Local Policies
The Shire has adopted local policies some of which vary the deemed-to-comply requirements contained in the Residential Design Codes of Western Australia (R-Codes). The local planning policies provide guidance on the circumstances where the Shire may exercise its judgement in discretion related to design and local planning scheme provisions.
In matters where an Applicant is seeking to depart from compliant design, the policies provide guidance as to the parameters within which there may be relaxation or variation permitted – but always subject to demonstration of benefit to the Shire and others possible from the requested relaxation.
Unless otherwise stated these policies apply throughout the Shire.
To capture the nuances of the Shire’s local planning policy framework as it relates the residential development, an Information Sheet has been prepared. The Information Sheet – Residential Development is a good starting point when residential development is contemplated, or for consultants seeking clarification on how the Shire’s planning officers are interpreting local planning policy. The Information Sheet should be read in conjunction with the local planning policies.
Click here for Information Sheet
Adopted November 2020
| No. |
Title of Local Policy |
Scope |
| 1 |
Streetscape |
Design considerations which will affect and impact upon the streetscape character and amenity of the Shire and its valued residential streets. |
| 2 |
Ecological Urban Design and Sustainability |
Circumstances whereby the Council may permit the building of structures within the street setback without incurring an adverse impact on the value of the streetscape. |
| 3 |
Planning for Heritage Conservation |
Describes the importance of respecting and protecting heritage elements when making development decisions. |
| 4 |
Residential Building Heights |
Circumstances where the Shire may depart from R Codes (category B) to permit increased building heights. |
| 5 |
Plot Ratio and Coverage of Site - R10, R12.5, R15 and R20 |
Outlines the parameters of Plot Ratio included in the Shires Local Planning Scheme 4 |
| 6 |
Neighbour Consultation on Development |
In requests for exercise of R Code design compliance discretion this policy identifies where affected neighbours may be consulted. |
| 8 |
Construction Management Plans |
To ensure the effective management of excavation, demolition work and building work within the Shire of Peppermint Grove. |
| 9 |
Development Bonds |
To allow the Shire to undertake clean up and reinstatement works immediately, and to ensure that the cost of doing so is not a financial burden of the ratepayers of the Shire. |
| 10 |
Design Review Panels |
To provide Council with high level, independent expert advice and expertise on urban design, architecture, landscape design, sustainability and heritage in relation to significant development applications. |
| 11 |
Building on Side and Rear Boundaries |
To ensure that regular spacing or street rhythm is maintained, and development along rear boundaries is in line with the potential widening of the R.O.W. |
| 12 |
Front Fences |
To provide design guidelines for screening fencing along the front boundary of a residential property that would exceed 1.2 metres maximum permitted under the Deemed-to-Comply provisions fo the R-Codes |
These policies are adopted by the Council and therefore apply to all development matters where the Council will be exercising its judgement to consider alternatives to Scheme or R Codes design specification.
Check sheets are to accompany all Planning Applications and these should detail those areas where the Applicant is seeking variation from the design codes and to refer to the Policy area which supports this variation to design codes.