Home Based Business
A home based business is any business activity carried out at the residential premises by the residents of the house. There are three different types of home based business and depending on which type applies, you will need different levels of approval. Have a read through the types below to see which applies to you.
I want to...
Use part of my house as an office
This is called a Home Office. Provided the below requirements are met, a development approval will not be required.
- Location - inside of the house
- Employees - the resident and no additional employees
- Clients/Customers - will not be visiting the property
- Signage - will not be displayed
- Amenity - there will no adverse effect on the neighbourhood
- Appearance - no part of the exterior of the house will be altered or changed.
Use part of my house, outbuildings or land for business activities
This is called a Home Occupation.
Provided the below requirements are met and you’re in the correct zone (see below under Development Approval) development approval will not be required. If the above requirements are not met and/or you're not in the correct zone, development approval may be required. See the development approval section below for more information.
- Location - any part of the premises in an area not exceeding 20m²
- Employees - all employees live in the house
- Clients/Customers - will not be visiting the property
- Amenity - there will be no adverse effect on the neighbourhood
- Appearance - no part of the exterior of the house will be altered or changed
- Signage - will not exceed 0.2m²
- Parking - additional parking and services will not be required and there will be no garaging of a vehicle greater than 4.5 tonnes tare weight
- Nature of Business
- Fuelling, repairing or maintenance of motor vehicles will not occur on the property
- Goods will not be retailed or hired from the property (unless by means of the internet)
Use part of my house, outbuildings or land for business activities beyond the criteria listed in the above Home Occupation category.
This is called a Home Business. All Home Business requires development approval. See below for further information on what approvals may be required.
- Location - Any part of the premises not exceeding 50m²
- Employees - No more than 2 people who don’t live in the house are employed
- Amenity - there will be no adverse effect on the neighbourhood
- Appearance - the business activity will not be visible from the front of the house
- Signage - will not exceed 0.2m²
- Parking - additional parking and services will not be required
- Nature of Business
- Fuelling repairing or maintenance of motor vehicles will not occur on the property
- Goods will not be retailed or hired from the property unless they have been produced or manufactured at the residence
- Business activity will only be conducted:
- Monday to Friday - between 8.00am and 6.00pm
- Saturday - between 9.00am and 5.00pm
- Sunday and Public Holidays - not permitted
Development Approval
Do I need development approval in my zone?
Development approval may be needed dependent on the Zone your property is in and whether you want to start a home office, home occupation or home business. See the Zone section of the below document.
Property Zoning Classification - Extract from Local Planning Scheme No.21
What Zone is my property?
- Open the Zoning Map
- Change the Module on the left-hand side to Local Planning Scheme 21
- Search your address in the bottom tabs
- The zone of the property is in the information bar to the right of the map.
What do I need to include in my application?
Please refer to the Development Application Checklist below:
Development Application Checklist
What will it cost?
Development Application Fee - $295.00
Advertising/Referral - In some instances we will need to refer your application to external agencies (e.g. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services) and/or any affected neighbours for comment. - $134.00
Note these are costs payable to the City only. Other fees may apply.
How can I submit my application?
Email city@busselton.wa.gov.au
In Person City of Busselton Administration Building, 2 Southern Drive, Busselton WA 6280
By Post City of Busselton Locked bag 1, Busselton WA 6280
What happens once I have submitted my application?
- Preliminary check of your application
- Invoice will be emailed to the applicant
- When payment is received, the application will be allocated to a planning officer for assessment
- The proposal may be referred to external agencies and/or adjoining landowners for comments
- The proposal will be determined by the planning officer
- If supported, a conditional approval will be issued.
These steps usually take from 60 to 90 days.
I have my approval, what's next?
Once you have the conditional development approval, you will need to ensure the conditions of the approval are satisfied before you can apply to operate. Please contact the Planning team on 08 9781 0444 for assistance.
Who can I contact if I need more information?
Planning Services
Phone 08 9781 0444
Email city@busselton.wa.gov.au
Building Approval
Will I need building approval?
If you are making any structural changes to your property, or changing the classification of the building (e.g. from a residential to commercial) you may need building approval.
What do I need?
Please go to our Building Checklists, Forms and Fees page to see what is required.
Building Checklists, Forms and Fees
How can I submit my application?
Portal Building Portal
Email city@busselton.wa.gov.au
In Person City of Busselton Administration Building, 2 Southern Drive, Busselton WA 6280
By Post City of Busselton Locked bag 1, Busselton WA 6280
What will it cost?
Please refer to the Building Fee Calculator below.
Online Building Fee Calculator
How long does it take?
Certified Building Application Up to 25 business days
Uncertified Building Application Up to 10 business days
Who can I contact if I need more information?
Building Services
Phone 08 9781 0444
Email city@busselton.wa.gov.au
Environmental Health Approval
Food Business
Businesses producing and selling food to the public (including beverages) are required to hold a Food Act 2008 Certificate of Notification or Registration.
For further information please refer to the Food and Beverage Business page.
Beauty and Body Art Business
Residential businesses conducting procedures that involves skin penetration e.g. waxing, tattoos cosmetic/traditional, nail maintenance and hairdressing must be approved before opening.
For further information please refer to the Beauty and Body Art Business page.
Other Important Links
Local Planning Scheme No. 21