Overview
- A review of the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) is currently underway.
- The review is exploring opportunities to simplify and modernise the R-Codes, making them easier to understand and apply.
- Subject to consultation, endorsement and approval processes, any amendments are anticipated to begin coming into effect later in 2027.
A review of the R-Codes is currently underway as part of State Government’s broader planning reforms to support greater housing supply and choice.
The R-Codes Review is exploring ways to simplify and modernise the R-Codes, making them easier to understand and apply. The Review is also examining opportunities to improve consistency in planning outcomes, reduce unnecessary complexity and ensure the R-Codes remain fit-for-purpose for Western Australian communities.
State Government’s media statement
Current status
Public consultation on proposed changes to the R-Codes is now underway.
The proposed changes have been informed by technical investigations, design testing and engagement with stakeholders across local government and industry groups across the planning, architecture and property development sectors.
All stakeholders and the broader community are invited to review the proposed changes and provide feedback during the consultation period.
Public consultation is open from 24 October 2026 until 5.00pm (AWST) on Friday, 26 February 2027.
Details on the proposed changes and how to make a submission are available at the R-Codes Review Have your say, WA! page.
Are any other policies affected by this work?
Alongside the R-Codes, a review of Operational Policy 2.2 - Residential Subdivision has been undertaken.
This review proposes to relocate and consolidate provisions into draft Operational Policy Subdivision of Land and the R-Codes, to enable repealing of OP 2.2.
The review found that most provisions in OP 2.2 duplicated those in Operational Policy 1.1 Subdivision of Land (OP 1.1) or are now addressed by the R-Codes.
The remaining provisions can be relocated to draft OP Subdivision, enabling the proposed repealing of OP 2.2.
Next steps
Following the conclusion of public consultation, all feedback received will be reviewed and considered alongside technical analysis and policy objectives to inform the final draft of the R-Codes before it is presented for determination by the WAPC.
If the proposed changes to the R-Codes are endorsed, they will be progressed for implementation, which is anticipated to occur later in 2027.
For questions about the R-Codes Review, contact the Residential Design Codes team at
r-codesconsultation@dplh.wa.gov.au
Key takeaways
- The review focuses on opportunities to modernise and simplify the R-Codes, making them easier to understand and apply.
- Proposed changes are now open for public consultation from 24 October 2026 until 5.00pm (AWST) on Friday, 26 February 2027.
- Following consultation, the proposed amendments will be subject to final approval processes.
- Subject to approval, amendments are anticipated to be implemented from later in 2027.
- Development and subdivision applications will continue to be assessed under the current planning framework while the Review is underway.
