FAQs
A new document structure outlining different chapters based on the type of housing proposed, single houses, grouped houses and apartments as separate assessment pathways.
Changes to Density Codes. Removal of RAC-2, providing for three new additional density codes, MR1, HR2 and HR3.
Updated consultation section to provide consistency in the way that Local Governments advertise development applications.
New minimum requirements of 15% soft landscaping applying to all R Codings and minimum of 30% soft landscaping in front setback areas.
New Tree planting requirements with at least two small trees required on the lot for all single house and grouped developments with updated tables for clearer tree planting provisions.
New provisions for primary living spaces, habitable room sizes, Dwelling mix requirements for apartment developments R30 and above and new storage requirements.
Updated car parking requirements with reduced visitor parking for Location A locations close to public transport, maximum car parking bays applied to R50 and above single houses and grouped dwelling and R30 and above for multiple dwellings.
Larger ancillary dwellings (granny flats) 70m2 up to 90m2 proposed.
Small Dwellings and Accessible Dwellings now permitted in all R Codings.
Aged and Dependent Persons Dwellings and Single Bedroom Dwellings proposed to be deleted from the Codes.
Building Height, R40 zoning will seek to propose 3 storey’s currently its 2 storeys for single grouped and multiple dwelling (apartment) developments.
Building Heights increased in the following codings:
R80 unchanged at 4 (note – not in scope of this review)
R100 increased from 4 to 6 R160 increased from 5 to 8
R-AC4 (LR1) increased from 3 to 4
R-AC3 (MR1) increased from 6 to 8
R-AC2 (deleted)
R-AC1 (HR1) increased from 9 to 12
NEW R-AC (HR2) building height of 16
NEW R-AC (HR3) building height at 20
What are the R-Codes?
The Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) are State Government planning requirements that guide residential development in Western Australia. They address matters such as building height, setbacks, lot sizes, landscaping, open space and the design of homes and other residential buildings.
The R-Codes help determine what can be built on residential land and the planning requirements that apply to development proposals.
Why are the R-Codes changing?
The State Government is proposing changes to the R-Codes that would affect how residential development is designed, assessed and approved across Western Australia.
The proposed changes cover a range of matters, including residential density, building heights, subdivision, landscaping and the assessment of development applications.
The Town of Mosman Park is seeking to understand how the proposed changes could affect the local area and what matters are most important to residents.
What is the WA Planning Commission saying?
The review of the R-Codes directly supports the WAPC’s objective of leading a modern planning system that responds to growth, changing community needs and contemporary planning practice.
Western Australia’s strong population growth is increasing demand for housing across established and growing communities. The way Western Australians live is also changing, with different households needing different types of homes at different stages of life.
The R-Codes have evolved over many years and have become increasingly complex to navigate and apply. The review aims to identify ways to simplify and modernise the planning framework, making it easier to use and better able to support changing housing needs, while continuing to promote good planning and design outcomes.
Are the proposed changes final?
No. The changes are proposals and are subject to the State Government's consultation and decision-making processes.
The Town is encouraging residents to learn about the proposed changes and share their views. Feedback will help inform the Town's consideration of the reforms and its position on matters affecting Mosman Park.
Consultation to the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage closes on the 26th February 2027.
What are the key changes and what do they mean for me and my property?
The DPLH outline the key changes in the Document – Residential Design Codes, Table of Changes for more detail. Residential Design Codes Review | Have Your Say, WA!
Some of the key changes that may interest you include:
Does a higher residential coding mean a larger building can automatically be built?
No. A residential coding or height limit does not, by itself, determine the final size or design of a development.
Proposals must be considered against the applicable planning requirements and assessment pathway. Factors such as the site's dimensions, setbacks, landscaping, open space and building design can affect the development that can be accommodated.
Could the proposed changes affect subdivision and minimum lot sizes?
Yes. The proposed reforms include changes relating to subdivision and lot-size requirements.
These provisions can influence how land is divided, the size of individual lots and the potential for additional dwellings.
The effect on an individual property will depend on the applicable coding, the proposed requirements and the characteristics of the site.
Could existing lots be affected differently from new subdivisions?
The implications may differ depending on whether a proposal involves an existing lot, a new subdivision or a development on land that has already been subdivided.
The applicable provisions and any transitional arrangements will need to be considered when assessing an individual proposal.
What are setbacks and boundary walls, and why do they matter?
