The Minister for Planning has announced a new code for secondary dwellings into the Victorian Planning Provisions which will see new planning rules allowing for the building of a small dwelling, either detached or attached, to an existing dwelling on the same lot.

Amendment VC186, which was gazetted on 27 August 2020, will see the code first be introduced as a pilot program involving the following Local Government Areas:

  • City of Greater Bendigo
  • City of Kingston
  • City of Moreland
  • Shire of Murrindindi

The pilot program will run from August 2020 and conclude in March 2021. Data will be collected from the pilot program to understand whether any refinements and adjustments are needed before consideration is made for the code to be implemented in all Victorian planning schemes.

An important aspect of this new code is that secondary dwellings will be considered as a VicSmart class. This means that secondary dwelling applications will involve a 10-day planning permit process and are not advertised. This is significant as it will mean the quick turnaround of such applications compared to the usual standard 60-day planning permit process.

This announcement of a code for secondary dwellings is a significant advocacy win for Master Builders Victoria and its members. Master Builders Victoria have long advocated for changes in the state planning provisions to include as-of-right codified processes for a range of dwelling types that promote good density, such as secondary dwellings, through submissions and our presence in the Victorian government’s Smart Planning advisory group. Our advocacy for secondary dwellings is based on our view of it being a viable option to address Victoria’s housing affordability issues and rising population.

Master Builders Victoria encourages members operating in the designated four local government areas to educate clients on this new available housing option. A strong take-up of secondary dwellings will help ensure the success of the pilot program and therefore its consideration for all Victorian planning schemes. It may also provide a new pathway for the introduction of codes for other dwellings types that promote good density.

For information on Amendment VC186, please click here. Members can also obtain more information on the new secondary dwellings code by clicking here.