Residential Design Codes Review

Consultation closes 26 February 2027

Overview

The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC is seeking public comment on changes proposed to Western Australia’s Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) as part of a review currently being undertaken.

The R-Codes guide the design and development of housing across Western Australia, from single homes and townhouses to apartments and residential subdivisions.

The Review considered how the R-Codes could be simplified and modernised to provide a clearer, more consistent and contemporary planning framework that supports housing delivery and greater housing choice.

The proposed changes have been informed by more than 12 months of engagement with local government, industry and housing stakeholders, together with technical investigation, design testing and policy analysis.

Broader community and stakeholder feedback is being sought to help inform the final draft R-Codes for consideration by the WAPC.

Why are we reviewing the R-Codes?

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.

What changes are being proposed?

The Review proposes changes that will:

• simplify and consolidate the R-Codes into a clearer, easier-to-navigate framework;
• reduce unnecessary complexity and streamline assessment processes;
• improve consistency in how residential development is planned and assessed;
• provide greater flexibility for residential subdivision and different housing types;
• support well-designed density and infill in appropriate locations; and
• update guidance to support more consistent interpretation and application of the R-Codes.

Are any other policies affected by this work?

Alongside the R-Codes is the review of Operational Policy 2.2 - Residential subdivision, which proposes to relocate and consolidate provisions into draft Operational Policy Subdivision of Land and the R-Codes, to enable repealing of OP 2.2.

Have your say

Feedback is invited from the community, local government, industry and other stakeholders to help inform further refinement of the proposed changes before the final draft of the amended R-Codes is considered by the WAPC.

For more detail on the proposed changes, download the Table of Changes in the Key Supporting Information section.

For a simpler overview of the key proposals, refer to the Information sheets available in the same section.

Making a submission

You can provide your feedback by:

• completing the Online Feedback Form below; or
• attaching a written submission through the Online Feedback Form; or
• posting a written submission to: Western Australian Planning Commission, Locked Bag 2506, Perth WA 6001

Submissions close at 5.00pm (AWST) on Friday, 26 February 2027. Late submissions may not be considered.

For more information about public consultation, including tips on how to make a submission, visit Public consultation in the WA planning system.