- Review to focus on simplifying and improving State's Residential Design Codes
- Targeted policy changes to enable well-designed infill
- Establishing a more contemporary, digitally enabled document that is accessible and easy to apply for all stakeholders
A review of the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) is set to be undertaken to make sure our planning system is delivering the best outcomes for Western Australia's rapid population growth and enabling more infill housing supply.
The R-Codes are the key policy rules for guiding a range of residential development - from suburban subdivisions to complex infill and apartments. There has already been significant reform, including the introduction of Volume 2 to guide apartment development and updated Medium Density provisions.
However, over time, the framework has become increasingly layered and difficult to navigate, adding complexity and inefficiencies.
The review forms the next step in the State Government's agenda to streamline and simplify the planning process to best enable the delivery of housing in Western Australia.
The Planning and Lands Minister has formally asked the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) to investigate opportunities for the modernisation of the R-Codes, with a particular focus on simplifying the codes, providing greater clarity, enabling greater infill in strategic locations, and strengthening its ability to guide good planning outcomes.
Carrying forward standard practice for reviews of this kind, the WAPC has been requested to establish a stakeholder advisory group to facilitate engagement and help guide the process prior to any formal consultation.
The review will ensure the framework operates more effectively for everyone, delivering good design, greater housing diversity and sustainable outcomes while streamlining processes and creating greater predictability in delivery. Importantly, the process will be conscious of maintaining the pipeline of housing supply and ensuring any potential impacts are carefully considered and mitigated.
As stated by Planning and Lands Minister John Carey:
"The Cook Government continues to do everything it can to accelerate the delivery of housing throughout Western Australia and that includes policy reforms that streamline planning processes and reduce unnecessary red tape.
"The review reflects our continued, purposeful approach to strengthening Western Australia's planning framework, and ensuring the planning system supports diverse housing delivery.
"The process will be collaborative, with a strong emphasis on delivering a clear and accessible policy framework for all stakeholders.
"This review is a key step in aligning with the National Planning Reform Blueprint agreed to by National Cabinet and complements our unprecedented $5.1 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures - ensuring we are delivering more homes where they are needed most."
