R-Code Review aims to speed up approvals    

The State Government has asked for feedback on its revised R-Codes as part of its planning overhaul.

The revised R-Codes are designed to making it easier to get approvals for compliant single houses, multiple and grouped dwellings as well as smaller structures including patios, carports, decks and sheds. For new homes and extensions that need planning or building approval, the policy allows local governments to deem them compliant allowing applicants to proceed directly to getting a building permit.

R-Codes are a set of density and design standards that apply to all residential development in WA and specify what can be built, and where. The proposed new policy is consistent with the State Government’s Planning Reform red tape reduction strategy.

Planning Minister Rita Saffioti said the revised R-Codes were designed to cut red tape for future and current homeowners.

“The housing industry and home renovation sector are major employers in Western Australia and any measures to introduce more efficient approvals and expedite development will deliver significant benefits across the community,” Ms Saffioti said.

“Cutting red tape and streamlining planning processes will reduce application costs for homeowners and alleviate the administrative and regulatory burden on local governments, saving time and money and providing extra capacity to support more strategic local planning.”

More information can be found here. Submissions close on September 10.