The Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) provide planning and design provisions for residential development across Western Australia. Recent amendments to the R-Codes Volume 1 introduced provisions to address the design of medium density development. These were informed, developed and refined over almost three years of research, analysis, drafting, consultation and testing.

 
In this webinar, you will hear about: 
1. A brief overview of changes to the WA Medium Density Code introduced on 8 April 2024 
2. Part C of the Code, how to navigate it and what to look for 
3. Changes to Part B, with updates; including a few things which have been reverted, e.g., the site coverage definition 
4. How to look at design differently on development site/small home allowance 
 
Background: 
In 2019, the Western Australian Planning Commission resolved to commence Design WA Stage 3 (Medium Density Project) as part of the State Government’s Action Plan for Planning Reform.
Extensive research and analysis found that current medium density development in Perth and wider WA is characterised by:
1. a loss of existing established trees and little opportunity for additional tree planting.? 
2. an increase in impermeable surfaces in the form of hardscaping, such as driveways, as well as structures, such as roofs.?  
3. high site coverage with the site primarily taken up by dwelling footprint, garage, and driveways; and
4. little opportunity for passive heating and cooling with narrow eaves and poor solar orientation. 
5. The State Government invited constructive feedback on the policy and its implementation from a broad range of stakeholders.

In addition, a Medium Density Advisory Group (MDAG) comprising of representatives from a range of peak bodies and other stakeholders, was formed to help define and scope the review of the R-Codes, and provide ongoing expertise throughout.
The proposed amendments to the R-Codes were rigorously tested by designers, land developers, builders, architects and local government.
The public advertising process elicited 225 submissions, with more than 4,000 individual comments on different aspects of the policy. More than half the submissions (53%) came from members of the community.
The amended R-Codes including the new Medium Density Code provisions was scheduled to be gazetted on 1 September 2023 as part of a staged transition to introduce the new standards.
In August 2023 the State Government requested that the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) defer gazettal of the amended policy in consideration of continuing challenges in the housing construction market and to undertake amendments to it to retain current (2021) policy provisions for R30 and R40 coded development. The WAPC considered the Minister’s request and agreed to prepare further amendments. 

SPEAKERS

Carlo Famiano, Director, CF Town Planning & Development
30 years’ experience in town planning at local government (both strategic and statutory planning), state government levels and private section. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in urban and Rural Studies, bachelor’s degree with Honors in Urban and Regional Planning and a Graduate Diploma in Construction.
Other previous experience includes the City of Stirling, City of Joondalup, the Department of Planning, Lands & Heritage, panel member of Development Assessment Penal (DAP - state government), senior planner at Urban and Rural Perspective (private sector) and the Director of CF Town Planning & Development.



Aaron Sice is HIA’s WA Assistant Director providing advocacy, consultation, strategy and policy response for members and industry across Building and Planning.
With a long background in building and urban design within the private sector, and a qualified lecturer and SME for multiple Cert IVs and Diplomas, he brings a raft of policy and application experience to the Medium Density discussion.
Having been directly involved with both the policy setting and industry testing components for the revised R Codes, Aaron helped develop the Small, Ancillary and Universal Dwelling concessions to better improve the adoption of more affordable housing diversity options.

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