Understanding R25 Zoning in Western Australia’s Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) 

 

R25 zoning is a pivotal residential density coding in Western Australia, sitting between the low-density suburban feel of R20 and the higher density typologies of R30 and above. This zoning encourages diverse housing options while maintaining a balance with neighbourhood character, making it a versatile choice for residential development. 

In this blog post, we explore the key rules and guidelines governing R25 zoning under the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) Volume 1. 

What is R25 Zoning? 

 

R25 zoning is designed for medium-low density residential developments, offering more flexibility for housing typologies compared to R20 while still ensuring a cohesive and attractive streetscape. R25 zoning is often found in areas transitioning from lower to higher density neighbourhoods, making it suitable for a variety of developments such as single houses, grouped dwellings, and, in some cases, multiple dwellings. 

Key Development Standards for R25 Zoning 

Developments in R25 zones must comply with a range of standards designed to preserve liveability, privacy, and amenity. 

Site Area Requirements for R25

• Minimum Site Area per Dwelling: For R25, the minimum site area per dwelling is 300 square metres. 

• Average Site Area: An average of 350 square metres per dwelling must be achieved for grouped dwellings or subdivision. 

These requirements facilitate moderately increased density while maintaining sufficient space for landscaping and private outdoor areas. 

Setback Requirements for R25

 

Setbacks are critical for managing the spatial relationship between buildings and their surroundings: 

• Street Setbacks: A 6.0-metre minimum setback applies to the primary street, though variations can occur based on local planning policies. 

• Lot Boundary Setbacks: 

• Walls with no major openings: 1.0 to 1.5 metres, depending on wall height and length. 

• Walls with major openings: Larger setbacks may apply to ensure privacy and ventilation. 

These setback provisions allow for site flexibility while safeguarding streetscape aesthetics and neighbouring amenity. 

Open Space Requirements for R25

 

• Minimum Requirement: R25 developments must retain at least 45% of the lot area as open space. This requirement encourages ample landscaping and outdoor recreational areas, contributing to the overall liveability of residential developments. 

4. Building Height for R25

Building heights in R25 zones are consistent with the low- to medium-density character: 

• Maximum Wall Height: 6.0 metres 

• Maximum Roof Pitch Height: 9.0 metres 

These limits ensure that developments integrate well with existing suburban environments. 

Outdoor Living Areas for R25

Outdoor living areas are a key design element in R25 zones: 

• Minimum Size: Each dwelling must include at least 30 square metres of outdoor living space. 

• Access: These spaces must be directly accessible from a habitable room, encouraging ease of use and connection to outdoor amenities. 

Parking Requirements for R25

 

Adequate parking provisions ensure functionality and reduce congestion: 

• Single Houses: Two on-site parking spaces, with at least one being covered. 

• Grouped Dwellings: Additional visitor parking may be required, depending on the number of dwellings and local policies. 

Ancillary Dwellings for R25

 

R25 zoning permits ancillary dwellings (granny flats) on lots exceeding 350 square metres, provided they meet the criteria for setbacks, access, and scale. These offer a practical solution for multi-generational living or rental opportunities. 

Housing Typologies in R25 Zones 

R25 zoning accommodates a variety of housing types to suit diverse needs: 

• Single Houses: Detached homes remain popular in R25 zones, offering privacy and space. 

• Grouped Dwellings: Villas or duplexes are common, providing compact yet functional living arrangements. 

• Multiple Dwellings: In limited cases, small-scale multiple dwellings (e.g., apartments) may be permissible, offering an alternative for those seeking a lower-maintenance lifestyle. 

The flexibility in housing typologies helps meet changing demographic and market demands. 

Pathways to Compliance: Deemed-to-Comply vs. Design Principles 

Like other R-Codes density levels, R25 developments can follow one of two compliance pathways: 

• Deemed-to-Comply Standards: These prescriptive measures, such as specific setbacks and open space percentages, provide a straightforward route to approval. 

• Design Principles: For developments that do not strictly adhere to deemed-to-comply provisions, this pathway allows for flexibility by demonstrating that alternative designs meet the broader objectives of the R-Codes. 

The design principles pathway is ideal for innovative or site-responsive designs, though it requires robust justification to demonstrate compliance with the R-Codes’ objectives. 

Local Planning Frameworks and Modifications
 

Local planning frameworks can introduce variations to R25 zoning provisions to reflect the unique characteristics of a neighbourhood. These may include adjustments to: 

• Streetscape requirements. 

• Landscaping and tree retention. 

• Parking provisions or setbacks. 

Understanding how the R-Codes interact with local planning policies is essential for developers to navigate approval processes efficiently.