Homes can now be built in smaller parcels of land in growth areas in Melbourne and regional cities, including Melton, after Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny announced on Monday, December 9 changes to the Small Lot Housing Code.
She said the change would make it easier to build different types of homes in Melbourne’s growth areas.
“While the large, detached family home continues to be popular in Melbourne’s new suburbs, we’re seeing more demand for smaller homes and these changes will give Victorians more choice,” Ms Kilkenny said.
“Through these changes we’re also strengthening design standards, so that we’re not just building more homes but building better-quality homes.”
The existing code allows homes to be built on blocks less than 300 square metres without a planning permit if the set of design standards are met.
Updates to the code introduce a new type of home that can be built on lots less than 100 square metres without a permit.
This includes building townhouses on skinnier longer blocks, which was not covered as part of the original code.
Updates to the code also bring in improved design standards for lots under 300 square metres to ensure homes are better suited to modern living.
The Small Lot Housing Code applies to residential and mixed-use Precinct Structure Plans in Melbourne’s Urban Growth Zone, as well as special purpose zones in Melton and other suburbs all over Victoria.
To allow time for adjustment, the updated code will have a two-year transition period. Developers can begin using the new standards immediately, but the current code will remain in effect until the end of 2026.
According to the government, the update to the code was the result of extensive consultation with industry and builds on the previous 2019 code.
