Change of Use Approval

Planning approval may be required when changing the use in buildings or land associated with retail, commercial and industrial activities. Find out how to apply for a change of use planning approval. 

What is a change of use?

A change of use relates to a change made to an existing use of land and/or building and usually refers to business activities of a retail, commercial or industrial nature. You may be affected if you are setting up a new business in Cockburn or moving from one premises within the area to another.

Do all changes of use need planning approval?

Planning approval may be required when seeking to change the use of an existing building or land from one use to another.
In some cases, building approval may also be required.

Apply for change of use planning approval

Development Standards

The City considers the following criteria when assessing an application for a change of use for a building or land:

  • Parking requirements under the Town Planning Scheme No. 3 (TPS 3). Different uses have different parking requirements. For example, a ‘Warehouse’ will have a lesser parking requirement to an ‘Office’
  • Whether the proposed use is permitted, discretionary or not permitted under TPS3. Different uses have different permissibility depending on the zoning of the lot
  • In some instances, the number of staff proposed to be working from the premises and the number of customers who will visit the building
  • The nature of the proposal including details on the operation of the business
  • In some instances, the hours of operation of the proposed use.

Forms, fees and application information

Please view the Planning Application page for more information on submitting a change of use application, including forms and fees. Once planning approval is obtained, a Building Permit may be required from the City’s Building Services if you wish to make any modifications to the building (including fit out, partitioning etc).

Related Documents

Document name Downloadable files

More information and contact

Please contact the City’s Statutory Planning Services team for more information on changes to building and land use on 08 9411 3444 or at [email protected]

Contact

Address

City of Cockburn
Whadjuk Boodja
9 Coleville Crescent,
Spearwood 6163

PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC,
Western Australia, 6965

Office opening hours:
8.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

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Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaditj boodjar kep wer kaadidjiny kalyakool yoodaniny, wer koora wer yeyi ngalak Birdiya koota-djinanginy.

City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar boodja. Long ago, now and in the future they care for Country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present.