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Amendment VC288: A Faster Approvals for Dual Occupancies, Townhouses, and Two-lot Subdivisions in Victoria

Amendment VC288: A Faster Approvals for Dual Occupancies, Townhouses, and Two-lot Subdivisions in Victoria

Amendment VC288: Faster Approvals for Small Housing Developments

Amendment VC288 expands the VicSmart fast-track process to cover dual occupancies, two-townhouse developments, and two-lot subdivisions. It is a major change to Victoria’s planning system.

The amendment was gazetted on 12 September 2025 and takes effect on 16 October 2025. It gives landowners and developers a faster and simpler way to secure a planning permit for small-scale residential development.  

Amendment VC288 – Chinese Version (中文版)
Overview of Amendment VC288

What is Amendment VC288?

VC288 expands the VicSmart fast-track assessment process to include: 

  • Two Dwellings on a Lot

    Two dwellings on a lot in residential zones (subject to compliance with Clause 55 – ResCode).

  • Two-lot Subdivisions

    Two-lot subdivisions where a valid permit exists for up to two dwellings and key conditions are met.

It also makes minor operational and technical corrections to keep planning provisions consistent and up to date. 

Why Was Amendment VC288 Introduced?

Why was it introduced?

VC288 responds to the National Housing Accord and Victoria’s Housing Statement (2024–2034). Both recognise that Victoria’s housing supply needs to grow faster to keep up with demand. 

The amendment supports this by: 

  • Reducing delays in planning approvals.

  • Making the approval process simpler for small housing projects.

  • Ensuring councils still assess against amenity, environmental, and heritage safeguards.

Highlights of Amendment VC288

Key Features of VC288

  • Two Dwellings on a lot

    Developments can be assessed under VicSmart if they comply with critical Clause 55 standards (including setbacks, building height, site coverage, solar access, and overshadowing controls).

    Zones included:

    • ✓ Mixed Use Zone (MUZ)
    • ✓ Township Zone (TZ)
    • ✓ Residential Growth Zone (RGZ)
    • ✓ General Residential Zone (GRZ)
    • ✓ Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ)
    • ✓ Housing Choice and Transport Zone (HCTZ)

  • Two-lot Subdivision

    Subdivision into two lots can also proceed under VicSmart where:

    • ✓ A valid permit exists for up to two dwellings.
    • ✓ Each lot will contain either an existing dwelling or one permitted by the earlier approval.
    • ✓ A public open space contribution is provided.

    Applies across the same residential zones plus selected overlays (Heritage, Environmental Significance, Design & Development, Built Form, Special Building).

  • VicSmart Operational Updates

    • ✓ The minimum garden area, maximum building height, and public open space contribution rules apply as normal — no loopholes.
    • ✓ A technical correction has been made to the Housing Choice and Transport Zone regarding domestic animal husbandry.
PPC Urban Implication for You

What this means for you

For landowners, developers, and service operators (such as childcare, healthcare, aged care, and housing providers), VC288 creates: 

  • 10-day turnaround — eligible permits can be processed in 10 business days. 
  • No advertising — applications aren’t publicly exhibited. 
  • Simpler requirements — councils can only consider pre-set information. 
  • Consistency — the same Clause 55 standards apply whether assessed under VicSmart or the standard process. 
We are here to help you

Our take at PPC Urban

While the amendment doesn’t change the substantive planning rules, it significantly improves the speed and certainty of getting approvals for small-scale residential projects. 

This is particularly relevant if you are considering: 

  • Building a dual occupancy (two dwellings on one lot). 
  • Subdividing your land into two lots. 
  • Delivering housing as part of a broader care or community service project. 

We see VC288 as an opportunity for landowners and operators to unlock value and deliver housing faster, while still navigating Victoria’s planning requirements with confidence. 

We are here to help you

Need advice?

At PPC Urban, we specialise in guiding clients through planning changes like VC288. If you’re considering a dual occupancy or two-lot subdivision, we can: 

  • Assess if your project qualifies for VicSmart. 
  • Prepare and manage your planning application. 
  • Ensure compliance with Clause 55 and overlay controls. 
  • Streamline your path from concept to permit.