Do you know how the new minimum garden requirement is calculated and how it could affect your proposed development?
" It specifies the percentage of a site that should be retained to ensure the open garden character of suburbs is protected. This does not include a residential building, associated driveway or area set aside for parking."
Where does it apply
It applies to properties in the Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NZR) and General Residential Zone (GRZ).
When does it apply
when constructing or extending a residential building
when subdividing land to create a lot less than 400 square metres
How much garden area must be retained
When land is subdivided to create smaller lots capable of residential development in the NRZ and GRZ an area of 25% must be set aside on each vacant lot less than 400 square meters.
If constructing or extending a residential building in a NRZ or GRZ the garden area set aside should be:
25% for a lot 400-500sqm
30% for a lot above 500-600sqm
35% for a lot greater than 650sqm
What defines a garden area
Any area on a site with a minimum dimension of 1 metre that does not include:
1) a dwelling or residential building, except for
any eave that does not exceed 600mm
pergola
unroofed terraces, patios, decks, steps or landings less than 800mm in height
a basement which doesnt project above ground level
any outbuilding not exceeding 10sqm
domestic services normal to a residential building
2) a driveway
3) area set aside for parking
Ref: Planning Victoria. For further information and easy to follow diagrams go to planning.vic.gov.au or contact us to find out more.