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State planning policy framework

The WAPC’s state planning policy framework is the basis for coordinating and promoting land use planning for integrated and sustainable development and provides guidance for State agencies, local governments, proponents, land owners and the public.

The information on this page is published on behalf of the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) under Planning and Development Act 2005.

The State planning policy framework consists of different instruments, each with its own defined role and purpose.

Policies include:

  • Planning Codes
  • State Planning Policies
  • Position Statements
  •  Development Control and Operational Policies
  • Guidelines
These are supported by:
  • Manuals
  • Planning Bulletins
  • Fact Sheets
  • Explanatory notes

State planning strategy 2050

The State Planning Strategy provides the strategic context for planning and development decisions throughout the State.

Planning codes and state planning policies

Planning codes have the status of subsidiary legislation and deal with any matter that can be dealt with by a local planning scheme. State planning policies provide the highest level of planning policy control and guidance in Western Australia.

Position statements

Position statements provide a statement setting out the policy position of the WAPC with respect to a particular matter.

Development control and operational policies

Development control and operational polices guide decision making in relation to subdivision and development applications.

Fact sheets, manuals and guidelines

Fact sheets, guidelines and manuals provide detailed guidance on the application of Western Australian Planning Commission policies.

Planning bulletins

Planning bulletins provide advice on legislative changes to the planning framework.

Inactive-repealed policies

Inactive-repealed policies is a collection of land use planning policies and documents that are no longer current or used in decision making, these may have been superseded or are no longer required.

2024 Regulation changes

Introduction of new regulations under the Planning and Development Act 2005 to provide better guidance on the process to make, amend and repeal State planning policies and Planning codes.

Regional and sub-regional strategies

These strategies provide for the comprehensive planning of regions, sub-regions or particular locations to guide change in the short, medium and long term.

Liveable neighbourhoods

Liveable Neighbourhoods is a Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) operational policy that guides the structure planning and subdivision for greenfield and large brownfield (urban infill) sites.

Design WA

Design WA is a State Government initiative to ensure good design is at the centre of all development in Western Australia.

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Last updated: 1 April 2026