ResCode is Victoria’s set of residential development standards, set out in Clauses 54, 55, 56 and 58 of the Victoria Planning Provisions. It governs how single dwellings, dual occupancies, townhouses and apartments are designed and sited — covering setbacks, site coverage, building height, overlooking, overshadowing, private open space and landscaping. Meeting ResCode is central to obtaining a planning permit for residential development in Victoria.
For anyone planning a residential development in Victoria, understanding ResCode early can be the difference between a smooth approval and costly delays. This guide explains what ResCode is, the standards it sets, how it applies to different residential building types, and how to apply for a variation where a site cannot meet a standard.
This is general information about Victorian planning, not legal or planning advice — the standards that apply depend on your zone, any overlays, and the specifics of your site.
What is ResCode?
ResCode – short for Residential Code – is a set of planning standards and guidelines that aim to ensure new buildings and renovations are built to a high quality and are appropriate for the local residential area.
Understanding ResCode – How it Works
ResCode is a planning policy used to guide residential development in Victoria. It is set out in Clauses 54, 55, 56, and 58 of the Victoria Planning Provisions.
- Clause 54 outlines the requirements for the design and siting of single dwellings.
- Clause 55 outlines the requirements for other types of residential developments, such as multi-unit and townhouse buildings.
- Clause 56 outlines the requirements for residential subdivision.
- Clause 58 outlines the requirements for apartment developments. This clause applies to developments containing three or more dwellings.
They cover a range of issues, including setbacks, site coverage, height, landscaping, parking, and more on the residential site.
On top of the requirements for different residential building types, ResCode also covers residential development provisions, neighbourhood character requirements, and sustainability performance requirements.
The standards set out in ResCode are used to assess planning permit applications, and developers and builders must address these standards when constructing new buildings or renovating existing ones.
Standards of ResCode
ResCode sets a range of standards and objectives to be met when building or renovating a property in Victoria.
These standards cover a range of issues, including:
- Setbacks: ResCode requires buildings to be set back from the street and neighbouring properties to provide adequate space and privacy.
- Height: Buildings must be within a certain height to ensure they are in keeping with the surrounding area.
- Landscaping: ResCode requires the inclusion of landscaping to help new developments provide a green and attractive environment.
- Parking: Adequate parking must be provided for new developments to ensure sufficient space for residents and visitors.
- Coverage and Permeability: Specifies the maximum amount of the site that a building can cover and the minimum permeable area required. This helps the site retain space for vegetation and stormwater management.
- Energy efficiency: Sets energy efficiency standards for new developments, including requirements for insulation, glazing, and heating and cooling.
- Fencing: Sets out requirements for the design, materials, and height of fences on the front, rear, and side boundaries of a property.
- Private open space and secluded private open space: New developments require adequate private open space, providing outdoor areas for residents in privacy.
- Significant trees: Requires retaining and protecting significant trees on the site to preserve biodiversity and landscape values.
- The extent of a wall on the boundary: Requires a wall on the boundary not to exceed certain height and length limits, to protect the amenity of neighbouring properties.
- Daylight to existing windows: Helps ensure that new developments do not unduly reduce the daylight that existing windows receive.
- North-facing windows: Addresses north-facing windows in new developments so the building receives adequate natural light and warmth.
- Overshadowing open space: Sets requirements so new developments do not unduly overshadow adjacent open spaces, such as parks or playgrounds.
- Overlooking: Requires new developments to be designed to minimise overlooking and protect privacy for neighbouring properties.
- Daylight to new windows: Addresses adequate daylight in habitable rooms to create a comfortable and healthy living environment.
- Solar access to open space: Addresses solar access to private open space and habitable rooms for a comfortable and energy-efficient living environment.
- Design detail: Addresses design elements such as facade articulation, window and door proportion, roof form, and material selection so new developments are compatible with the surrounding environment.
Not every site can perfectly meet each standard, and some may require an alternative approach. This is where you may need to apply for a ResCode variation, usually after discussing it with your architect or planning consultant.
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How to apply for a ResCode variation?
If you cannot meet a ResCode standard for your development, you may need to apply for a variation.
The process for applying for a variation depends on your local council, but in general it involves the following steps:
- Contact your local council to discuss your proposal and determine whether a variation is necessary.
- Lodge the application with any supporting documentation and the required application fee.
- The council assesses your application and determines whether the variation is appropriate, having regard to the relevant objectives.
- If your application is successful, the council confirms the terms of the variation granted.
Where a variation is granted, it is worth considering the feasibility of implementing it before your development plan is finalised.
How do I know which objective applies to my site?
Property Information Request (Regulation 51)
The Property Information Request form provides information about the property you intend to develop, including its location, size, and zoning. It also includes details about any existing buildings on the property and any relevant planning overlays or other restrictions.
If you are purchasing a property, this information usually comes with the Section 32 Sale of Land statement.
If you are looking to develop a property you own, your architect or town planner can obtain the property information and prepare a planning report responding to the planning objectives for your application.
FAQs about ResCode
1. What is ResCode Victoria?
ResCode is Victoria’s set of residential development standards, set out in Clauses 54, 55, 56 and 58 of the Victoria Planning Provisions. It provides standards and objectives that planning permit applications for residential development are assessed against, covering matters such as setbacks, site coverage, height, overlooking, overshadowing and private open space.
2. What is the difference between ResCode Clause 54 and 55?
ResCode Clause 54 outlines the requirements for the design and siting of single dwellings. ResCode Clause 55 outlines the requirements for other types of residential development, such as multi-unit dwellings and townhouses. Clause 54 is specific to single dwellings and has slightly different requirements, such as minimum garden area, setbacks, and street frontage.
3. What are Clauses 54 and 55, and are they in all planning schemes in Victoria?
Clauses 54 and 55 are planning provisions in the Victoria Planning Provisions (VPP) that apply across planning schemes in Victoria. These provisions set out the standards and objectives that developers and builders address when building or renovating residential properties in Victoria.
4. Does a subdivision have to meet ResCode?
Residential subdivision is assessed against Clause 56 of ResCode, and any dwellings later built on the new lots must meet the relevant ResCode standards (Clause 54 or 55). For a full walkthrough of the subdivision process, see our guide on how to subdivide land in Victoria.
SQM Architects – ResCode Guidance in Victoria
If you are planning a residential development in Victoria, addressing ResCode early can reduce approval risk. Working with a registered architect can help you navigate the ResCode standards that apply to your site and the broader planning scheme.
SQM Architects is a registered architectural practice based in Victoria (ARBV Reg. No. 51498). We have years of experience designing residential developments that respond to ResCode and the wider planning scheme, and we can help you understand the standards that apply to your project.
We provide consultations and guidance throughout the development process so your project addresses the relevant planning requirements from the earliest design stage.
Book a free consultation with us to discuss how ResCode applies to your residential development.
This article provides general information about Victorian planning only, not personal, legal or planning advice. For project-specific guidance, consult qualified professionals.
What Is ResCode? (In One Sentence)
ResCode is the common name for Victoria’s residential development standards — the objectives and standards in Clause 54 (one dwelling on a lot) and Clause 55 (two or more dwellings and residential buildings) of every Victorian planning scheme. It sets out how proposals are assessed on matters such as building height, street and side setbacks, site coverage, permeability, private open space and overlooking. Meeting the ResCode standards is central to obtaining a planning permit for most residential development in Victoria.
Related: site coverage, setbacks, and permeability under ResCode.
