Step 1: Check your zoning

Find out how your property is zoned under the Town Planning Scheme. Your zoning and density coding (if applicable) will determine whether subdivision may be possible. To confirm your zoning, type your property address into the WAPC Plan WA mapping portal: PlanWA Select ‘See Land Enquiry Report’ in the left and column. Under ‘Local Planning Scheme (LPS)’, the local zoning for your property will be available. If you have difficulty in finding your property, please contact the Shire’s planning department to confirm your zoning at 9761 0800 or btnshire@bridgetown.wa.gov.au  

Step 2: Read the WAPC subdivision information

Visit the WAPC website and read their subdivision guidance under - Subdivision application forms, guidelines and checklists. This will help you to understand:

• What types of subdivision can be supported
• Minimum lot size requirements
• The application process
• Likely timeframes
• Fees involved

Understanding these basics first will save you time and money.

Step 3: Consider getting professional advice

Subdivision can be complex as it involves technical considerations relating to surveying, town planning and engineering. It is strongly recommended to engage professionals, particularly:

• Licensed Land Surveyor – a surveyor is required to prepare a site feature survey. This is a detailed map showing boundaries, buildings, trees, levels and services on your property. This cannot be done by an ordinary person, as only a licensed surveyor can legally define boundaries and produce plans suitable for subdivision.
• Town Planning Consultant – can help you understand planning rules, prepare and advocate for your proposal and check if subdivision is likely to be supported or not. They can also determine project feasibility, lodge and manage the subdivision application. While engaging a town planning consultant is not mandatory, professional advice can help avoid unnecessary delays, mistakes or extra costs.

Can the Shire confirm if my subdivision will be approved?

No. The Shire can explain how the Scheme and R-Codes work in general, but cannot provide site-specific assessments or predict WAPC decisions. The Shire has no ability to:

• Confirm whether a subdivision will be supported, approved and/or guarantee an outcome.
• Provide ‘in principle’ support for subdivision proposals.
• Vary or waive minimum lot size requirements or Residential Design Code standards as part of subdivision.
• Advise what conditions external agencies (such as servicing authorities) may impose.
• Prepare or lodge your subdivision application on your behalf.

What determines if my property can be subdivided?

The main factor in whether your property can be subdivided is the zoning under the applicable Town Planning Scheme. Different rules and considerations apply depending on whether your land is residential or rural.

Why is rural subdivision harder to approve?

Rural subdivisions are generally more strictly controlled because State planning policies aim to:

• Protect productive agricultural land so farming and other primary production can continue without disruption.
• Prevent fragmentation of rural land to avoid breaking up large rural lots into pieces that may not be viable for farming.
• Avoid land use conflict so new lots do not create problems between neighbours or existing rural activities.

Protect water resources and the environment to ensure that land and water are used sustainably.

What additional factors might affect subdivision?

Depending on your property, you may need to consider:

• Bushfire prone land – may require a Bushfire Management Plan. Please check the Shire’s Bushfire Planning page for further information. Additionally, check the DFES Bushfire Prone Mapping website to confirm if your property is bushfire prone: Map of Bush Fire Prone Areas
• Heritage Listings – may require a heritage assessment
• Drainage and servicing capacity – check with Water Corporation, Western Power or an engineer.
• Road Access – each lot must have legal and practical access to a constructed road.

Can the Shire check my site constraints for me?

No. The Shire can explain requirements in principle, but cannot:

• Assess individual site constraints
• Design accessways
• Confirm service availability

Applicants should seek advice from a licensed surveyor, town planning consultant or the relevant service agency (Water Corporation or Western Power etc).

What is the typical process and indicative timeline for subdivsion?

