Local Planning Scheme

Learn how the City’s Local Planning Scheme guides land use and development within the City of Wanneroo, and how landowners can request an amendment to the Scheme.

About the Local Planning Scheme 

The City’s Local Planning Scheme, also known as District Planning Scheme No. 2 (DPS2), is a statutory document that provides the planning framework for all land within the City. 

It outlines how land can be used and developed by establishing land use permissions for each zone within the City of Wanneroo. District Planning Scheme No. 2 also includes controls to ensure development supports the City’s long-term planning objectives.

DPS 2 comprises:

  • Scheme Text
    • The scheme text (gazetted 6 July 2001, as amended) and the Supplemental Provisions to the Deemed Provisions contained in Schedule A.
  • Maps
    • Scheme Maps: showing zones, reserves, and areas subject to Special Control Areas.
    • Residential Density Code Maps: showing Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) and areas covered by Structure Plans.

Zoning and density information can also be viewed on the City’s Online Mapping System (IntraMaps).

The documents below include all current scheme text and mapping information (excluding areas subject to Structure Plans – refer to the Structure Plans and Local Development Plans page).

Requesting a scheme amendment

Each land parcel within the City is assigned a zone and, where applicable, a residential density code under DPS 2.

The City or a Landowner may initiate or request to amend the scheme to: 

  • Rezone land or change its density code;
  • Align the local scheme with the Metropolitan Region Scheme; and
  • Update planning provisions to reflect new policies or requirements.

Is your property is within a bushfire prone area?

If your property is within a bushfire prone area, your amendment request must include information prepared by an accredited Bushfire Planning Practitioner in accordance with State Planning Policy 3.7 Bushfire. Refer to the City’s Bushfire Regulations page for more information.

Preparation and lodgement

The City recommends engaging a qualified planning consultant to prepare your documentation.

Your application must include:

  • A cover letter (including consent for any copyrighted material);
  • An amendment report detailing the proposal and justification; and
  • Any supporting documentation as required. It is recommended that you contact the City’s Planning Services to confirm the documentation needed to support your proposed scheme amendment.

How to apply

Submit your application through the City’s online lodgement portal.

Note: You’ll need to sign in or register for an account to submit your application online.

Fees

The fee is calculated in accordance with the Planning and Development Regulations 2009 (Part 7 – Local Government Planning Charges), as amended from time to time. Upon receipt of the proposal, the City will provide an estimate of the applicable fees. If Council resolves not to initiate the amendment, the applicant will be refunded any unused portion of the fee incurred during the assessment.

Scheme amendment process

The City assesses the proposal and prepares a report for Council to determine whether to initiate the amendment.

Council will also classify the amendment as basic, standard, or complex under the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015.

If initiated, the applicant may be required to prepare formal amendment documentation using the City’s template (see below):

Scheme Amendment Template (DOT)

The amendment is then referred to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to determine whether an environmental assessment is required.

The City must also seek approval from the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) to advertise the amendment.

Once approved for advertising, the City invites public submissions for:

  • at least 42 days for standard amendments, or
  • at least 60 days for complex amendments.

The City may require the applicant to install a sign on site during this period. Any person may make a submission supporting or objecting to the proposal.

After advertising, the City prepares a report summarising all submissions and recommendations for Council’s consideration.

Council may support the amendment (with or without modifications) or decide not to support it.

In either case, the City forwards the amendment documents and Council’s recommendation to the WAPC.

The WAPC reviews the proposal and makes recommendations to the Minister for Planning, who may:

  • Approve the amendment (with or without modifications); or
  • Refuse the amendment.

If modifications are required, the amendment is returned to the City for updating.

Once approved, it is published in the Government Gazette and takes effect from that date.

The City then updates the scheme text and maps accordingly.

Related legislation