Residential Areas – How to Check, Apply and Understand the Process
General Information
Does the Shire of Narrogin process subdivision applications?
No. All subdivision applications are lodged directly with the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) through the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) online portal at www.dplh.wa.gov.au. The Shire does not provide WAPC forms, fee schedules or processing timeframes.
What is the Shire’s role in the subdivision process?
The Shire provides general planning information and, when the WAPC refers an application to us, we provide technical comment on matters relating to the Local Planning Scheme.
Understanding Subdivision Types
What types of subdivision are available?
| Type |
Description |
Create Under |
| Freehold (Green Title) |
Creates separate, fully independent lots, each with its own Certificate of Title. |
Transfer of Land Act 1893 |
| Strata |
Divides an existing or proposed building into lots and shared common property (e.g. driveways, walls). |
Strata Titles Act 1985 |
| Survey Strata |
Divides land by surveyed boundaries; similar to freehold but may include shared access or common services. |
Strata Titles Act 1985 |
Tip: The type of title does not determine whether subdivision is possible. Zoning, lot size and R‑Codes do.
Checking Your Property’s Zoning
How do I find out my zoning and R‑Code?
You can check zoning and density codes by visiting PlanWA (www.planwa.com) and turning on the Planning Scheme Layers.
What planning documents should I review?
Refer to the Shire of Narrogin Local Planning Scheme No. 3 (LPS3) for zone objectives and any applicable:
- Structure Plan Areas
- Special Use Zones
- Special Control Areas
Can the Shire confirm if my subdivision will be approved?
No. The Shire can explain how the Scheme and R‑Codes work in general, but cannot provide site‑specific assessments or predict WAPC decisions.
Understanding R‑Codes and Lot Size Requirements
What are the minimum and average lot sizes for residential subdivision?
| R-Code |
Minimum Lot (m²) |
Average Lot (m²) |
Minimum Battleaxe (m²) |
| R12.5 |
700 |
800 |
762.5 |
| R20 |
350 |
450 |
450 |
| R25 |
300 |
350 |
400 |
| R30 |
260 |
300 |
410 |
| R40 |
180 |
220 |
380 |
What does this mean for my subdivision?
- Each new lot must meet the minimum and average lot size requirements.
- Each lot must have legal road access.
- If a lot does not front a public road, a battleaxe leg (shared driveway) is required.
Other Planning Requirements
What additional factors might affect subdivision?
Depending on your property, you may need to consider:
- Bushfire‑prone land – may require a Bushfire Management Plan.
- Heritage listings – may require heritage assessment.
- Drainage and servicing capacity – check with Water Corporation, Western Power or an engineer.
- Road access – each lot must have legal and practical access to a constructed road.
- Local Planning Scheme overlays – such as Special Use Zones or Structure Plan Areas.
Can the Shire check my site constraints for me?
No. The Shire can explain requirements in principle, but cannot:
- Assess individual site constraints
- Design accessways
- Confirm service availability
Applicants should seek advice from a licensed surveyor, planner or relevant agency.
Lodging a Subdivision Application
How do I lodge a subdivision application?
If your property meets the zoning and R‑Code requirements:
- Engage a licensed surveyor to prepare your subdivision plan.
- Lodge your application directly with the WAPC via the DPLH portal.
What documents do I need to submit?
Your application must include:
- WAPC Form 1A
- Proposed Plan of Subdivision
- Applicable WAPC fee
The WAPC will then refer your application to the Shire and other agencies for technical comment.
Assessment and Decision Process
How long does the subdivision process take?
| Stage |
Responsibility |
Typical Timeframe |
| Referral for comment |
Shire & servicing agencies |
42 days |
| Assessment & decision |
WAPC |
90 days (standard) / 120 days (complex) |
| Conditional approval period |
Applicant |
3 years (≤ 5 lots) / 4 years (≥ 6 lots) |
| Clearances & endorsement |
Applicant → Agencies / Shire → WAPC → Landgate |
2–6 weeks for clearance + up to 24 months for titles |
When are new titles issued?
Once all conditions are cleared, the WAPC endorses the final plan and Landgate issues the new titles.