Small Lot Housing Code 2
The SLHC2 project seeks to develop a new typology (Type C) and where possible, update Type A and Type B standards to improve urban design/built form outcomes that were identified in the Stage 1 review (2019) but were outside the scope of that project.
For further information, refer to Small Lot Housing Code.
Outcomes
- Deliver an update to the Small Lot Housing Code (SLHC) to introduce a new ‘Type C’ lot that will facilitate the delivery of dwellings on lots between 75 and 150sqm.
- Update the Type A and Type B standards that were identified in the Stage 1 review and to improve to design outcomes where possible to align with Type C standards. These updates may require transitional provisions to avoid disruption to imminent building permit being issued.
- Prepare draft planning scheme amendment GC206 to introduce the updated SLHC.
- Update the Practice Note to reflect the changes to the SLHC.
- Provide improved guidance for the preferred location of SLHC product.
Summary of changes
Type C Standards
The creation of a Type C builds on the increase in demand to deliver diverse housing outcomes on smaller lots. The current SLHC and defined standards generally do not deliver built form on a significantly smaller lot size (75-150sqm). Developer and industry expressed interest during the Stage 1 review, completed in 2019, the need to consider codifying housing standards for this area of the market.
The Type C Standards are a new set of Standards aimed at facilitating dwellings on lots as low as 75 square metres. These Standards differ from the Type A and B standards and allow for a greater utilisation of the land, but still ensure streetscape amenity is provided.
Type C changes proposed are provided in the documentation linked below. Given all these Standards are new, they are not shown as track.
Type A and B Standards
Type A and B Standards are proposed to be modified to address feedback received in the Stage 1 review, as well as in response to lessons learnt in the preparation of Type C standards. Some updates in Standards could be implemented immediately without impacting current housing designs compliance, however some modified Standards may result in non-compliance. To ensure dwellings currently using the SLHC it is considered transitional provisions will be required to introduce these Standards.
The changes proposed to both Type A and Type are to the existing code and provided in the link below. Given the changes proposed to the existing code, these changes are shown in track changes.
Supporting material
The VPA supported the SLHC with a revised Practice Note that accompanied the SLHC on public consultation.
The VPA prepared a guidance note for Councils and developers on where the SLHC ought to be applied, the anticipated outcomes, and key things to consider when nominating a lot as Type A, B or C.
This material does not form part of the public consultation material, however the details of what is anticipated to be included is detailed at Small Lot Housing Code – Design Guidance Note (PDF). Your input on what this guidance note should contain will assist the development of this guidance material for all users.
Small lot housing in Aintree
Funding
The current Small Lot Housing Code, Stage 2 is a 2021/2022 Streamlining for Growth funded project.
Next steps
The Code and amendment package has been submitted to the Minister for Planning and is awaiting approval and gazettal.
Project Status Updates – August 2023
The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) has been progressing the Small Lot Housing Code 2 Streamlining for Growth Project by revising the Small Lot Housing Code Standards following industry feedback and consultation last year.
Since our last update, we have:
- Continued to investigate the impact of the National Construction Code (NCC 2022) on the Small Lot Housing Code.
- Met with industry stakeholders to investigate options for revised standards.
- Started procuring further technical review, including a peer review by a registered building surveyor.
- Started preparing a guidance material document to support Small Lot Housing Code Type nominations.
In the coming months we will be focused on finalising the Small Lot Housing Code Standards for Type A, B and C. We will also prepare the associated Practice Note and guidance material to finalise the project in second half of 2023.