bed & breakfast
• Farmstay Accommodation

Information and Application

This approval is required for operations that could affect public health, including: 

• Food businesses
• Hairdressing salons
• Skin penetration businesses (for example, beauty salons and tattooing) 
• Businesses requiring liquor licenses.

Why Is It Needed?

Environmental Health Approval:

• Ensures your business complies with health and hygiene regulations
  
  
• Helps prevent the spread of foodborne illness or infection
  
  
• Protects public safety, especially for services involving food or skin penetration
  
  

Compliance with health legislation is not only a legal obligation, it’s a critical foundation for safe and successful operations.

Timeframes and Applications

The assessment time for Health-related applications can vary depending on the type of business and whether external referrals are required.

• Standard applications: Allow up to 14 working days
• Applications requiring Department of Health referral: Allow up to 30 working days

To avoid delays, ensure your application is complete and includes all required documentation.