FAQs

A building envelope is a designated area of a property within which all development must be contained. This includes your house, sheds, rainwater tanks, wastewater treatment, retaining walls, site works, and any other form of building or structure.

When a property is created through subdivision a building envelope may be identified to preserve the environmental, visual landscape and cultural values of both the property and neighbourhood. Building envelopes limit development from spreading out across properties and having a greater impact.

Building envelopes are usually identified on an approved structure plan or subdivision guide plan. To find out if your property has a building envelope and where it is located:

1. If you are seeking to purchase a property, ask the selling agent or current landowner.

2. Find the plan for your area on the Shire’s website at www.denmark.wa.gov.au/plan-build-develop/planning-services/town-planning-scheme-no-3-subdivision-guide-plans.aspx

3. Contact the Shire’s Planning Services team via enquiries@denmark.wa.gov.au or 9848 0313.

Management of vegetation outside of a building envelope is permitted in the following circumstances:

• Where required to comply with the Shire’s annual Firebreak and Fuel Management Notice.

• Where a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment or Bushfire Management Plan has been prepared in accordance with the Guidelines for Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas.

You can apply for planning approval to make changes to the size and shape of your building envelope.

Please read Draft Local Planning Policy No. 50: Building Envelopes to understand how we will assess your application before applying.