Victoria’s Big Building Push objectives Small plots with approval times that are cut – realestate.com.au

A new change can make it easier for Victorians to build houses on smaller plots in the entire state.

The Victorian government has announced the single home code, a state -wide change to streamline approvals for a few houses and small second homes on plots below 300 square meters.

The change is part of larger reforms that the government undertakes to improve the planning systems and to stimulate housing stock throughout the state.

According to Victoria’s minister for planning Sonya Kilkenny, this new code will cut bureaucracy that causes delays to have more houses built.

Under the current planning system, the government said that homeowners often have to deal with delays due to long -term processes, paperwork and calls.

With this new change, a new house can be “deemed to comply with”, which means that it will be approved without further assessment if it meets updated standards. These include requirements for setbacks, tree canopy, access to solar energy and street facilities.

Affected neighbors are informed and can give feedback, but there are no VCAT calls or delays if the standards are met.

The changes build on the current 10-day VICSMART FAST-track process, which aims to offer a quick and efficient approval process for simple planning applications.

The code applies to all living zones in the entire state.

“This is another way in which we let our planning system say ‘yes’ yes against well-designed houses, yes to more houses, and yes to people who get the most out of the country they already have,” said Mrs. Kilkenny.

“If your proposal meets the standards, you should be able to continue and build. That is what these changes make – faster decisions, less stress and more houses we need them.”

This code builds on a similar approach such as streamlining approvals for mansions.

Announced in February 2025, the government introduced the mansion and the low -rise code to stimulate faster approvals from new houses up to three floors.

It also outlines similar standards that these houses must meet, including setbacks and tree coverage, the size of bedrooms and access to sunlight.

Just like the single home code, affected neighbors can comment on applications, but there will be no professions if the standards are met.

As part of the announcement, the government said that it is currently working on new reforms for mid-rise homes between four and six floors, with a consultation to start with industrial authorities and councils.

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