Planning and Building Applications
If you are building, developing or changing the use of land you may need Planning, Building or Health approvals from the Shire.
Whether or not you will need approval depends on where your property is and what you want to do. Take a look at our Guidelines and Information Sheets page for advice before getting your project started. Contact our friendly team for advice about approvals before you start work.
On this page:
Development (Planning) Applications
How To Apply
All applications must include:
- a Development Application Form
- a Development Application Checklist
- Plans and details relevant to the proposal (as outlined in the checklist)
- Checklists and/or templates are available for:
- Holiday Homes
- Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds
- Advertising Signage
Additional information may be required, depending on the proposal.
Fees and charges are applicable.
If you are unsure where to start, please read through the information brochures, checklists available on our Guidelines and Information Sheets page. Alternatively, please contact our friendly Planning Services team for assistance.
Submitting Your Application
Development applications can now be submitted to our Planning Services team via the following methods:
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Building Applications
In addition to any planning approval requirements, most building works also require approval under the Building Code of Australia.
Achieving a building application approval is a two-step process that includes:
- Certification the the proposed building is consistent with the construction standards of the Building Code; and
- Granting of a permit to commence works
More information is available on our Building Services page. If you are unsure where to start, please read through the information brochures, checklists available on our Guidelines and Information Sheets page. Alternatively, please contact our friendly Planning Services team for assistance.
How to Apply
Building application forms can be found on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website.
Fees and charges are applicable.
Submitting Your Application
Applications can be submitted via the following methods:
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Other Applications
Subdivision Applications
Applications to subdivide land are made directly to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
The Shire provides comments and recommendations on subdivision proposals guided by our local planning framework, but the responsibility for assessment and decision making rests with the Department. For more information, please contact the Albany Regional office.
Development Assessment Panels
Development Assessment Panels are independent decision-making bodies that provide an alternative pathway for the assessment of major development applications.
The Shire reports to, and is represented on, a Development Assessment Panel, but is not the decision maker.
For more information about development applications that qualify, the administration process and other details, please contact the Albany Regional office.
Crossovers
A crossover is the area of a property driveway that is within the public road reserve. As this is public land, Shire approval is required before building or upgrading your driveway within the crossover.
For more information or to apply for permission to build a crossover, please complete a Crossover Application Form or contact our Technical Services team.
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Drainage
In the Shire of Denmark, stormwater from impervious areas such as roofs, driveways and paving must be detained on site with an overflow connected to existing stormwater infrastructure.
To connect to the Shire's drainage system, you must obtain a permit.
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Fees & Charges
The Fees and Charges Schedule for Planning and Building is available at the link below.
Fees and Charges 2023-2024 (Town Planning Extract) Back to Top
Useful Links
Contact
Our Planning, Building, Environmental Health and Technical Services teams can be reached at (08) 9848 0300 or enquiries@denmark.wa.gov.au.
The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage can be reached at their Albany office on (08) 9892 7333 or info@dplh.wa.gov.au.
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