Policy Information

The draft policy introduces local planning provisions which replace and supplement selected deemed-to-comply requirements of the Residential Design Codes (R-codes) to streamline residential development within the City of Bayswater. It expands existing development approval exemptions and represents a practical planning reform that removes unnecessary regulatory requirements for low-risk and compliant forms of residential development.

The draft Residential Development Local Planning Policy was adopted for the purpose of advertising at the Ordinary Council Meeting of 23 June 2026. 

The draft local planning policy aligns with the planning reform being undertaken across the State, with the Action Plan for Planning Reform seeking the following goals: 

• Planning creates great places for people 

• Planning is easier to understand and navigate; and 

• Planning systems are consistent and efficient. 

The draft local planning policy also takes into consideration reform initiatives which include:   

• Local planning frameworks are more legible; 

• Clear and concise guidance is readily available;   

• Approvals are quicker and easier for small business in commercial and mixed-use centres 

• Development assessment processes are streamlined and outcomes-focused. 

In the preparation of the draft local planning policy, review of processes and policies other local governments have implemented in relation to residential development exemptions and assessments was undertaken. The Cities of Stirling, Joondalup and Vincent, as well as the Town of Bassendean were reviewed and benchmarked.  The intent of the draft local planning policy is to facilitate low-impact R-Code requirements as of right, replacing deemed-to-comply requirements which are commonly varied by applicants and supported by the City in development applications. This draft local planning policy will complement the draft Development Approval Exemptions Local Planning Policy by replacing various clauses of the R-Codes and functionally increasing the scope of that policy, as well as existing exemptions in the LPS Regulations. 

In June 2025, the State Government announced that a major review of the R-Codes would be undertaken, acknowledging that over time, the R-Codes have become increasingly layered and difficult to navigate, adding complexity to residential development and inefficiency in implementation. Whilst a timeline for amendments to the R-Codes is not yet known, the City has identified improvements to the current planning framework.