A Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) is a detailed local planning framework that guides the future growth and development of an area (known as a precinct). It guides subdivision of land, the scale of buildings and range of desirable land uses. PSP’s address community aspirations and broader regional planning considerations that inform the planning of an activity centre, including:
- Lane use and density
- built form/development controls
- movement and access
- infrastructure
- environmental assets
- community facilities.
State Planning Policy 4.2 - Activity Centres (SPP 4.2) requires the City to prepare and maintain an endorsed PSP to guide development within the RSC.
Under the State Government's SPP4.2 Rockingham is one of ten designated 'Strategic Centres' within the Perth and Peel regions and as such, a PSP is required for the RSC.
In 2021, the State Government introduced State Planning Policy 7.2 Precinct Design (SPP 7.2) which guides how centres such as Rockingham are planned through the preparation of a PSP.
The City Centre Plan has been prepared in line with SPP 7.2 and SPP 4.2 and replaces the previous local planning framework from 2009, the Rockingham Strategic Regional Centre Activity Centre Plan.
The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) is responsible for the approval of PSPs.
The initial life of the City Centre Plan is 10 years. The key actions and upgrades critical to the implementation of the City Centre Plan have been prioritised across three timeframes:
- Short term: up to five years
- Medium term: five to 10 years
- Long term: more than ten years
The PSP - Part One "Implementation Section" sets out actions, priorities and development sequencing required to deliver the plan.
The impact of the City Centre Plan on you and your property will depend on where your property is located and which precinct it falls within. Different sub-precincts have different land use, density and built form expectations.
To find out which R-code applies to your property have a look at the PSP's Part 1 Figure 2 Residential Density Plan on page 13.
This plan identifies the residential desntiy codes that apply across the RSC and should be used to determine development potential for individual sites.
The City Centre Plan’s Residential Density Plan (Figure 2) provides the applicable density code (or R-Code). The R-Code influences the typical building height and form that may be developed, as outlined below:
- R-AC0 refers primarily to high density apartments, combined with non-residential uses (building height varies depending on location)
- R80 refers primarily to mid-rise apartments (generally up to four storeys)
- R60 refers primarily to mid-rise apartments and townhouses (generally up to three storeys)
- R40 refers primarily to townhouse and single house development (generally up to two storeys)
Where is a minimum two-storey building height expected?
In addition to this, the City Centre Plan sets an expectation for a minimum two storey building height in key locations to support active and well-designed city centre. These locations include:
- P2 - Waterfront Village sub-precinct
- P3 - Coastal Lots sub-precinct
- Sites adjacent to the Rockingham City Centre Transit System route
- Adjoining and overlooking public open space
- R80 code in the (P5 - City Park sub-precinct)
- R60 coded land (P6 – Southern Residential sub-precinct)
- Sites located on Council and Simpson Avenues
A minimum of two storey building height is required within the ‘Mixed-Use’, ‘Commercial’ and ‘Service Commercial’ sub zones of the City Centre Plan area.
Refer the City Centre Plan's Figure 4: RPSP Two Storey height Requirements (Page 22)
When does the minimum two storey requirement not apply?
A minimum two storey height will not apply in the following circumstances within the City Centre Plan area:
- Proposals for temporary developments / land uses on designated sites
- Additions and alterations to existing developments
Please visit our Subdivisions page for comprehensive information about the subdivision process, including eligibility, approvals and supporting documentation.
You can also refer to the Subdivision Information Sheet attached under the Practitioner information sheets section on this page for an overview.
An ancillary dwelling (or a granny flat) can be built on all residential lots (there is no minimum lot size) as long as the compliant dwelling is no larger than 70 square metres. This requirement is set out in the R-Codes.
The City Centre Plan requires that ancillary dwellings are located behind or as an extension of the primary dwelling and the use of materials and colours are compatible with the main dwelling.
For more information about ancillary dwellings please refer to the Ancillary Dwelling Information Sheet attached under the Practitioner information sheets section on this page or visit the Western Australian Planning Commission’s website.
“Ancillary dwellings are located on the same title as the main dwelling and are considered hosted accommodation – where the owner or permanent resident (host) lives onsite” (R-Code Website DPLH 2024).
A granny flat is an ancillary dwelling in the R-Codes. Ancillary dwellings can either be detached or attached to the main dwelling.
For further information on ancillary dwellings please refer to the Ancillary Dwelling Information Sheet attached under the Practitioner information sheets section on this page or visit the Western Australian Planning Commission’s website.
You can contact the City's Planning Services team with any enquiries on 9528 0333 or by appointment at our Administration Centre between the house of 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.