Residential Design Codes (R-codes)

The Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) is a Planning Code released by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) that applies to all residential development across Western Australia. R-Codes include a series of development requirements that apply to residential development (e.g. setbacks, car parking visual privacy, overshadowing, etc.). The development requirements contained in the R-Codes vary between the type and density of the proposal.

Objectives

The objectives of the R-Codes are:

  • To provide residential development of an appropriate design for the intended residential purpose, density, context of place and scheme objectives.
  • To encourage design consideration of the social, environmental and economic opportunities possible from new housing and an appropriate response to local amenity and place.
  • To encourage design which considers and respects heritage and local culture.
  • To facilitate residential development which offers future residents the opportunities for better living choices and affordability.
Decorative image

Access the R-Codes

R-Codes set the housing density and development standards for a property.

View R- Codes

Residential density and recoding

Residential density and R-Coding determine how land can be developed by outlining the number of dwellings permitted and the design requirements for residential areas.

Residential recoding refers to changing the density (R-Code) of land to allow for different types or numbers of dwellings. In the City of Wanneroo, residential recoding is guided by Local Planning Policy 3.1: Local Housing Strategy (LPP 3.1). This policy ensures that increased housing density occurs in suitable locations, close to services and infrastructure, while maintaining neighbourhood character and supporting sustainable development.

How it works

Part 1 – Identified housing precincts

Provides a framework for rezoning within designated housing precincts in:

  • Wanneroo
  • Girrawheen-Koondoola.

While parts of Yanchep and Two Rocks are included, recoding is not currently supported in these areas due to limited deep sewerage infrastructure. The City is continuing to liaise with the State regarding the provision of this infrastructure in these suburbs

Part 2 – Other areas

Outlines how additional infill development may be considered in established suburbs outside identified housing precincts. However, the City generally:

  • Does not support recoding of individual lots, and
  • Focuses on increasing density within planned housing precincts.

Frequently asked questions

In the future, the City will investigate additional areas for potential future recoding from low density housing to medium density housing to provide a range of housing types for our residents. The recoding may provide residential development opportunities in the future. The City may then propose an amendment to the Local Planning Scheme to recode an area. 

No. Any proposed change will depend on approvals being given by Council, WAPC and ultimately the Minister for Planning.

No. Any recoding of land does not mean that you must subdivide or develop. It simply provides the opportunity and flexibility for you to do so.

An increase in R-Coding (density) does not automatically change your Council rates. Rates are based on your property’s value, not just its zoning. If the value of your property increases over time, potentially influenced by its development potential, your rates may also change.

If the Minister for Planning approves a change to the residential density of a property, it will be published in the Government Gazette. Once published, those people that want to develop will be able to submit subdivision, development and/or building applications at the higher R Code.