State planning policy framework

The WAPC’s state planning policy framework consists of Planning Codes, State Planning Policies, Position Statements, Operational /Development Control Policies, Guidelines, Manuals, Planning Bulletins and Fact Sheets.
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The WAPC’s state planning policy framework is the basis for coordinating and promoting land use planning, transport planning and land development in a sustainable manner.

The framework provides guidance for public authorities, local governments, proponents and the public.

The framework consists of different instruments, each with its own defined role and purpose.

The information on this page is published on behalf of the Western Australian Planning Commission under Planning and Development Act 2005, Planning and Development (Planning Code) Regulations 2024 and Planning and Development (State Planning Policy) Regulations 2024.

View the framework overview

State Planning Strategy 2050

State planning strategy 2050

The State Planning Strategy provides the strategic context for planning and development decisions throughout the State.
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Planning codes and state planning policies

Planning codes have the status of subsidiary legislation and deal with any matter that can be dealt with by a local planning scheme. State planning policies provide the highest level of planning policy control and guidance in Western Australia.
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Development control and operational policies

Development control and operational polices guide decision making in relation to subdivision and development applications.
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Position statements

Position statements provide a statement setting out the policy position of the WAPC with respect to a particular matter.
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Fact sheets, manuals and guidelines

Fact sheets, guidelines and manuals provide detailed guidance on the application of Western Australian Planning Commission policies.
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Planning bulletins

Planning bulletins provide advice on legislation, planning practice, subdivision and development control, and policy positions of the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC).
Inactive Repealed

Inactive-repealed policies

Inactive-repealed policies is a collection of land use planning policies and documents that are no longer current or used in decision making, these may have been superseded or are no longer required.
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2024 Regulation changes

Introduction of new regulations under the Planning and Development Act 2005 to provide better guidance on the process to make, amend and repeal State planning policies and Planning codes.
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Regional and sub-regional strategies

These strategies provide for the comprehensive planning of regions, sub-regions or particular locations to guide change in the short, medium and long term.
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Liveable neighbourhoods

Liveable Neighbourhoods is a Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) operational policy that guides the structure planning and subdivision for greenfield and large brownfield (urban infill) sites.
Design WA

Design WA

Design WA is a State Government initiative to ensure good design is at the centre of all development in Western Australia.
Strata

Strata reform and land tenure changes

Reforms to strata legislation and the introduction of new land tenure types in Western Australia.
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State of Emergency planning changes

In the event that the Western Australian Government declares a State of Emergency, the Minister for Planning can apply exemptions against local planning schemes.
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COVID-19 Planning Reforms

Amendments to the Planning and Development Act 2005 will support the State’s economic recovery from COVID-19.

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