Change of Land Use

Overview of planning requirements

Starting a new business or moving your business to a different location may require changing a property’s ‘land use’ – such as from ‘Office’ to ‘Shop’. Whether approval is needed depends on your business type and its location. Not all uses are automatically permitted for every site.

Key considerations before you begin:

• Matching business use: If your new business matches the previously approved use, you may not need further approval. However, you must comply with any existing conditions attached to that approval.
• Business use changes: If your proposed business use differs from the current approved use, you may need to apply for development (planning) approval - unless the change is exempt under Local Planning Scheme No. 1 (Greater Geraldton) and / or the City’s Local Planning Policies.
• Signage and building alterations: Installing new signage or making changes to the building’s exterior may require development (planning) approval, in addition to building and / or environmental health approval.
• Home-Based Businesses: Depending on the nature of your business and its impact on the surrounding residential area, you may need development (planning) approval. Planning a home business? Learn about the specific requirements for home businesses.
• Holiday Houses: To operate short-term rental accommodation (STRA) including a bed and breakfast, Airbnb, or other short-term rental accommodation, you may need to obtain approval from the City. Learn about the specific requirements for STRA.

To determine whether you need development (Planning) approval, follow these steps.

Step 1: Find your zoning and R-Code(s)

You can find the zoning and R-Code(s) of a particular piece of land in our online mapping system.

Desktop Device:

1. Open intramaps public
2. Select the planning module on the left hand side.
3. Search the address of the property at the bottom of the page
4. Once the property has come up, zoom in to look at the colour the property is. (Please note that the red box is the property searched)
5. On the right hand side is basic information - Select the LPS No. 1 Legend that is highlighted blue.
6. Once the document has opened, there is a key which tells you what the zoning is.

Mobile Device:

1. Open intramaps public.
2. Select the planning module by clicking on the computer screen in the bottom left corner.
3. Search the address of the property by pressing the magnifying glass at the bottom right of the page.
4. Once the property has come up, close down the details page by pressing the down arrow at the top. (Please note that the red box is the property searched)
5. Take note of the colour of the property and press the up arrow now at the bottom of the screen.
6. Select the LPS No. 1 Legend that is highlighted blue.
7. Once the document has opened, there is a key which tells you what the zoning is.

Step 2: Identify your land use

Determine how your business is classified under 'land use'. For example, a gym or yoga studio falls under 'Recreation – Private,' while a hairdresser or beauty salon is considered a 'Shop.'

For detailed definitions, see 6.2 – Land use terms used in Scheme in the Local Planning Scheme No. 1 (refer to page 31).

Step 3: Locate permitted uses for each zone | Land use search tool

To determine what uses are permitted within each zone, use the following search function or refer to the Zoning Tables in the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 1 (refer to pages 14 - 15).

Following are definition of the symbols used in the Zoning Tables:

• "P" means it is a permitted land use and if the proposal you have compiles with all relevant requirements you don’t require a development approval.
• "I" means it is a permitted land use if the proposal you have is connected to or naturally goes along with the main use of the property. A development application is required to be lodged with the City. The development application will need to demonstrate that all scheme and policy requirements can be met.
• "D" means that the proposal can be considered but a development application is required to be lodged with the City. The development application will need to demonstrate that all scheme and policy requirements can be met.
• "A" means that the proposal can be considered but a development application is required to be lodged with the City and it must be advertised. The development application will need to demonstrate that all scheme and policy requirements can be met.
• "X" means that the use is not permitted.

Select Zoning: 

Regional Centre Commercial Mixed Use Service Commercial Tourism Residential General Industry Light Industry Rural Residential Rural

Select Land Use: 

Abattoir Aged or Dependent Persons Dwelling Agriculture – Intensive Animal Establishment Animal Husbandry – Intensive Bed and Breakfast Bulky Goods Showroom Caravan Park Caretaker's Dwelling Car Park Child Care Premises Cinema / Theatre Civic Use Club Premises Community Purpose Consulting Rooms Convenience Store Discount Department Store Dry Cleaning Premises / Laundromat Educational Establishment Exhibition Centre Family Day Care Fast Food Outlet Fuel Depot Funeral Parlour Garden Centre Grouped Dwelling Holiday Accommodation Holiday House Home Business Home Occupation Hotel Industry Industry – Cottage Industry – Extractive Industry – Light Industry – Primary Production Liquor Store Machinery Sales Marina Market Medical Centre Mining Operations Motel Motor Vehicle, Boat or Caravan Sales Motor Vehicle Repair Motor Vehicle Wash Motor Vehicle Wreckers Multiple Dwelling Night Club Office Office – Small Scale Park Home Park Place of Worship Produce Stall Reception Centre Recreation – Private Renewable Energy Facility Repurposed Dwelling Residential Building Restaurant / Café Rural Pursuit / Hobby Farm Salvage Yard Serviced Apartment Service Station Shop Shopping Centre Single House Small Bar Stockpiling Supermarket Tavern Telecommunications Infrastructure Tourist Development Trade Supplies Transport Depot Tree Farm Veterinary Centre Warehouse / Storage Winery Workforce Accommodation

Search

Step 4: Exemptions, Additional & Restricted uses, and Parking Requirements

To determine if any Exemptions, Additional Uses, Special Uses refer to the Zoning Tables in the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 1 (refer to pages 14 - 15).

Step 5: Applying for Development (Planning) Approval

If you need Development (Planning) Approval, a detailed application will need to be completed.

Before you start, it’s a good idea to Book a Town Planner. This service lets you discuss your project with a planning officer, check requirements, and get advice to avoid delays.

Change of Use applications require the following information to be submitted:

• Application for Development (Planning) Approval form (TP01)
• Covering letter outlining the general nature and details of the proposal including:
  • The nature of the use(s) and previous use(s) of the site.
  • The number of employees and customers.
  • Hours of operation.
  • Any other information which may be useful to the City to understand how the business will operate.
• Justification letter providing written justification addressing any variations to the Scheme or Local Planning Policy requirements.
• Plans drawn to scale, including site plan, floor plan and elevation drawings.
• If your proposal requires signage, include the details of the sign and refer to the City’s Signage Local Planning Policy.

Refer to the Development (Planning) Application Checklist - Change of Use for further details on what information is required.

More information and contact

If you require further information, contact the City's Town Planning team on (08) 9956 6600 or alternatively email the City of Greater Geraldton.