Can my block be subdivided?
This is probably the most commonly asked question we get at Unlock Your Block so here’s a few quick tips to work out if your block can be subdivided.
Understanding R-Codes: A beginner’s guide to Perth's residential property planning codes and subdivision
Every piece of land in Perth has a residential design code (R-Code) attached to a physical address. This dictates what can be built on the block and more importantly, if it can be subdivided into two or more lots.
Most local council websites have a mapping tool on their site that provides this information.
Understanding what the R-Codes are and how they are calculated will help you to work out the development potential of your land.
The purpose of the R-Codes
Ultimately, the purpose of the R-Codes is to control and manage residential development throughout Western Australia but primarily they are used to determine whether a property has the potential to be subdivided or not and what can be built on the subdivided land.
The R-Codes also help to guide important home design outcomes such as street and lot boundary setbacks, open space, building height and size, sight lines, outdoor living areas, landscaping, vehicle access and parking, solar passive design and visual privacy.
Interpreting R Codes for Land Subdivision
In simple terms, R codes tell you how many dwellings or lots can be created on a 1 hectare (10,000 square metres) parcel of land provided you meet the minimum and average lot size for each newly created lot. Generally, the higher the R code number, the more lots can be created. win – win –win There are 3 tiers to the R-Codes for Land:
Low density Medium density High density Codes R2 to R17.5 Codes R20 to R60 Codes R80 and above
The majority of Perth’s suburbs are zoned R20 or below, with R30, R40 and R60 becoming more prevalent in certain locations or activity centres within suburbs that provide good public trans- port, infrastructure and local amenities.
Once you have identified the R code for your property, simply use the table below as a reference to work out how many lots can be created on your block.
Minimum Open space Minimum lot setbacks (m) Site area per Minimum R-Code area/rear dwelling (m2) frontage (m2) battleaxe (m2) Min total Min outdoor Primary Secondary (% of site) living (m2) street street
Min 350 R20 450 10 50 30 6 1.5 Avg 450
Min 300 R25 425 10 50 30 6 1.5 Avg 350
Min 260 R30 410 10 45 24 4 1.5 Avg 300
Min 220 R35 395 10 45 24 4 1.5 Avg 260
Min 180 R40 380 10 45 20 4 1 Avg 220
Min 160 R50 380 10 40 16 2 1 Avg 180
Min 120 R60 380 10 40 16 2 1 Avg 150
Min 100 R80 380 10 30 16 1 1 Avg 120
For example – if your property sits on a block size of 692 square metres and has a code of R30, you require an average lot size 300 square metres per lot. Simply divide 692 by 300 = 2.30 so you can subdivide your block into two lots (always rounding down not up).
However, if the same property has an R code of R40, you would require an average lot size of 220 square metres per lot. Therefore, 692 divided by 220 = 3.14. The property can now be divid- ed into 3 lots.
On the other hand, if a property is only 520 sqm in size with an R30 code, it cannot be subdivided as 520 divided 300 = 1.73. Always rounding down only allows for one lot.
It’s important to remember, that provided you meet the minimum lot size as per the table, the newly created blocks are not required to be equal in size when subdivided. There are also situa- tions where subdivision approval can be granted even though technically, the lot size falls slightly short of the required size for that code, however, these lots are subject to conditions.
5 simple steps to get started
Find out the exact land size of the property you own – visit your local council STEP 1 website or give them a call.
Confirm the R code zoning of the property – visit your local council website or STEP 2 give them a call.
Use the information and charts above to establish the development potential STEP 3 of the land.
If you are keeping the front home, you’ll need to make sure you have enough STEP 4 space down one side of the home to access the back block.
Simply give the team at Unlock Your Block a call on 6161 1790 or visit STEP 5 .www.unlockyourblock.net.au to undertake the research on your behalf or ask for more information on how to unlock your block for maximum return.
6161 1790 www.unlockyourblock.net.au 6/194 Scarborough Beach Road, Mt Hawthorn