Victoria's Small Lot Housing Code updated

The Victorian government has announced revisions to the Small Lot Housing Code, enabling new homes on lots less than 100 square metres to be built without a planning permit if they adhere to specific design standards.

The pre-existing 2019 amendment to the code allowed homes on blocks less than 300 square metres to be built without a permit if design standards were met. In a communique, the state government noted that the decision to revise the code with a new set of standards for smaller lots was influenced by industry feedback that indicated increasing demand for greater housing diversity.

Victorian minister for planning Sonya Kilkenny said, "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."

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 Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Whittlesea, and Wyndham, Geelong, Ballarat, Baw Baw, Cardinia and Knox.

Other modifications to the code include updated design standards for homes situated on lots under 300 square metres. These new standards target larger balconies, more street-facing windows, more tree plantings and the removal of the requirement for a double garage.

Developers can begin using the new code immediately, while the existing code will remain in effect until the end of 2026.