We will consider the following when responding to a small residential subdivision application.
The minimum allowable lot size is set by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC). Confirm you meet the minimum before making a subdivision application.
To find out the minimum allowed on your property you will need to identify your Residential Density Code and review Table 1 within the R-Codes.
To check your property's Density Code:
- visit the City’s interactive property map
- select the Planning Building Module
- tick the box next to the LPS17 Zones and Reserves Layers
- enter your property's address and click ‘Search’
- the property's R-Code density should appear in the Constraints column on the right-hand side of the screen.
If your property has dual density coding, your application will also be reviewed against the City's Local Planning Scheme No. 17
The City considers where lots have consistent dimensions and are regular shapes. This allows a more efficient lot layout which ultimately facilitates a more efficient development.
Width
The City will generally accept the following:
| Number of lots served by the driveway | Driveway pavement width | Setback from lot boundary | Total driveway width | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 or less | No less than 3m | No less than 0.5m on both sides | No less than 4m | When retaining a dwelling the City will generally accept a total driveway width of no less than 3m directly adjacent to the retained dwelling. |
| 5 or more | No less than 4m but must have at least one point where vehicles can pass one another | No less than 0.5m on both sides | No less than 6m |
Truncations (end of the driveway and rear lot)
In most instances the City will impose a condition requiring a 3m x 3m (4.24m) truncation at the point where the access leg or common property lot joins the effective area of a battleaxe lot or a rear survey strata lot respective. This is in accordance with the WAPC's DC Policy 2.2 Residential Subdivision.
Truncations (with the public road reserve)
In most instances the City will impose a condition requiring a 1.5m x 1.5m truncation where the access leg or common property lot adjoins the street to ensure adequate motorist sightlines are maintained.
Notwithstanding this, the City will also consider the following:
- the width of the access leg or common property lot
- the depth of the adjoining verge
- if a footpath exists and its location.
Crossovers should be no closer than 0.5m from any street pole and ideally avoid any existing street trees.
The City will not support power boxes being located in the truncation area of the driveway as they are visually obtrusive. Power boxes must be:
- positioned behind the street setback area in the driveway setback area (landscaping area)
- coloured consistently with the adjoining development (i.e. fence or dwelling) so it blends with the surrounding built form.
Existing trees
When an existing dwelling is being retained and/or new vacant lots have existing trees around their perimeter that are unlikely to conflict with the future development of the site, this City will recommend the following condition:
Prior to the commencement of subdivisional works, measures are undertaken to identify any vegetation on the site worthy of retention, including any potential habitat or foraging trees for threatened fauna species, and protection measures implemented to ensure such vegetation is not impacted by subdivisional works.
The City will also provide an advice note which identifies which trees must be retained.
New trees
The City will generally not require new tree to be planted on new lots where a development approval was granted prior to the introduction of R-Code provision that relates to tree planting. However, the City will recommend trees are planted on new vacant lots that have no such development approval.