Subdivision involves several steps, and the process can take time. Here is what you need to consider:

1. Professional engagement – most subdivision applications require the expertise of a licensed surveyor and in some cases, a town planning consultant.
2. Preparation and completion of a site feature survey by a licensed surveyor.
3. Preparation and completion of all supporting documents needing for lodgement of the subdivision application including any bushfire requirements where applicable.
4. Lodging and processing of the subdivision application. The WAPC may take up to 90 days to assess the application, including referral to the Shire and other agencies.
5. Upon receiving your subdivision conditional approval, you may need to undertake physical works. This may include demolition and clearance of any existing structures, construction of new access, drainage or other required infrastructure, usually taking one to two months on average.
6. Clearance of conditions – any conditions imposed by WAPC or referral agencies must be addressed before titles can be issued. These timeframes vary depending on the number and type of conditions required. More information on subdivision clearance is provided under ‘what is involved in the subdivision clearance process’ section below.
7. Final endorsement and registering titles with Landgate – this can take additional weeks to months after clearance. This is undertaken via the WAPC portal.

Most industry guidance suggests that a typical residential two-lot subdivision from lodgement to titles issued usually takes around 9-12 months.

Who can help me with my subdivision proposal?

The Shire cannot lodge subdivision applications on your behalf, and as a referral agency we must remain objective and impartial in providing advice to the WAPC and other authorities.

While the Shire cannot recommend specific surveyors, planners, or consultants, applicants are encouraged to:

• Obtain two to three quotes from suitably qualified professionals.
• Confirm whether the consultant has experience with subdivision applications in the local area, as familiarity with local conditions and processes can be beneficial.

This approach helps ensure you engage a professional suited to your project while maintaining the Shire’s impartiality.

How much does subdivision cost?

There are several costs associated with subdivision including but not limited to the following:

• WAPC subdivision application fees. For specific costs, please see Subdivision application forms, guidelines and checklists
• Land surveying fees
• Town planning or subdivision consultant fees
• Site works
• Service installation and connection fees
• Clearance of conditions fees (this involves separate WAPC, the Shire and external agency fees)
• Property fees (Shire rates, holding costs, capital gains tax, liabilities)
• Cost of finance (interest, bank fees) and legal, accounting and taxation advice and fees

Larger subdivisions may incur additional costs associated with structure planning and property re-zonings.

What should I consider including in my subdivision cover letter as part of my application?

A good cover letter is an important part of your subdivision application. It helps the WAPC, the Shire and other referral agencies understand your proposal quickly and accurately. The more information you provide, the better, especially for rural subdivision applications.

Your cover letter should clearly explain why you think the subdivision should be supported. This might include:

• How the subdivision aligns with the applicable planning framework (see above residential and rural considerations).
• How it avoids impacts on agriculture, water resources and/or the environment (where applicable).
• How you propose to manage access, bushfire risk and services.

 Rural subdivision applications are often received without any cover letter or written justification. This makes it difficult to understand the intent of the proposal and provide meaningful comments. A clear, well-prepared cover letter provides context and shows that your proposal has been thoughtfully prepared, helping your application progress smoothly.

What are some common examples of subdivision conditions?

The WAPC and associated referral agencies apply Model Subdivision Conditions to assist in the consistent application of planning legislation and policies when making decisions on subdivision applications. A link to the Model Subdivision Conditions is available as follows: Model subdivision conditions schedule

What is involved in the subdivision clearance process?

Once the WAPC has approved a subdivision, there are often conditions that must be met before new titles can be issued. These conditions can come from the WAPC, the Shire, service agencies and/or state government authorities. Each condition of subdivision will identify the responsible agency to clear the condition in brackets at the end of the condition statement. Applicants need to deal with each relevant respective agency individually and directly to clear conditions.

Applicants must submit a written request to the Shire to have the specific council conditions formally cleared once the works are complete. Each condition is assessed individually. The relevant subdivision clearance form is provided here.

Upon receipt of the subdivision clearance form, the Shire will be in contact to arrange subdivision clearance payment.  

Once all conditions from the Shire and other referral agencies are satisfactorily cleared, the WAPC will give final clearance for Landgate to issues titles.