Overview
The Better Apartments Design Standards improve the liveability and sustainability of apartments across Victoria. The standards set out how apartments can be designed to provide good functional places to live.
The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that apartments deliver diverse and affordable housing options to meet the long-term needs of the Victorian community.
The next phase of the Better Apartment Design Standards will make sure apartment developments have a positive impact on their local area.
The proposed external amenity standards will address:
- green space
- building appearance
- wind impacts
- street interface
- construction impacts
Read more about Better Apartments in Neighbourhoods
Submissions are now closed
Submissions closed on Friday 27 September 2019 at 5.00pm.
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Have your say
Find out how to get involved and have your say on specific planning reviews
Status: Closed
Better Apartments in Neighbourhoods
The government has announced changes to the planning rules for apartment developments, with a focus on the relationship between new apartment developments and the amenity of existing neighbourhoods.
Public Exhibition
Submissions opens on
12.00am - Thursday 01 August 2019
Submissions close on
5.00pm - Friday 27 September 2019
These changes build on the Better Apartments Design Standards in the Victoria Planning Provisions, which were introduced by the government in 2017 to improve the internal design of new apartments and make them more liveable and sustainable.
In order to deliver on this commitment, a discussion paper has been prepared which proposes some potential changes to the Better Apartments Design Standards and the Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria.
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.
Better Apartments Phase 3
As part of the next phase of the better Apartments program, the department in partnership with the Office of the Victorian Government Architect has commenced engagement with targeted industry groups to gain a better understanding of the current challenges of delivering apartment buildings in the middle ring suburbs. A summary of the Industry's feedback is provided in the links below:
Further engagement with stakeholders is proposed in 2020.
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.