Draft Residential Buildings Policy

MEDIA RELEASE: 30 April 2026

Draft Residential Buildings Policy

The Shire of Manjimup is seeking community feedback on Draft Local Planning Policy 6.1.26 - Residential Buildings. Under State and local government legislation, a residential building is a place where people who are not of the same family live together. A building fits this category if:

• it is used for two or more people staying there temporarily; or
• seven or more people who are living there permanently and aren’t a single family.

If a building falls under this definition, it has to follow different rules than a normal family home. This includes things like more parking spaces, better fire safety, and communal areas for everyone to use.

The draft policy is being developed to act as a guide - bringing together varied and complex pieces of legislation into a local policy which aims to clarify the requirements for these types of developments across the Shire of Manjimup. Its intent is to act as a bridge between State legislation, local planning regulations and local community standards when considering applications for Residential Buildings.

The Shire wishes to emphasise that the policy is currently in a draft stage only. It has not been formally adopted by Council, and public participation is a vital part of the policy development process.

Shire President, Donelle Buegge, said:

“Following conclusion of the public comment period, Council will carefully review and consider the draft policy in light of all formal submissions received. These insights will play a key role for the Council determining next steps for the draft policy.”

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft policy and provide feedback should they wish to do so. A copy of the draft policy can be found here. Submissions must be lodged by close of business Wednesday, 6 May 2026 and can be emailed directly to info@manjimup.wa.gov.au or posted to P.O. Box 1, Manjimup WA 6258.

-ENDS-

Authorised by Donelle Buegge, Shire President
Contact: 0409 114 681

Benjamin (Ben) Rose, Chief Executive Officer
Mikayla Ginbey, Corporate Communications Officer