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How Development Assessment Panels work

Details about the administration of DAPs and the application process.

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Development Assessment Panels (DAPs) are decision-making bodies that are independent of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage or the Western Australian Planning Commission. 

DAPs were established under the Planning and Development (Development Assessment Panels) Regulations 2011 and are administered by the DAP secretariat within the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage. For administrative efficiency, the DAP website content is available from the Planning Online website.

Application process

The application process

1

Intent to lodge

Where available, the applicant can discuss the proposal with local government at a pre-lodgement meeting.

2

Lodgement with local government

Application is lodged with Local Government, who confirms that the DAPs pathway is appropriate for the application.

3

Local government notifies DAPs of the application

Local government notifies the DAP secretariat, who acknowledges receipt with the local government and the applicant.

4

Assessment by the Responsible Authority

The Responsible Authority (mainly local government) assesses the application and prepares a report to the relevant DAP.

5

DAPs Meeting

The DAP secretariat prepares a meeting agenda which is published on this website. Local government will notify interested parties. A meeting is held to consider the appli...

The DAP secretariat prepares a meeting agenda which is published on this website. Local government will notify interested parties. A meeting is held to consider the application.

6

Outcomes

DAP makes the decision, which will be determined as approved, refused or deferred. This will be published in the meeting minutes on this website.

DAP pathway

Further information about the about the DAP pathway

The below documents outline in further detail about application processes and meeting procedures.

Related Pages

Changes to the Development Assessment Panels

Find out about changes to the Development Assessment Panels from 1 March 2024.

The Development Assessment Panels areas and members

The Development Assessment Panels is made up of three geographical areas described as Metro Inner, Metro Outer and Regional.

DAPs agendas and minutes

Read and download meeting agendas and watch meetings live or view the recording.

Development Assessment Panels

Development Assessment Panels are a wholly-independent planning assessment pathway that combines technical expertise and local knowledge when considering development applications.
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Last updated: 21 June 2024