Setbacks are the distances between a building and the boundaries of a property. Boundary-wall requirements influence how close and to what height a building can be constructed to a neighbouring property boundary.
These requirements can affect the size and location of buildings, privacy, access to light and ventilation, and the relationship between neighbouring properties.
The proposed changes may alter the requirements that apply to different forms of residential development.
How could the proposed changes affect trees and landscaping?
The proposed reforms include changes to landscaping requirements, including provisions relating to the amount of a site that must be landscaped and the treatment of front setback areas.
The proposals discussed include a minimum of 15 per cent of a lot for landscaping and a 30 per cent landscaping requirement within the front setback area.
These requirements may influence how much space is available for buildings, driveways, parking and gardens.
Will the proposed changes protect existing trees?
Landscaping requirements and tree-retention provisions are related but not necessarily the same. A landscaping requirement does not automatically mean that existing trees must be retained.
The effect of the proposed reforms on existing trees will depend on the specific provisions and any other applicable planning controls, including the Town’s adopted policy framework.
What is the difference between open space and site coverage?
Open space generally refers to the area of a property that remains available for outdoor use rather than being occupied by buildings. Depending on the applicable requirements, it may include areas such as gardens and outdoor living spaces.
Site coverage refers to the proportion of a site occupied by buildings.
Both can influence the amount of space available for landscaping, outdoor living and other site functions.
Could the proposed changes affect how much of a lot can be built on?
Yes. The proposed reforms change how open space and site coverage requirements apply to different residential coding categories.
The proposals discussed include removing the site-coverage requirement for R30 and higher-density categories, with open-space requirements continuing to play a role for lower-density categories.
The practical effect will depend on the relevant coding and the other development requirements that apply to the site. Removing a site-coverage limit does not necessarily mean that a site can be completely covered by buildings.
Could the proposed changes affect secondary dwellings, such as granny flats?
Secondary dwellings are additional dwellings on the same property as a primary home. They are commonly referred to as granny flats.
The proposed reforms may affect the requirements that apply to secondary dwellings, including their design, size, location and assessment.
What is the difference between Deemed Exempt and Merit Assessment?
The proposed reforms introduce assessment pathways referred to as Deemed Exempt and Merit Assessment.
These terms describe different approaches to determining how a development proposal is dealt with under the planning framework.
Broadly, a deemed-exempt pathway relates to development that meets the relevant criteria for exemption from the usual development approval process. Merit Assessment involves considering a proposal against the applicable planning considerations and assessment requirements.
The pathways are distinct, and which one applies will depend on the type of proposal and the relevant provisions.
How does this differ from the current assessment system?
The current framework includes Deemed-to-Comply provisions and Performance Principles or Design Principles pathways. These pathways are fundamentally similar to the new proposed systems in how the R-Codes are applied.
Under the proposed reforms, Deemed Exempt and Merit Assessment would provide different pathways for dealing with development proposals.
The practical implications will depend on the relevant proposal and the final provisions.
Does a Merit Assessment mean a development will be approved?
No. A merit-based assessment does not automatically guarantee approval.
A proposal must be considered against the applicable planning requirements and assessment criteria. The outcome will depend on the proposal, the relevant controls and the decision-making authority.
What is the Town of Mosman Park's role in the proposed changes?
The R-Code reforms are being led by the State Government.
The Town is reviewing the proposed changes to understand their potential implications for Mosman Park, seeking feedback from residents and considering the issues that may need to be raised with the State Government.
Community feedback will help inform the Town's position on the proposed reforms.
Will the Town be able to decide how the proposed changes apply?
The extent of the Town's role will depend on the final State Government framework and the planning controls that apply to individual sites.
The Town can provide feedback on the proposed reforms and advocate for outcomes that consider Mosman Park's local character, built form, landscaping and residential amenity.
The final effect of the reforms will depend on the State Government's decisions and the applicable planning framework.
How do I get involved and have my say?
How do I get involved and have my say?
There are two opportunities to provide feedback on the proposed R-Codes changes.
The Town of Mosman Park is seeking local feedback to help inform Council’s understanding of the proposed changes and the views of our local community. The Town’s survey is available on this page.
The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage is also inviting feedback from the community, local governments, industry and other stakeholders to help refine the proposed changes before the final draft of the amended R-Codes is considered by the WAPC.
You can access both surveys using the links provided on this page.