Local Planning Expertise

Boroondara Council Architects

Specialists in Boroondara's heritage controls and character requirements. Expert navigation of Melbourne's most prestigious council area.

98% Approval Rate
210+ Projects Delivered
67% Repeat Client Rate
15+ Years Experience
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BOROONDARA PLANNING AT A GLANCE Reviewed July 2026
Planning scheme
Boroondara Planning Scheme
Most mapped residential zones
GRZ5 (48), NRZ3 (44), HCTZ2 (41), HCTZ1 (33), GRZ4 (29)
Distinct overlays in force
813 overlay schedules across 1,350 mapped areas
Most mapped overlay types
Heritage Overlay (HO, 794); Design and Development Overlay (DDO, 168); Parking Overlay (PO, 114); Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO, 60); Environmental Audit Overlay (EAO, 59)

Counts are of mapped planning areas in the Boroondara Planning Scheme, from Victorian Government spatial data. They show which controls are most widely mapped, not how much land each covers — one large overlay may cover more ground than hundreds of small ones. Your own site's controls are what govern it.

Sammi Lian, Principal Architect
Sammi Lian Principal Architect · ARBV Reg. 18578
Key Facts

SQM Architects has delivered over 210 residential development projects across Melbourne's suburbs with a 98% planning approval rate. Our team has 15+ years of experience navigating Boroondara Council's heritage controls and neighbourhood character requirements, with a 67% repeat client rate.

Local Knowledge

Why Boroondara Council Expertise Matters

Boroondara is Melbourne's most complex planning environment with extensive heritage controls and stringent neighbourhood character requirements. Success requires architects who understand both the written policies and the council's design expectations.

Our approved Boroondara projects demonstrate our ability to achieve development outcomes while respecting the area's valued character.

Boroondara-Specific Challenges We Navigate:

  • Extensive Heritage Overlay (HO) coverage
  • Neighbourhood Character Overlay precincts
  • Significant tree protection requirements
  • Strict building height limitations
  • Design and Development Overlay areas
"
Boroondara's heritage overlays require architects who understand both the planning framework and the council's design expectations. Our 98% approval rate demonstrates that successful development is absolutely possible—it just requires the right expertise.
Sammi Lian, Principal Architect
Sammi Lian Principal Architect, ARBV Reg. 18578 — on developing in Boroondara
Service Areas

Boroondara Suburbs We Service

Our Services

Development Services for Boroondara

Dual Occupancy

Heritage-sensitive dual occupancy designs respecting Boroondara's character requirements.

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Townhouses

Boutique townhouse developments designed for Boroondara's prestige market.

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Apartments

Luxury apartment developments near Camberwell and Hawthorn activity centres.

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Common Questions

Boroondara Planning FAQs

Heritage overlays require careful design that respects the significance of the original building and streetscape. Development is possible but requires expertise in heritage guidelines. We've successfully delivered many projects in heritage areas by working closely with council heritage advisers.
Yes, dual occupancy is possible in NRZ zones but requires larger lots (typically 800m²+) and careful attention to neighbourhood character. Our free site assessment confirms exactly what's achievable on your specific block.
Boroondara has strict tree protection policies with requirements for canopy replacement and deep soil planting. We design around significant trees where possible and incorporate landscaping that meets council expectations for tree canopy coverage.
Planning Resources

Official Boroondara Planning Information

Boroondara Council Planning Portal

Official planning and building information, permit requirements, and lodgement details.

Visit Council Website

Boroondara Planning Scheme

Full planning scheme ordinance including zones, overlays, and local policies.

View Planning Scheme

Victorian Planning Guides

State government planning guides including ResCode, heritage guidelines, and application requirements.

View Planning Guides

Planning Scheme Amendments

Latest Victorian planning scheme amendments and reform updates affecting residential development.

View Amendments

Planning a Boroondara Development?

Get a free site assessment and find out exactly what's achievable on your Boroondara property.

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