Planning Policies and Legislation

Undertaking development within the Town is subject to a range of policies, legislation and the Town of Victoria Park Town Planning Scheme No.1. The Town Planning Scheme is comprised of the Scheme Text, Precinct Plans and Policy Manual. Information and copies of these documents can be accessed below.

Town Planning Scheme No. 1 Scheme Text
The Town Planning Scheme describes the zoning of land within the Town and specifies where particular land uses are permitted. It also sets out development standards for the development and use of land.  A copy of the Scheme Text and Schedule of Amendments to the Scheme can be accessed here.

Town Planning Scheme No. 1 Precinct Plans
The area covered by the Scheme is split up into various precincts. A series of Precinct Plans have been prepared that describe the Council's town planning intentions and guidelines for the development and use of land within each precinct according to the particular zone or reserve that the land is located within. Copies of the Precinct Plans are available for download here. Printed copies are also available for purchase from Town's Administration Centre.

Town Planning Scheme No. 1 Policy Manual
The Policy Manual is a schedule of planning provisions adopted by the Council to assist in the preparation of applications for planning approval and its provisions are used as a basis for assessing such applications. Together with the Scheme Text and the Precinct Plans, the Manual forms the Town Planning Scheme.

The Policy Manual can be accessed and downloaded as a whole or as individual policy excerpts here.

Local Planning Policies
Under the provisions of the Residential Design Codes of Western Australia (R-Codes), local authorities may prepare and adopt Local Planning Policies to vary the acceptable development provisions for certain design elements set out in part 6 and 7 of the R-Codes.

The Town of Victoria Park has prepared and adopted two Local Planning Policies relating to streetscape and boundary walls, which apply to all residential development within the Town. Copies of these policies can be accessed here.

Administrative Policies
In addition to the Policies contained within the Scheme Policy Manual, the Council has adopted several administrative policies relating to urban planning matters, to provide a consistent approach to the way in which certain types of planning applications and forms of development will be assessed and determined by the Town. These policies deal with a range of matters including building height, provision of public art, car parking, specialised forms of accommodation and minor residential development, and be accessed here.

Residential Design Codes of Western Australia
Residential development within the Town is subject to the provisions of the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes), except as otherwise prescribed by the provisions of the Town Planning Scheme No. 1 or as varied by the Town’s Local Planning Policies.

The R-Codes are available for viewing in the ‘Publications’ section of the Department of Planning’s website at www.planning.wa.gov.au .

Subdivision and Amalgamation of Land
The ability to subdivide land is governed by its zoning, and in the case of residential zoned land, its designated density coding (R-Coding) under the Town of Victoria Park Town Planning Scheme No. 1. Confirmation of the zoning and density coding applicable to properties within the Town can be obtained by referring to the relevant Precinct Plan in which the property is located, or by accessing the Town’s Interactive Mapping Application here.

Applications for the subdivision or amalgamation of land must be submitted to the Department of Planning for the approval of the Western Australian Planning Commission. Guidelines, forms, fees and other relevant information for submitting an application can be accessed from the ‘subdivisions and planning applications’ section of the Department of Planning’s website at www.planning.wa.gov.au .

Should you require written confirmation from the Town regarding the development and subdivision potential of your property, you may submit a ‘Land Use and Zoning Enquiry’ to the Town’s Urban Planning Unit. The relevant form and fee for submitting a written request to the Town can be found here.

Local Laws
Copies of the Town’s Local Laws relating to signs and fencing can be accessed here. Compliance with the provisions of these Local Laws will determine whether an application for planning approval is required for a new sign(s) or dividing fence.

Note: Front fencing forward of the building line of a dwelling (including to side boundaries) requires planning approval to be obtained in all instances, except where specified as not requiring planning approval under Administrative Policy PLNG18 ‘Minor Residential Development’, which can be accessed here.

Community Consultation
Certain types of planning applications require community consultation to be undertaken, particularly where they propose large scale forms of development, or a land use or variation to a development standard that may impact on adjoining properties or the surrounding community.

Council’s policy relating to community consultation and information on advertising procedures and public attendance at Ordinary Council Meetings and Elected Members Briefing Sessions can be accessed here.

Amendments to Council's Town Planning Scheme and the adoption or amendment of the Town's Planning Policies, Structure Plans and other documents are also required to be publicly advertised. Matters currently being advertised for public comment can be access here.