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Restricted Burning Times for the NORTHEAST SECTOR

The City of Albany provides notice that it has varied and extended the Restricted Burning Time for the Northeast Sector up to and including: Thursday 28 May 2026.

Compliance

Compliance is about ensuring activities within the City of Albany meet relevant legislation, local laws, approvals and community safety standards. The Compliance Team manages regulatory matters relating to development, land use and activities on private property.

The City applies a fair and consistent approach to compliance, with a focus on early resolution and voluntary compliance where possible. Matters are assessed based on risk and impact, in line with the City’s Regulatory Compliance Policy and Guideline.

The City of Albany receives a high volume of development queries, which are commenced in order of receipt or priority as determined by the City.

  • Investigations are evidence-based and will take time to resolve.
  • Anonymous requests will only be investigated in exceptional or emergency circumstances.
  • The City of Albany is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1992.
  • If legal proceedings are initiated by the City, you may be required to act as a witness and provide evidence in court.
It’s important to understand what happens next, see Important things to understand and consider about your complaint.

When should you contact the Compliance Team?

In the first instance, we encourage you to speak with your neighbour about the issue. Many matters can be resolved quickly through a friendly conversation.

Is your enquiry about development, land use or planning requirements for your own property? Please send these enquiries to contact the Planning & Development Team by emailing [email protected]

Is your enquiry about environmental health matters (such as noise, dust, pollution or food safety)? These matters are managed by the Environmental Health Team.

When the Compliance Team can assist

If you are experiencing any of the following issues on private property, the Compliance Team may be able to assist:

  • Building without approval (e.g. patio, granny flat)
  • Construction not in accordance with approved plans
  • Illegal land use (e.g. operating a business not permitted at the property)
  • Clearing vegetation on private land without approval (where approval is required)
  • Safety concerns relating to structures
  • Unauthorised or unsafe swimming pools

Matters the Compliance Team cannot assist with

The Compliance Team is unable to assist with the following matters:

  • Dividing fence disputes (including location, height, cost, or condition)
  • Boundary disputes or property encroachments
  • Overhanging branches or tree roots
  • General noise issues (excluding construction‑related noise)
  • Breaches of restrictive covenants noted on property titles
  • Road safety matters

Important things to understand and consider about your complaint.

Not every report results in action

Is it an inconvenience, a minor annoyance or a more serious matter? Local Government enforcement is discretionary. This means we must decide whether action is reasonable, proportionate and in the public interest in each case.

We prioritise serious matters.

Issues are assessed based on:

Timeframes can vary.

Some matters are resolved quickly, while others take longer depending on:

  • Complexity
  • Need for inspections
  • Searching for older records
  • Available resources, including the availability of third parties (i.e. contractors, engineers, building surveyors) 

What to include when you contact the Compliance Team

  • Your name, email address, home address and telephone number. (Anonymous complaints are not acted on unless public safety is at risk or there is significant environment risk)
  • The address of the site where the activity or works are occurring.  If you aren’t sure of address, use the City’s Property Map service and drop a pin on the location to check.
  • A description of the activity/works which are being carried out.
  • How the development/activity affects you
  • What actions have you taken to resolve this with your neighbour
  • Any other relevant information including photographs. The more details you provide the easier and quicker it is for us to investigate.

Compliance Investigation Request Form

Not sure where to send your enquiry?

Email your enquiry to [email protected] and your enquiry will be sent on to the right team based on the information you provide.

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