- Overview of the small second dwelling provisions
- Information about the transitional arrangements for dependent persons units
More information can be found at Small Second Homes.
On this page:
Residential development
Residential development in Victoria is controlled by residential development provisions which are included in clauses of the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes, and building regulations.
The residential development provisions are applied through the planning permit or building permit systems. They apply to:
- the construction of new dwellings
- alterations and extensions to existing dwellings
- residential subdivisions
- apartment developments.
To get advice about the planning scheme provisions that apply to a particular development, contact the planning department at the relevant council or planning consultant.
More information is available on the following pages:
- Overview of the clause 54 provisions which generally apply to single dwellings and small second dwellings on lots less than 300 square metres
- Recent changes to the clause 54 provisions (Amendment VC282)
- VicSmart applications for single dwellings and small second dwellings
More information can be found at Single Home Code (clause 54).
- Overview of the clause 55 provisions which apply to two or more dwellings on a lot and residential buildings up to and including three storeys
- Recent changes to the clause 55 provisions (Amendment VC267)
- VicSmart applications for two dwellings on a lot
More information can be found at Townhouse and Low-Rise Code (clause 55).
- Overview of the clause 56 provisions which apply to residential subdivision
- VicSmart applications for subdivision
More information can be found at Residential subdivision (clause 56).
- Overview of the clause 57 provisions which apply to four-storey residential development in a residential zone
More information can be found at Four Storey Apartment Standards (clause 57).
- Overview of the clause 58 provisions which apply to apartment developments of five or more storeys and apartment developments in other zones
- Better apartments design standards
More information can be found at Apartment developments (clause 58).
- Overview of the Neighbourhood Character Overlay
More information can be found at Neighbourhood Character Overlay.
Sustainability
All new residential subdivisions and dwellings are required to meet environmental and sustainability performance measures.
Environmental performance requirements for all new housing apply under the building system. Building practitioner resources can be found on the Building and Plumbing Commission website.
More information is available at Sustainability Victoria.
Page last updated: 16/10/25