The Victorian government has announced an amendment to the state’s planning schemes that will streamline the approval process for dwellings on lots smaller than 300 square metres.
Introduced as the Single Home Code, the amendment allows new single homes and small secondary dwellings on lots smaller than 300 square metres to be approved without a full assessment – provided they meet specific design standards related to setbacks, tree canopy, solar access and street amenity.
According to a government communique, neighbours will still be notified and invited to provide feedback on the proposal. However, if the proposed dwelling meets the standards, “there will be no VCAT appeals or costly delays.”
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said the amendment aims to cut red tape and accelerate the delivery of homes.
“This is another way we’re making our planning system say ‘yes’ – yes to well-designed homes, yes to more homes, and yes to people making the most of the land they already have,” said Kilkenny. “If your proposal meets the standards, you should be able to get on and build. That’s what these changes deliver – faster decisions, less stress and more homes where we need them.”
The code will apply across all residential zones in Victoria.
The amendment is the latest effort by the Victorian government to streamline the planning process for new dwellings on small lots. It follows revisions to the Small Lot Housing Code in December 2024, which refined design standards and extended permit exemptions for compliant homes on lots less than 100 square metres.
The communique noted that work is also underway on a new set of design standards for mid-rise residential developments between four and six storeys, with “targeted consultation on the standards with industry peak bodies and all 79 councils to begin soon.”
Source: Architecture - architectureau
