Application forms can be downloaded from the making an application page.
To request a hard copy, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 9219 9000.
DBCA provides a clickable map of the Development Control Area. If your lot is affected by a reservation under the Metropolitan Region Scheme, a clause 42 certificate can be obtained from the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage that will accurately show how much of the lot is reserved.
The making an application page provides detailed information on what you need to lodge with your application.
Most development applications should be lodged with the local government or redevelopment authority where the proposal is located. This is true for applications made under the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Act 2006 and applications made under the Metropolitan Region Scheme. The local government will then forward the application to DBCA.
If the proposed development is not in a local government or redevelopment authority area (for example is entirely within the waterway), the application should be submitted direct to DBCA.
Applications for permits in the Swan Canning Development Control Area should also be submitted direct to DBCA.
DBCA does not charge fees to make a Part 5 development application or permit application for works, acts and activities in the Swan Canning Development Control Area.
For information on application fees under the Metropolitan Region Scheme, contact the relevant local government.
DBCA will refer development applications made under Part 5 of the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Act 2006 to the relevant local government authority and any other public authority DBCA considers may have an interest in the proposal.
This may include, but is not limited to the departments of Water and Environmental Regulation, Transport, and Planning, Lands and Heritage.
a. Development applications made under Part 5 of the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Act 2006
The timeline for assessing development applications is variable and depends on the quality of information provided with the application and how complex the proposal is.
The Part 5 development assessment process is likely to take 5-6 months from the time that a valid application is lodged.
Key aspects of the approval process include:
The timelines above are approximate. They provide a general indication for forward planning of a development application.
b. Permit applications made under the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Regulations 2007
The timeline for assessing permit applications is variable and depends on the quality of information provided with the application and the complexity of the proposal.
The permit assessment process is likely to take 4-6 weeks from the time that a valid application is lodged. This includes a 21-day referral period to agencies considered to have an interest in the proposal.
Proposals considered to be of significant community interest may be advertised on the DBCA website for a period of 14 days to allow for public comments to be lodged prior to the assessment process commencing.
The timelines above are approximate. They provide a general indication for forward planning of a permit application.
c. Development applications made under the Metropolitan Region Scheme
DBCA provides advice on development applications made under the Metropolitan Region Scheme, and does not have control over the overall timing of the determination.
DBCA must provide its advice to the determining authority within 42 days.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 9219 9000.
Separation distances (or setbacks) between development and the Development Control Area are necessary to protect and enhance the river system. Setbacks help protect the natural landscape from buildings and structures that may visually dominate, overshadow or unacceptably overlook public spaces. Setbacks can also help provide space to enhance the ecological quality of the river system and its hydrological functions.
Detailed information is available in the 
Development Setback Requirements policy332.4 KB.
The draft report for each development application received under Part 5 of the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Act 2006 is posted on the Draft reports open for public comment page, with an opportunity to have your say before the recommendation to the Minister for Environment is finalised.
If you have approval from the Department of Transport under the Navigable Waters Regulations 1958 Regulation 51C for an on-water spectator event and associated temporary infrastructure, and/or approval from the land manager of the reserve for an on-land spectator event and associated temporary infrastructure, approval from DBCA under the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Regulations 2007 is not required. However, if the spectator event is within the Swan Estuary Marine Park, DBCA’s Swan Region branch will need to be contacted.
Maintenance works that do not relate to a change of use of any part of the structure and do not alter the structure’s function or appearance can be undertaken via a permit under the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Regulations 2007. Local governments have further exemptions under Regulation 10.
There is no monetary value associated with erosion control works. Therefore, any erosion control project – big or small – can be undertaken via a permit approval under the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Regulations 2007. Schedule 5 authorities, such as local governments, have further exemptions under Regulation 12.
Yes, a structure is only considered temporary if it is in place for a period of less than 6 months.
A permit can be issued for works, acts and activities by a leaseholder of land or waters in the Development Control Area that are valued less than $50,000.
Maintenance dredging that is necessary for the maintenance of access by vessels to marinas and jetties in the Riverpark can be undertaken via a permit approval under the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Regulations 2007. Dredging that is not for maintenance purposes requires a Part 5 approval under the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Act 2006.
Yes, generally the removal and/or trimming of vegetation, including for preventative fire hazard reduction, within the Development Control Area requires a permit under the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Regulations 2007. Schedule 5 authorities have exemptions under Regulation 21.
If you have read through the frequently asked questions and require assistance, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 9219 9000.