planning · City of Vincent
Vincent seeks stronger landscaping rules and tree protection in State review
The City of Vincent will ask the State Government and Planning Minister for stronger landscaping standards and greater protection for trees on private land as the Residential Design Codes review proceeds.
Developers and property owners in Vincent could face different landscaping and tree-retention requirements if a State review changes the Residential Design Codes, after the City added a commitment to seek stronger planning outcomes.
The advocacy request is directed to the State Government and the Planning Minister as the R Codes review progresses. The review, announced in July 2026, is intended to support new housing by streamlining the codes. Changes to landscaping standards have not yet been released.
Vincent’s updated recommendation asks the City to continue advocating for “improved landscaping outcomes” in the planning framework. It also backs continued work with local governments to promote a greater urban canopy through the Western Australian Local Government Association’s Urban Forest and Planning Advisory working groups.
The request follows the Western Australian Planning Commission’s July 2026 refusal of the City’s proposed Built Form Policy standards. The commission noted that the landscaping provisions in Part B were intended to be considered as part of the R Codes review.
The City’s advocacy includes the issue of tree protection on private land, building on a March 2024 council notice of motion that sought stronger protection. The issue affects development applications, site landscaping and the retention of trees on private property.
The R Codes review is expected to be released for public consultation later this year. Vincent will have an opportunity to make a submission on the proposed landscaping standards and urban canopy outcomes.
The added advocacy commitment does not change Vincent’s development rules or introduce new tree-protection requirements. It records the City’s position ahead of the State review and consultation process.
Reference minutes
City of Vincent Council Briefing, 11 August 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- The City of Vincent added a request for continued advocacy to the State Government and Planning Minister.
- The advocacy seeks improved landscaping outcomes in the planning framework.
- The Residential Design Codes review was announced by the Planning Minister in July 2026.
- The Western Australian Planning Commission refused Vincent’s proposed Built Form Policy standards in July 2026.
- The R Codes review is expected to be released for public consultation later in 2026.
- The City’s position builds on a March 2024 notice of motion seeking greater protection for trees on private land.
Why it matters
- Changes to the Residential Design Codes could affect landscaping, tree retention and development outcomes for property owners, developers and contractors across Vincent and other Western Australian local-government areas.