The Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 enable local governments to prepare Local Planning Policies (LPPs) that may address strategic or operational considerations on planning matters.

• Local Planning Policy 3.1 – Residential Development (LPP3.1) covers requirements for the development of new houses and additions to existing houses such as carports, patios and fences. The policy currently provides an alternative set of deemed-to-comply (DTC) criteria for certain design elements of the Residential Design Codes of Western Australia (R-Codes) Volume 1.
• Local Planning Policy 1.9 – Height of Buildings (LPP1.9) policy outlines the allowable building heights for development outside our activity centre plan areas. The policy currently provides guidance regarding the interpretation and application of building height controls throughout the City, in order to ensure that the height of buildings is consistent with the desired character of the locality.  

The review of LPP1.9 and LPP3.1 outlined an opportunity to amalgamate the two policies into a single, comprehensive policy, which aims to streamline and simplify the City’s planning framework.

The City's intent is to provide a more user-friendly policy suite, with one main document applicable to the assessment of residential development applications.

The following modifications to the Policy Statement section of LPP3.1 recommended are as follows:

New R-Code modifications, without changes

In addition to these modifications above, the City has reformatted the Policy Statement to ensure modifications to the R-Code criteria occur in sequential order, similar to the order of each clause contained within the R-Codes, and the title of each clause under the Policy Statement has been reworded for greater clarity to clearly outline which R-Code clause that the LPP3.1 provision is replacing.

LPP3.1 applies to the assessment of all residential development applications covered by R-Codes Volume 1 (Part B), within the City of Melville, unless another document such as LPS6, an activity centre plan and any other relevant local or Council policy specifies otherwise.

Modifications to LPP3.1 may or may not have an impact on your development application, depending on any areas of discretion sought.

Once adopted, the modified LPP3.1 will provide an alternative set of deemed-to-comply (DTC) criteria for certain design elements of the Residential Design Codes, which will be applicable to all residential development applications. If adopted, these provisions will be applicable immediately, and apply to all development applications, even if your application was made prior to the adoption of any modified policy.

If you are yet to submit your application for development approval, you are encouraged to consider the proposed provisions of LPP3.1 in your design.

If you are in the process of designing a two or three storey dwelling, the City strongly encourages you to review the proposed building height provisions of LPP3.1, which reduces as-of-right building height for dwellings in the City.

If the modifications to LPP3.1 are adopted, all building applications (where planning approval has not first been obtained) will need to comply with the modified LPP3.1.

The decision maker is the City of Melville Council.

The proposed changes to LPP3.1 only relate to parts of the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) that the City is allowed to modify without needing approval from the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC). This is in line with R-Codes Volume 1, Part A, Clause 3.2.3a.

We engaged with the broader City of Melville community, with particular emphasis on responses from residents, builders and developers. Public submissions for this policy closed at 4.00pm Monday, 15 September 2025, and during consultation, the community could provide feedback online, in person at the City administration building, or in writing.

In accordance with regulations, 21 days public advertising was required, with a further report to be presented to Council to consider the outcomes of advertising.

Community consultation allows the City to collect information from impacted stakeholders with valid considerations that will help inform good decision-making.

When preparing a submission there are two principles you should consider - facts and impacts.

Below is a checklist to help you make a good submission:

1. Give yourself enough time: Act promptly upon receiving notification. Early preparation is key.
2. Be informed: Ensure you have all the necessary information. Review the draft, check the FAQs on this page, or consult with a Planning Officer if you need additional details to address all your points.
3. Stick to the facts: Understand what is happening and why. Clearly state whether you believe the proposal is the best approach and provide factual reasons to support your view.
4. Explain the impact: If you believe a proposal will unduly impact you or your property, explain this clearly and support your explanation with as many facts as possible.
5. Submit one comprehensive submission: Avoid submitting multiple submissions, as this can delay the compilation process.
6. Submit on time: Ensure your submission is on time, as late submissions may not be able to be considered.

To receive updates on the outcomes of the proposal, simply click on the 'follow engagement' button at the top of this page. Notifications will be issued direct to your email.