Once you have chosen a business address, please confirm the site's zoning using the City's Online Maps. Zoning can be identified using the Planning and Development Module.
Once a site has been selected, locate 'TPS2 Zoning' in the column on the righthand side of the screen to identify the zone.
City of Rockingham online mapping
The preferred land zone for shops include the following:
- Primary Centre City Centre (excluding Primary Centre Campus and Primary Centre Urban Living)
- Commercial
- District Town Centre
There are exemptions under the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 for shops and convenience stores provided that:
- the land to be used is located in a Commercial or City Centre zone;
- the use is capable of being approved under the Town Planning Scheme;
- no new permanent buildings or structures are required (with the exception that car parking bays are permitted);
- the net lettable area for the land use does not exceed 300m2; and
- the site/land is not a Heritage Protected Place.
The City must be notified within seven days of the shop or convenince store commencing operation that it is exempt from the need for Development Approval. To request an exemption, please complete the below exemption letter and attach it to your small business enquiry.
Note: Although the proposed shop or convenience store may be exempt from the need to obtain Development Approval, Building and Health approvals may still be required.
Development Approval will be required for a shop or convenience store that does not meet the exemption requirements.
To apply, please complete the below application form and use our online portal Rock Port, to lodge your application.
Lodge a development application
Standard Building Permit process
In general, any work involving additions and/or alterations will require a Building Permit. In most cases, proposed partitioning works for shops, office and warehouse fit outs will affect the way the building complies with an applicable Building Standard and will require a Building Permit.
Applications for commercial properties (Class 2 to Class 9 buildings) must be made as an Application for Building Permit - Certified (BA1). The applicant will need to engage in the services of an independent building surveyor to assess the proposal and provide a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3).
An Application for Building Permit - Certified (BA1) is accompanied by a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3) and can be made for any class of building and incidental structure. The City has 10 business days to determine a permit for a certified application.
A Building Permit application must be accompanied by:
- A completed Application for Building Permit - Certified (BA1);
- A completed Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3);
- Copies of all relevant plans and specifications; and
- Payment of required fees.
You can use our online portal, Rock Port, to lodge your application. First time users will need to create a new account for the online lodgement of a building application. Existing users can log in with their existing Rock Port account. Alternatively, you can submit your application in person at our Administration Office located on Civic Boulevard, Rockingham.
Submit a building application
Where a simple fit-out is proposed, with cosmetic renovations such as painting and decorating, and only moveable furniture is being installed, a Building Permit will generally not be required.
New or changes to existing signage on the facade of a building or installations over glazing will require a Building Permit.
Visit the Building Commission website to access all building permit application forms.
Building Commission website
As a new and developing business there are a number of useful resources and information available intended to provide additional support and guidance.
Small Business Development Corporation
The Small Business Development Corporation is an independent statutory authority with its mission to deliver and facilitate relevant, practical support to small businesses and to foster the development of policy conducive to the growth of the small business sector. The Small Business Development Corporation is working towards creating a strong and enterprising small business sector in Western Australia.
Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA is a member-driven organisation providing quality information, professional services and support for businesses. Its mission is to make it easier to do business in the state and ensure that WA is a place where businesses of all shapes and sizes can succeed.
Australian Government
Business.gov.au is an online Australian Government resource which provides a wide range of business information and assistance with regard to starting a business, running a business or exiting a business. This site also offers grants and assistance for business owners at all stages of their business timeline.
Australian Business License and Information Service
The Australian Business License and Information Service helps business operators and people considering starting a business to identify the types of licenses, permits, approvals, regulations and codes of practice required or in place for the relevant state, territory, local and Australian government.