Corner Stone Town Planning
Thinking about subdividing your land in Perth?
This guide explains the types of subdivision, approval pathway, key constraints, timeframes, and how to position your application for success.
What Is Subdivision?
Subdivision is the process of dividing one parcel of land into two or more lots. Each new lot receives its own Certificate of Title so it can be sold or developed independently.
Common Subdivision Forms in WA
Green title: An independent lot with its own services and no common property.
Survey-strata: Lots defined by survey which may include common property.
Built strata (strata): Lot boundaries are defined by the building (for example apartments and townhouses) with common property.
Subdivision Process
The typical approach to subdivision includes the following.
- Feasibility & Due Diligence
Prior to proceeding with a Subdivision Application, a due diligence and feasibility assessment should be undertaken. The detail of which will be determined by the type and complexity of subdivision proposed.
Key matters to consider are listed below:
- Zoning and density: Confirm zoning and residential density (R-Code), or minimum lot size to estimate lot yield, frontage and related requirements. A review of the potential for developer contributions is recommended.
- Vehicle Access: Direct vehicular access to some roads may be restricted, or the number of access points limited depending on the classification of the road. Confirmation with the road management authority such as Main Roads WA or the relevant Local Government is recommended.
- Existing improvements: Are there any existing buildings to be retained and can these comply with planning and building requirements. Significant tree retention and location of existing services also require consideration.
- Infrastructure servicing: The presence and capacity of existing services such as reticulated power, water and sewer require review. It is important to understand if any service upgrades are required and associated costs.
- Environment, heritage and bushfire: Areas of environmental significance require identification and protection, potential site contamination requires review as well as the presence of acid sulphate soils. A review of heritage databases will determine if there are any heritage constraints. If the land is within a bushfire prone area, additional considerations will apply.
- Site levels and geotechnical conditions: On sloping sites earthworks and retaining may be required which will need to be considered in feasibility analysis. Geotechnical conditions may further require review.
- Concept Design and pre-lodgement
Engage a town planer, surveyor and other consultants, as required, to assist in subdivision design. The complexity of the subdivision and characteristics of a lot will determine what consultants are required.
For more complex subdivision proposals pre-lodgement engagement with stakeholders is recommended.
- Prepare and lodge a Subdivision Application
Prepare and lodge a subdivision application with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH).
The subdivision application will include a completed Form 1A, covering letter or report, supporting sub-consultant documentation and a plan of subdivision.
Once the subdivision application is lodged and accepted by DPLH it will be referred to statutory authorities for comment. The application will be referred to the Local Government, servicing authorities and other government agencies such as the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. The extent of the referrals will depend on the characteristics of the site and subdivision application.
Once referral agency responses are received, the DPLH will consider the responses and assess the proposal against the planning framework.
The timeframe for a subdivision application to be determined is 90 days. Depending on the complexity of the application determination may take longer. Ensuring the correct information is provided to support the subdivision application assists in minimizing project delays and requests for additional information.
- WAPC Decision
The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) will determine the application and will issue an approval, conditional approval, or refusal. Conditional approval is most common.
If there are conditions of approval that you are aggrieved by, or the application is refused, you can request a reconsideration or lodge an Application for Review with the State Administrative Tribunal.
- Clearing Conditions
Once subdivision approval is granted the requirements of the conditions of approval will need to be fulfilled. This will include such matters as site earthworks, connections to services, making development contributions and preparation of a Deposited Plan showing the final subdivision boundaries.
- Certificate of Titles
Once the Deposited Plan is endorsed by the WAPC with all necessary clearances, lodge with Landgate to create new Certificates of Title.
Ready to subdivide?
Expert guidance can save time, reduce risk, and maximise value.
Contact Cornerstone Town Planning to arrange a preliminary assessment or book a consultation. We assist clients across the Perth metropolitan area, Peel, South West and Wheatbelt—supporting you from feasibility through to new titles.
Disclaimer – the information contained above does not constitute planning advice, and is of a general nature. You should obtain town planning advice relevant to your specific circumstances. In that regard please do not hesitate to contact Cornerstone Town Planning
