There’s excellent news for property developers and homeowners planning medium-density projects across Victoria: a set of updated residential planning regulations is set to simplify and accelerate the approval process significantly. These changes promise to make building sustainable, liveable, and stylish townhouse and apartment developments easier and faster than ever before.

What’s Changing?

The Victorian government is introducing a new planning framework aimed specifically at facilitating the construction of medium-density residential developments—townhouses and apartments up to three storeys high. Known as the “deemed to comply” standards, this new framework ensures quicker permit processing, reduced bureaucracy, and significantly fewer hurdles, providing greater certainty and efficiency for projects that meet the specified criteria.

Key Benefits for Your Development

This streamlined approach offers substantial advantages, including:

• Faster Planning Approvals: Applications meeting the new standards will benefit from accelerated decision-making, cutting down typical wait times significantly.

• Lower Project Costs and Risks: Reduced holding costs due to shorter approval processes and a clear, straightforward set of guidelines mean less financial risk.

• Greater Design Flexibility: The new code removes some restrictive requirements, including neighbourhood character assessments and overly stringent compliance checks.

• Reduced Minimum Setbacks and Site Coverage: Builders now have greater freedom with reduced minimum front setbacks (6m or matching neighbouring setbacks), reduced side setbacks, and less restrictive site coverage rules, enabling more efficient use of space.

• Easier Compliance with Overlooking Standards: Simplified regulations around privacy and overlooking make it easier to design comfortable yet efficient layouts.

• No Right of Appeal: If your project aligns with these “deemed to comply” standards, your application will not face costly and time-consuming appeals.

Expert Guidance Through the New Code

At Hamilton Design, along with our trusted partners at Berwick Drafting and Gippsland Drafting, we possess the essential expertise and experience required to navigate these regulatory changes smoothly. Our collaborative approach ensures your project fully complies with the new standards, delivering a timely, cost-effective, and hassle-free outcome.

We understand the nuances of planning requirements and will work closely with you to leverage these new regulations, maximising both the potential and profitability of your development.

Preparing for the Future

With these new residential planning rules expected to be implemented by early March, now is the ideal time to start planning your next project. Staying ahead of the curve means your development will be among the first to enjoy the streamlined benefits provided by the new regulations.

Hamilton Design is committed to helping you capitalise on these changes, providing the strategic planning and innovative design solutions that will ensure your development’s success.

Get in touch today to discuss how we can help you efficiently navigate these new opportunities!