Scheme Amendments

What is a local planning Scheme Amendment?

A local planning Scheme Amendment is a change to the zoning and/or permissibility of uses within the City's Local Planning Scheme No. 17 (LPS 17)(PDF, 3MB).

When a change is made to the Scheme it’s known as a Scheme Amendment. A Scheme Amendment can be proposed by landowners, the City of Swan or the Western Australian State Government.

When is a Scheme Amendment required?

Scheme Amendments occur for different reasons, such as:

  • a change in zoning to accommodate development
  • a change in the R-Codes to increase residential density
  • a change in the Scheme’s wording
  • to correct any inconsistency or error.

Are Scheme Amendments advertised?

Under Part 5 the Planning & Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015, an amendment to the Scheme is classified as either a basic, standard or complex amendment. Depending on its classification advertising may be required. A basic amendment does not require advertising, but standard and complex amendments do.  

View the WA Planning Commission's Scheme Amendment flowcharts for more information on how they are processed. 

Where can I view advertised amendment applications?

Visit the City's currently advertised Scheme Amendment applications.

What information do I need to include in my Scheme Amendment application?

Applicants are required to clearly outline the amendment proposed and the reason for the amendment, through the preparation of a scheme amendment report. 

The report should identify the following:

  • The current scheme provisions and the proposed change to the scheme provisions
  • A suitable justification for the scheme amendment proposal
  • Sufficient detail of the proposed development or change in land use, if applicable.

Should I meet with the City planners prior to lodging a Scheme Amendment report?

It is strongly recommended that you consult with the City prior to drafting a scheme amendment proposal, this will ensure that you clearly understand the extent of information that you are required to provide.  

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