There are three types of subdivision the City handles and these are briefly explained below:
Freehold (fee simple) subdivision involves creating lots with permanent and absolute tenure of the land, and does not allow for areas of common property (although a similar arrangement is sometimes achieved through the use of easements). This type of subdivision is commonly associated with single house development.
Strata plans are the mechanism for creating strata schemes and strata titles under the Strata Titles Act 1985 as Amended. Strata plans define the lots in a strata scheme (areas owned individually) and common property (areas owned jointly by all lot owners in the strata scheme). Strata lots are limited in height and depth (the stratum of the lot). Strata plans show a building on at least one lot of the strata plan and stratum of the lots is always linked to buildings shown on the plan. This type of subdivision is commonly associated with multiple dwelling and commercial development.
Survey-strata plans are the mechanism for creating survey-strata schemes and survey-strata titles under the Strata Titles Act 1985 as Amended. Survey-strata plans define the lots in a survey-strata scheme, which are the areas in the scheme owned individually. Common property areas owned jointly by all lot owners may, or may not exist in survey-strata schemes and are defined as "common property lots". Survey-strata lots may be limited in height and depth but generally are not. No buildings are shown on survey-strata plans. This type of subdivision is commonly associated with grouped dwelling development.
Applications for freehold or survey-strata subdivision are made to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage. These applications are referred to the City for comment and recommendation during the assessment phase, and on approval the City is also involved in the clearance of conditions.
Applications for strata subdivision are in most instances made to the local government (strata plans involving a vacant lot being an exception). On receipt of these applications, the City will inspect the site to confirm development complies with plans and conditions of development approval and any issued building permits.
When lodging a request for subdivision clearance to the City, the following documentation needs to be provided:
- A copy of the Deposited Plan / Survey-strata Plan.
- A completed Subdivision Clearance Checklist
- Additional information to support clearance of specific conditions (site photos, statutory declarations, drainage plans, compaction certificates, etc)
Clearance requests can be lodged by email to planning.referrals@bayswater.wa.gov.au, in person at the City of Bayswater Civic Centre, or by mail to PO Box 467, Morley WA 6943.
The City's officers will review the information provided and undertake a site inspection to ensure works have been undertaken to a satisfactory standard (As internal access is not typically required for inspections, applicants will not generally be notified prior to inspection).
The City's officers endeavour to process the clearance request within 21 days of payment of the inspection fee.
If works have not been undertaken to a satisfactory standard, the applicant will be notified of the issues to be addressed. A re-inspection fee may apply should further inspections be required.
Subdivision Clearance Information Sheet