Accommodation/overcrowding
Accommodation/overcrowding

Accommodation/overcrowding

Accommodation/overcrowding

Reporting accommodation/overcrowding issues.
Last updated on: 07 October 2021
In this article

What is a dwelling?

The primary use of a residential property within the City of Canning falls within the interpretation of a 'single house' under the City's Local Planning Scheme No. 42 (the Scheme). The term 'dwelling' is defined within State Planning Policy 3.1 - Residential Design Codes of Western Australia (R-Codes) as follows: "A building or portion of a building being used, adapted, or designed or intended to be used for the purpose of human habitation on a permanent basis by a single person, a single family, or no more than six persons who do not comprise a single family."

What is a residential building?

  • A residential property may fall outside the approved use as a 'dwelling' if there is an increase in the number of occupants for the purpose of student accommodation, short stay accommodation or similar. In these cases, an approval is required from the City to change the use of the property from a 'dwelling' to a 'holiday house.'
  • The Scheme defines 'holiday house' as a single house on one lot used to provide short term accommodation but does not include a bed and breakfast.
  • The Scheme describes 'short term accommodation' as temporary accommodation provided either continuously or from time to time with no guest accommodated for periods totalling more than three months in any 12 month period.

Issues with neighbours

  • People are sometimes unaware that their activities are causing a problem.
  • The City encourages all residents and business operators to talk to their neighbours about problems before making a complaint.
  • For supporting information on resolving disputes with neighbours, please click here

Anonymous requests

  • This type of request cannot be anonymous.
  • Contact details are required when lodging this type of issue to ensure a proper investigation can be completed. It also provides the City with the ability to clarify information to ensure officers have a safe working environment.
  • Personal information is not disclosed to any person without consent.

Raise a request

  • To raise a request for accommodation/overcrowding issues, please click on the button below.
  • An officer will action the request within five (5) working days. This includes contacting you to clarify the nature of the complaint, checking on any possible safety risks for City staff and explaining the complaint process.
  • Your contact details are required when lodging this issue to ensure a proper investigation can be completed.