Western Australia
Planning and Development Act 2005 (WA)
Planning instruments
- Local Planning Scheme (TPS)
Council-level statutory scheme. Most current schemes follow the Model Scheme template.
- Residential Design Codes (R-Codes)
State Planning Policy 7.3 — controls all residential development. R-Code (R10, R20, R40, R60, R80, R100) sets density.
- State Planning Policies (SPP)
State-level policies including SPP 3.7 (bushfire), SPP 2.9 (water resources).
- Local Planning Policies (LPP)
Non-statutory guidance set by Council.
Assessment pathways
R-Code deemed-to-comply provisions — no DA required for compliant single houses on most lots.
Merit assessment under R-Code design principles.
Development Application — Council or Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP).
Joint Development Assessment Panel — for projects of regional significance.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES); SPP 3.7 governs bushfire-prone areas
Land Surveyors Licensing Board (Licensed Surveyors Act 1909)
Building Commission (Building Services Board)
Owner-Builder Approval required for work over A$20,000; valid 3 years; home indemnity insurance required
WA's R-Codes are the most prescriptive residential framework in Australia. Heritage list maintained by State Heritage Office. WA mapping data carries non-commercial-only copyright restrictions.
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