Victoria’s new townhouse and low-rise code intended to enable better outcomes and faster and more certain permits, i.e. ‘as-of-right.’

The Victorian Government is currently updating residential planning rules to boost the supply of good quality homes and improve the local streets. The new rules are expected to be gazetted this month.

Two new sets of planning rules. The ‘Townhouse and Low-Rise Code’ and the ‘4 Storey Apartment Standards,’ for good development. Neighbours will be protected from overshadowing and onlooking and will benefit from new requirements to include trees on properties, making the surrounding trees greener and cooler.

The new Code is expected to allow faster permits and greater certainty for townhouses and apartment buildings up to three storeys, providing they meet the new standards.

Victoria’s Housing Statement, The Decade Ahead 2024-2034, outlines the Victorian Government’s commitment to planning reforms that will benefit all Victorians and make it easier, with greater certainty, for developers, builders, buyers and renovators to obtain planning permits.

What is changing? What are the wins for developers?

Deemed to comply standards for the Townhouse and Low-Rise Code. You get these for free!

No right of appeal process for applications that meet the new standards (finally!).

Reduced front setback from 9m to 6m. Increased side and rear setbacks. Up to 3m for north boundary setback up to 11m (3 storeys) and 6m for south boundary setback up to 11m in height, as well.

Site coverage – 60% Neighbourhood Residential Zone & Township Zone.
65% General Residential Zone.
70% Residential Growth Zone, Mixed Use Zone and Housing Choice and Transport Zone.

Tree canopy (the bane of so many developments). New canopy cover requirement of 10% for a site area up to 1000sq.m. and 20% for a site area of more than 1,000sq.m.

Private open space reduced from 40sq.m. to 25sq.m. at ground level.
Overlooking – Standard no longer applies to bedrooms.

Neighbourhood character deleted (woohoo!). Residential Policy, Infrastructure, Open Space, Communal Open Space, Standard 55.07-19 External Walls and Materials for apartment buildings, all deleted. Many other standards have been amended and amalgamated.

How does your project stand up with these new requirements? Do you need advice on the purchase of a new property? We are here to help.

With 26 years experience and over 800 approved planning permits, Neil Fletcher Design are your one stop shop for subdivision and residential developments.

Our offer on the new Code – desktop feasibility plans and development advice provided free of charge.