Small Lot Housing Code, November 2024
Amendment GC206 updated the Small Lot Housing Code (the Code) in the growth area council’s planning schemes. Following the review of the 2019 version of the Code and consultation with developers, the Code was updated to address recurring misinterpretations and introduce a new typology.
To view a copy of the Small Lot Housing Code and the associated Small Lot Housing Code – Practice Note, refer to:
- Small Lot Housing Code – November 2024 (PDF) (Approval Gazetted)
- Small Lot Housing Code – Practice Note – November 2024 (PDF)
- Amendment GC206
Previous versions of the Small Lot Housing Code
The Code has been refined since its introduction in 2011. The Small Lot Housing Code – November 2024 is the current version. It is supported by the Small Lot Housing Code – Practice Note – November 2024.
The recent 2019 version of the Code is still applicable in the relevant planning schemes through the transitional provisions applied in the Urban Growth Zone schedules.
For more information, refer to Small Lot Housing Code – November 2019 (PDF).
Some schemes, subdivision permits and restrictions on title may refer to older versions of the Code. Please contact the Victorian Planning Authority for a copy.
Other Council Areas
The Small Lot Housing Code is also in use by Precinct Structure Plans (PSP) and Comprehensive Development Plans in the City of Greater Geelong, City of Ballarat, Shire of Baw Baw, Shire of Cardinia and Knox. In these areas enquiries should be directed to the relevant Council.
Background Information
The majority of new houses built in Melbourne’s growth areas are large, detached family homes. While this housing suits many households, we need to support housing choices for increasing numbers of smaller families, single person households, aged housing needs, and affordability.
A planning permit is usually required for a house on a lot less than 300 square metres, but not for a lot more than 300 square metres, which can discourage small lot housing. While government wishes to accelerate development of smaller houses, the current situation is counterproductive because it discourages housing on smaller lots.
The Small Lot Housing Code was introduced in 2011 to assist in addressing this situation. The Code eliminates the need for a planning permit on lots less than 300 square metres where a clear set of house design and siting standards are met. This better aligns the time and cost of small lot housing approvals with houses on lots greater than 300 square metres.
The house design and siting standards include requirements for setbacks, building height, provision of car spaces and private open space, overlooking, overshadowing, building articulation and fences.
The Code is available for use in most residential and mixed use PSPs in the Urban Growth Zone in Melbourne’s greenfield growth areas where the certificate of title identifies the allotment as one where the construction of a dwelling can be assessed against the Code.
For more information about the Small Lot Housing Code, email your enquiry to info@vpa.vic.gov.au or alternatively call Reception on (03) 9651 9600, and you will be forwarded to a member of the Planning Services team.
Small Lot Housing Code 2
The SLHC2 project developed a new typology (Type C) and where possible, updated 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.
Outcomes
- Deliver an updates 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.
- 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 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 A and B Standards
Type A and B Standards were 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 can 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 are proposed to introduce these Standards.