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NPQ supports current government policy of limiting building heights in coastal developments. Height in coastal developments is regulated by the Western Australian Planning Commission's State Planning Policy 2.6 - State Coastal Planning Policy.

This policy applies to all urban development within 300m of the horizontal setback datum and prescribes that the height of buildings should be limited to a maximum of five storeys (and not exceeding 21 metres in height) and higher structures up to a maximum of eight storeys (and not exceeding 32 metres) in height may be permitted where:

• There has been a process of full consultation; 
  
• The proposed development(s) is suitable for the location taking into account the built form, topography and landscape character of the surrounding area; 
  
• The location is part of a major tourist or activity node; 
  
• The amenity of the coastal foreshore is not detrimentally affected by any significant overshadowing of the foreshore; and 
  
• There is visual amenity of the foreshore and ocean from nearby residential areas, roads and public spaces.
  

The Cockburn Coast District Structure Plan provides an example of how a structure plan for NPQ could be developed. The Cockburn plan provides for a range of heights, densities and dwelling types. The structure plan generally has a preferred range of height within the residential precincts of between three and five storeys, with specific sites having the potential for landmark, gateway or iconic buildings.

These sites are to be subject to further detailed design and planning investigation, however the draft structure plan provides for potential height ranges of between five and 16 storeys, dependent on the precinct.

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