The guidance has been approved by the WAPC to support the review of existing non-residential car parking rates under the local planning framework on zoned land, in the Perth and Peel regions.
Specifically, the guidance:
(a) defines consistent (on-site) car parking rates for non-residential land uses in activity centres and precincts, and Service Commercial industrial zones; and
(b) provides details on the process to adopt and implement the car parking rates under a local planning framework.
The document provides minimum and maximum car parking rates which can be applied in the following areas:
- Commercial/Mixed Use areas in activity centres and precincts
- Service Commercial zone
- Industrial zones including Light Industry, General Industry, Strategic Industry, and Industrial Development
Although the guidance is targeted at local governments within Perth and Peel, where appropriate, it can also be applied to other regions.
The document aligns with the State Government's Planning Reform agenda outlined in the Action Plan for Planning Reform (Action Plan) released in 2019, and responded to the following goals and initiatives of the Action Plan:
| Goal | Initiative | Desired outcome |
| Planning systems are consistent and efficient | C2(ii): Car Parking requirements in commercial and mixed-use centres are consistent | A state-wide consistent approach for provision of car parking that makes it easier for small businesses to establish in existing town centres, retail/café corridors and other commercial and mixed-use centres |
| Planning is easier to understand and navigate | B5: Clear and concise guidance is readily available | Clear and concise up-to-date guidance assists local governments and other users to understand the system |
In preparing the draft document, extensive stakeholder engagement was undertaken to determine the type of guidance required and the preferred approach in developing the car parking rates. Consultation on the draft consultation document was undertaken from March to May 2023. The WA Planning Manual – Non-Residential Car Parking Rates in Perth and Peel replaces the draft consultation document titled ‘Car parking requirements for non-residential land uses in Perth and Peel - draft Interim guidance’.
The Consultation Outcomes Report outlines matters raised during consultation and the recommended changes to the guidance as a result of this process.