Home-based businesses

A Home Occupation or Home Business is only permitted to be carried out by a resident of the dwelling and must be carried out within the premises of the dwelling. It must not adversely affect the amenity of the surrounding locality.

A Development Application is not required for a Home Office or Home Occupation, but is required for a Home Business.

It is suggested that you notify the City of your Home Office operation to safeguard yourself against any potential compliance matters. Refer to template below.

You can seek an exemption to operate a Home Office or a Home Occupation without Development Approval under the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015.

The City must be notified within seven days of the Home Occupation commencing operation that it is exempt from the need for Development Approval. To confirm an exemption, please complete the below exemption letter and attach to your small business enquiry.

Note: Although the home-based business may be exempt from the need to obtain Development Approval, Building and Health approvals may still be required.

A Building Permit is required for any building work involving the construction of new buildings, and extensions or alterations such as the installation of new doors, windows and walls.

If the total value of the work exceeds $20,000, a permit is issued to a registered builder, or an owner-builder. To become an owner-builder, you must first obtain owner-builder approval from the Building Services Boards, and then a Building Permit from the City.

A Building Permit application must be accompanied by:

• A completed application for Building Permit either Certified (BA1) or Uncertified (BA2);
• 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

Visit the Building Commission website to access all Building Permit application forms you need to submit to us. We are happy to discuss your project before you commence the process so you are clear on what you need to do. For any queries please contact Building Services on 9528 0333.

Building Commission website

Prior to commencing operation, an inspection will need to be undertaken to ensure the premises meets the required standards.  When you are ready to commence operations, please contact Health Services on 9528 0333 to arrange for this inspection – please allow 48 hours for the inspection to be scheduled.

Ongoing routine inspections will be conducted once the business is operational to ensure that suitable standards are maintained.

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.