The state government is amending the Residential Design Codes to provide separate planning controls for high-density housing.
The state government is amending the Residential Design Codes to provide separate planning controls for high-density housing.
The amendments will remove the minimum site area for multiple dwellings in areas above R30.
Planning Minister John Day said that this would allow more flexibility in design and internal layout.
He said new tables will also be available outlining new maximum plot ratios, site covers, height controls and setbacks for multiple dwellings.
Mr Day said that the state government recognised the need to facilitate a range of housing options.
"The existing provisions in the R-Codes worked well in guiding the development of single houses and grouped dwellings but did not do enough to encourage diversity, affordability and flexibility in providing one and two-bedroom apartments," he said.
"The Government is also introducing Residential Activity Centre Codes (R-AC Codes) to guide residential development within activity centres."
The new multi-unit housing provisions were developed following comprehensive consultation, including stakeholder workshops and advertising of a detailed discussion paper.
The Housing Industry Association said the multi-unit code adjustment to the Residential Design Codes will provide further clarity for the residential housing industry.
HIA Executive Director, WA, John Dastlik said that the existing R-codes have served the Western Australian community well since their inception and that the Government should continue to keep them relevant and current.
"The residential construction industry in Western Australia has viewed the R-codes as the definitive planning guide for single residential construction" said Mr Dastlik
"The incorporation of the multi-unit code now gives the industry and the community certainty in higher density projects."
See statement from minister below:
Planning Minister John Day today announced the introduction of an amendment to the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) which provides separate planning controls for higher density housing.
"The introduction of new multi-unit housing provisions to the existing R-Codes will facilitate and better regulate the development of higher density housing in urban areas and will promote a diversity of housing choices for the community," Mr Day said.
"The existing provisions in the R-Codes worked well in guiding the development of single houses and grouped dwellings but did not do enough to encourage diversity, affordability and flexibility in providing one and two-bedroom apartments."
The Minister said the State Government recognised the need to facilitate a range of housing options.
"The demography of Perth is changing, the baby boomer generation are experiencing 'empty nests' or approaching retirement, and smaller homes are becoming more appealing to a variety of people," he said.
"The removal of the minimum site area for multiple dwellings in areas above R30 will allow more flexibility in design and internal layout, while new tables will outline new maximum plot ratios, site covers, height controls and setbacks for multiple dwellings.
"The Government is also introducing Residential Activity Centre Codes (R-AC Codes) to guide residential development within activity centres."
The new multi-unit housing provisions were developed following comprehensive consultation, including stakeholder workshops and advertising of a detailed discussion paper.
"This is another positive step towards planning reform under this Government and will support the achievement of the urban infill targets, critical to accommodating predicted population growth, as outlined in Directions 2031," Mr Day said.
The new provisions will be gazetted on November 22, 2010 and will come into effect as
State Planning Policy from this date.
Additional information, including frequently asked questions, is available at
