New Townhouse and Low-Rise Code Guidelines
Changes to the Residential Code for small lot and medium density housing were introduced into all planning schemes across Victoria in March 2025. They have been introduced to enable faster decisions and were developed to meet housing targets established in Plan for Victoria (2025).
Deemed to comply operation
The standards to assess an application for two or more dwellings on a lot or residential buildings up to and including 3 storeys (Clause 55 in the Planning Scheme) have been updated and all not quantifiable metrics removed. That means a more clear and unambiguous group of standards are now in place.
Exemptions
When a standard is met, the responsible authority is no longer required to consider:
i) Municipal Planning Strategy and Planning Policy Framework;
ii) Decision guidelines of the relevant zone and Clause 65;
iii) Sections 60 (1,1A,1B) and 84 (B) of the Planning and Environment Act.
Public notice of application
No changes to the notice of application procedure, including notification to affected adjoining owners/occupiers. Any person is still able to submit an objection.
No rights to appeal
In a scenario where the application meets all the applicable standards, the Council must issue a planning permit, the application would be exempt from review by a third party (VCAT), and an objector would have no right to lodge an appeal.
If the application does not meet all the applicable standards, grounds of appeal of the non-deemed to comply standards would be considered, and an objector would have the right to lodge an appeal.
Resources