Overview
Overview
The Better Apartments Design Standards have been introduced to improve the liveability and sustainability of apartments across Victoria. The standards were developed in consultation with community members, architects, planning and design practitioners, technical experts, the development industry, councils, and state government agencies.
The Better Apartments project is a joint initiative of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and the Office of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA).
You may also be interested in . . .
Documents
Better Apartments Design Standards
The Better Apartments Design Standards were implemented in the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes via Amendment VC136 on 13 April 2017.
More information about Amendment VC136:
Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria
- View the Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria (PDF, 4.0 MB) or (DOC, 1.2 MB)
- Planning Practice Note 83: Assessing external noise impacts for apartments (PDF, 184.6 KB) or (DOC, 263.5 KB)
Buyer and Renters Guide
The Better Apartment Living Buyers and Renters Guide is available to help consumers make informed choices. The guide contains tips to assist people when considering renting or buying an apartment, and contains links to further information including checklists and rental advice provided by Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Initiatives
Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria
The Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria assists applicants, architects, building designers and planners when designing and assessing apartment developments.
The guidelines explain the apartment standards and provide guidance on matters to consider when assessing the objectives of the apartment standards. The guidelines will also support greater consistency in the assessment of planning permit applications for apartment developments.
Planning Practice Note 83: Assessing external noise impacts for apartments provides guidance for assessing the noise standards and objectives and complements the Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria.
Apartment Design Advisory Service (ADAS)
The Victorian ADAS offers free expert advice to assist developers and designers to comply with the Better Apartment Design Standards. Applications are now welcome!
Buyer and Renters Guide
The Better Apartment Living Buyers and Renters Guide is available to help consumers make informed choices. The guide contains tips to assist people when considering renting or buying an apartment, and contains links to further information including checklists and rental advice provided by Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Apartment Design Advisory Service
Applications are now welcome!
Councils, designers and developers involved in the early stages of an apartment design can apply to have a free collaborative workshop with the ADAS design advisory team. The ADAS advice is non-statutory and completely voluntary.
ADAS is available for developments located in inner areas, established suburbs or regional areas. The ADAS will help make planning approvals easier and is part of the Better Apartment Project to make housing better for all Victorians
Read more below about how to get involved or get in touch with our service coordinator at adas@delwp.vic.gov.au or by calling 03 9412 4057.