Insights Library
Amendment VC282 – a codified Clause 54
Introduction
Following in the footsteps of the Town House and Low-Rise Code (Code) introduced via Amendment VC267, Amendment VC282 which was gazetted into Victorian Planning Schemes on 11 August 2025 (and which comes into operation on 8 September 2025) seeks to streamline the planning approvals process for single dwellings, and small second dwellings on lots under 300 square metres in size.
Clause 54 has now been expanded to include improved standards focusing on liveability, external amenity and sustainability for single dwellings or small second dwellings.
How does it work?
Like the Code, where an application meets the codified standards at Clause 54 of the Planning Scheme, it will have been ‘deemed to comply’ with the corresponding objective such that no further assessment is required by a decision maker.
Importantly, where all of the ‘deemed to comply’ standards are met in respect of an application for a single dwelling, or small second dwelling, the application will be fast tracked through the VicSmart assessment pathway which a committed 10-day decision timeframe.
When does the new Clause 54 apply?
The new Clause 54 will apply to any application in a residential zone (except for the Low Density Residential Zone) to construct or extend a single dwelling, or a small second dwelling on a lot less than 300 square metres.
Relevantly, where local schedules to a residential zone control sought to impose more restrictive variations to the standards (for example, in respect of street setback, private open space and site coverage), those variations have been removed.
