In a bid to support local business and promote development during the COVID-19 crisis, Bayswater Council resolved to reduce or waive fees for planning applications. The recommended changes by City’s COVID-19 Advisory Committee will remain in place for at least the next six months.
Bayswater Mayor Dan Bull said the decision would help local businesses and the construction and development industry navigate economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 crisis.
“We want to see local projects push ahead during this time not only for the benefit of our local community but to support jobs in the construction and development industry.
“For local businesses, the City has waived fees associated with starting a home business and change of use applications. This will support small businesses starting up in this challenging time.
“Food truck owners will not be required to pay for a permit to trade in one of the City’s 12 approved parks over the next six months. We know that many vendors rely on community events as their major source of income and we want see them back once restrictions are lifted.
“To keep construction and development moving, Council has halved application fees for building and development, including charges for major developments to be reviewed by the Design Review Panel.
“Customer service remains our top priority, with City officers working to streamline the planning process so approvals can be issued quickly.
“The cost for a permit to store building materials on a verge has also been halved, and the City will not charge an administration fee to search building plan or development plans.”
Snapshot of fee reductions:
Home business application and renewal fees - waived
Food truck permit fee – waived
Change of use fee for businesses - waived
Swimming pool inspection fee – waived
Administration fees for building plan and development approval searches – waived
Development application fee - reduced by 50%
Design Review Panel fee - reduced by 50%
Permit to store building materials on a verge - reduced by 50%
Applications can be lodged now and invoices will be issued in due course.