Deemed-to-comply check
If you are planning to build a new single house, or make additions or alterations to an existing single house, you may be able to ask the Town to confirm whether development approval is required before you lodge a full development application. This is called a 'deemed-to-comply check'.
A deemed-to-comply check is a written assessment of whether your proposal satisfies the relevant deemed-to-comply requirements under the Residential Design Codes and the Town’s local planning requirements. If the proposal satisfies the applicable requirements, the Town may confirm that development approval is not required.
When can I request a deemed-to-comply check?
You can request a deemed-to-comply check if the proposal is for:
- a new single house on one lot; or
- additions or alterations to an existing single house.
This process applies to a 'single house' only. It does not apply to grouped dwellings, multiple dwellings, apartments, commercial development, mixed-use development or other forms of development.
If you are unsure whether your proposal is eligible, please contact the Town’s Statutory Planning team before lodging your request.
What happens after I apply?
The Town will review the information you provide and respond in writing.
The Town will advise whether:
- development approval is not required because the proposal satisfies the applicable deemed-to-comply requirements; or
- development approval is required because one or more aspects of the proposal do not satisfy the applicable requirements.
The Town is to respond within 14 days of receiving a complete application. An application is complete when all required information and the applicable fee have been provided.
How to apply
Step 1: Complete the application form
Step 2: Prepare your supporting information
You will need to provide the information listed in the application form. This will generally include:
- a current Certificate of Title;
- a site plan showing the lot, existing buildings and proposed works;
- floor plans of the proposed works;
- elevations showing the external appearance and height of the proposed works;
- details of materials and finishes, where relevant; and
- any other information requested in the application form.
Plans should be clear, legible and drawn to scale.
Step 3: Pay the application fee
The applicable fee is:
- $295 for a new single house; or
- $100 for additions or alterations to an existing single house.
Please refer to the Town’s Planning Fees page or current Fees and Charges Schedule for the latest applicable fees.
Step 4: Lodge your application
Applications can be lodged by:
-
- Post: Town of Cambridge, PO Box 15, Floreat WA 6014
- In person: Administration Centre, 1 Bold Park Drive, Floreat WA 6014
Please ensure all required information is included when lodging your application. Incomplete applications may not be accepted or may take longer to process.
Important information before you start
You may still need a building permit
A deemed-to-comply check only relates to whether development approval is required.
Most building work also requires a separate building permit before works can commence. You should speak to a registered building surveyor or refer to the Town’s Building Approvals and Permits page for more information.
The Town’s advice is based on the plans submitted
The Town’s written response is based on the plans and information submitted with your request.
If the proposal changes after the Town has provided its response, the advice may no longer apply. You should contact the Town before making changes to your plans.
Heritage and other special requirements
Additional requirements may apply if your property is heritage-listed, located in a heritage area, affected by a local development plan, structure plan, special control area, restrictive covenant or other site-specific requirement.
If you are unsure whether any special requirements apply to your property, please contact the Town before lodging your request.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start building if the Town says development approval is not required?
Not immediately. You may still need a building permit before any building work starts.
The Town’s response only confirms whether development approval is required. It does not replace the need for any other approval, permit or licence.
What if the Town says development approval is required?
You will need to lodge a development application before commencing the works.
More information is available on the Town’s Applying for Development Approval page.
What if I do not receive a response within 14 days?
The Town is to respond within 14 days of receiving a complete application. If you have not received a response after this time, please contact the Town’s Statutory Planning team.
Can the Town redesign my plans so they meet the deemed-to-comply requirements?
No. The Town can advise whether the plans submitted satisfy the applicable requirements, but it cannot prepare or redesign plans for you.
You may wish to speak to your designer, builder or planning consultant if changes are required.
More information
If you are unsure whether you need development approval, please contact the Town’s Statutory Planning team on (08) 9347 6000 or email mail@cambridge.wa.gov.au.