Small Lot Housing Code 2024
The Small Lot Housing Code – November 2024 (PDF) makes it easier for homeowners, developers and builders to build homes on smaller parcels of land, creating more housing choice in Melbourne’s greenfields and growth areas.
The Code was first introduced in 2011 to allow homes to be built on blocks less than 300 square metres (sqm) without a planning permit if the set of design and siting standards are met, saving Victorians time and money. It has been updated several times since.
The most recent update in 2024 introduces a new ‘Type C’ set of standards for homes on lots between less than 100sqm and updates to the current ‘Type A’ and ‘Type B’ standards.
The updated standards allow new homes to be built with high levels of amenity including outlook, private open spaces, trees and excellent urban design, while maximising the available land in the growth areas for new communities.
The Code applies to most residential and mixed-use Precinct Structure Plans in the Urban Growth Zone in Melbourne’s greenfields and growth areas, as well as other special purpose zones in the Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Whittlesea and Wyndham planning schemes.
Small Lot Housing Code Practice Note
The Small Lot Housing Code is supported by the associated Practice Note, which assists practitioners with undertaking their assessment of dwellings compliance under the Code.
The Practice Note is not a background document into the Planning Scheme.
For more information, refer to Small Lot Housing Code – Practice Note – November 2024 (PDF).
Background Information
Most new houses built in Melbourne’s growth areas are large, detached family homes. While this suits many households, we need to support housing choices for increasing numbers of smaller families, single person households, aged housing needs, and more affordable options.
A planning permit is usually required for a house on a lot less than 300sqm, but not for a lot more than 300sqm, which can discourage the provision of smaller lots and a diversity of housing types.
The Code encourages smaller housing products and allows for greater housing diversity by providing for home approval and construction without the need for a planning permit. This streamlined process, along with the ability to deliver denser housing, contributes to lowering home costs in areas where the Code applies.
Guidance Note
The Small Lot Housing Code – Guidance Note – November 2024 (PDF) provides guidance on how to achieve desirable outcomes in a range of scenarios, such as in proximity to town centres, arterial roads, drainage reserves, or conventional subdivisions.
The Guidance Note does not form part of the planning scheme.
The Guidance Note is intended to assist councils, developers, builders and private planning practitioners in determining the appropriate location and design of Small Lot Housing Code types.