Local Planning Framework

Our local planning framework outlines the community’s vision for the future and provides the rules and standards that will help to guide us towards this. All proposals for new development and changes in land use are assessed against this framework.

Local Planning Strategy

In September 2022 the Council adopted a Draft Local Planning Strategy to provide direction for the Shire’s growth and development over the next 10 to 15 years. The Draft Strategy is currently being assessed by the WA Planning Commission and will be publicly advertised in mid-2023.

Read more information about our Local Planning Strategy review here.

The previous Local Planning Strategy was adopted in 2011 and remains a relevant until the new Strategy is adopted. The Strategy includes three plans:

Town Planning Scheme No. 3

Town Planning Scheme No. 3 outlines the rules and requirements for development and land use, including ‘zoning’ of properties, and directs when an application is required.

The Planning Scheme should be read in conjunction with the deemed provisions of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015.

In September 2022 the Council resolved to prepare a new Planning Scheme to improve and modernise our planning rules. Read more information about our Local Planning Strategy & Scheme review project.

Residential Design Codes

The Residential Design Codes are a State Planning Policy (7.3) that guides development in the Residential Zone, except where Town Planning Scheme No. 3 or a local planning policy sets a local standard in its place.

Local Planning Policies

Local Planning Policies provide guidance for how we interpret and apply the rules outlined in Town Planning Scheme No. 3.

The Policies include objectives and acceptable standards for development proposals – these are useful to read before preparing your application.

General/ All Development

Policy Title	Policy No.	Version
Dieback Disease Management	1	V1 adopted 23/09/1999
Minimum Setbacks	5	V1 adopted 23/06/1998
Outbuildings & Water Tanks	13	V5 adopted 18/07/2023
Settlement Strategy for Denmark	28	V1 adopted 22/12/1998
Dams and Water Features	37	V1 adopted 25/08/2009
Renewable Energy Systems	41	V1 adopted 22/06/2010
As-of-Right Development Click here to view the draft revised version of this policy currently being publicly advertised ("Exemptions from Development Approval")	44	V1 adopted 14/08/2012
Planning Application Process for Heritage Places	45	V1 adopted 12/11/2013

Residential Development

Policy Title	Policy No.	Version
Peaceful Bay Conservation Plan Development Guidelines	35	V1 adopted 27/04/2004
Public Open Space	39	V1 adopted 27/07/2010
Nornalup Development Guidelines	43	V1 adopted 22/03/2011
Inlet Drive and Minsterly Road Precincts	48	V1 adopted 17/12/2019
Ancillary Dwellings & Detached Habitable Rooms	49	V2 adopted 21/02/2023
Building Envelopes	50	V1 adopted 21/02/2023

Rural

Policy Title	Policy No.	Version
Guidelines for the Management of Vineyards within Special Rural Zones	6	V1 adopted 23/06/1998
Second Dwellings/Additional Houses and Chalet Developments on Rural Zoned Lots	7	V1 adopted 23/06/1998
Private Tree Plantations	9	V2 adopted 27/03/2001
Rural Settlement Strategy	29	V1 adopted 23/03/1999
Extractive Industries	34	V1 adopted 13/08/2002

Commercial

Policy Title	Policy No.	Version
Townscape Policy	15	V1 adopted 23/06/1998
Alfresco Dining & Trading in Public Places	17	V2 adopted 25/01/1999
Tourist Development other than “Bed & Breakfast” uses within the Residential Zone Click here to view the draft revised version of this policy currently being publicly advertised ("Commercial and Tourism Land Uses in the Residential, Special Residential and Special Rural Zones")	18	V1 adopted 23/06/1998
Holiday Homes Click here for Property Management Plan template	19	V5 adopted 18/08/2015
Denmark Airfield & Airpark Click here for the Denmark Airfield Land Use Strategy	25	V2 adopted 21/12/2010
Commercial Development on South Coast Highway	26	V2 adopted 28/08/2001
Commercial Strategy	31	V1 adopted 00/02/1999
Signs	32	V1 adopted 22/05/2001
Public Art	42	V1 adopted 24/08/2010
Karri Mia Tourist Zone Design Guidelines	46	V1 adopted 16/06/2015
Town Centre Parking and Transportation	47	V1 adopted 21/04/2020
Caravan Parks & Camping Grounds Click here for application checklist and templates	51	V1 adopted 20/06/2023

Not sure where to start? Take a look at our Guidelines & Information Sheets page.

Structure Plans & Subdivision Guide Plans

Structure Plans are high level plans that outline the arrangement of land uses, roads and other key infrastructure when a major change in land use is proposed. For example, a Structure Plan may be prepared before the development of a new housing estate occurs.

Adopted Structure Plans can be viewed here.

Subdivision Guide Plans are detailed plans that outline the arrangement of new lots, roads, building envelopes and other development requirements when a subdivision occurs.

Adopted Subdivision Guide Plans can be viewed here.