Rescode Decoded: Essential for Victoria’s Residential Developments

If you’re planning a property development venture in Victoria, understanding Rescode is essential!

Rescode is a set of planning standards and guidelines designed to ensure that new residential developments in Victoria are high quality and appropriate for the local area. Compliance with Rescode is mandatory, and failure to comply can result in delays or rejection of your planning permit application.

But what exactly is Rescode, and how does it work? 

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about Rescode in Victoria, including its standards, forms, and how to apply for a variation. 

We’ll also answer frequently asked questions about Rescode and introduce the ultimate fix to meet Rescode standards. 

So let’s explore the world of Rescode in Victoria!

What is Rescode?

Rescode – aka Residential Code – is a set of planning standards and guidelines that ensure that 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 development in Victoria and other states of Australia. It is set out in Clauses 54, 55, 56, and 58 of the Victorian 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 developments in areas with a neighbourhood character overlay. A neighbourhood character overlay is a planning scheme overlay applied to areas with a distinct character, such as heritage buildings, streetscapes, or landscapes. The overlay aims to protect and enhance the character of the area.
• Clause 58 outlines the requirements for apartment developments. This clause applies to developments containing three or more dwellings and not in an area with a neighbourhood character overlay.

They cover a range of issues, including setbacks, site coverage, height, landscaping, parking, etc., on the residential site.

On top of the requirement for different residential building types, the 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 comply with these standards when constructing new buildings or renovating existing ones.

Standards of a Rescode 

Rescode sets a range of standards/objectives to be met when building or renovating a property in Victoria. 

These standards cover a range of issues, including:

• Setbacks: Rescode requires buildings removed from the street and neighboring properties to provide adequate space and privacy.
  
• Height: Buildings must be at most a certain height to ensure they are in keeping with the surrounding area.
  
• Landscaping: Rescode requires the inclusion of landscaping to ensure that new developments are visually appealing and provide a green and attractive environment.
  
• Parking: Adequate parking must be provided for new developments to ensure sufficient space for residents and visitors to park their vehicles.
  
• Coverage and Permeability: Specifies the maximum amount of the site area that a building and the minimum amount of permeable area required can cover. This ensures that the site has adequate space for vegetation, stormwater management and provides a comfortable living environment.
  
• Energy efficiency: Sets energy efficiency standards for new developments to ensure they are environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient. This includes requirements for insulation, glazing, and heating and cooling systems.
  
• Fencing: Sets out requirements for the design, materials, and height of fences in front, rear, and side boundaries of a property. This ensures that fences are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.
  
• Private open space and Secluded private open space: All new developments require adequate private open space and secluded private open space. This provides outdoor areas for residents to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings in privacy.
  
• Significant tree: Requires retaining and protecting significant trees on the site to preserve biodiversity and landscape values.
  
• The extent of the wall on the boundary: Requires a wall on the boundary not to exceed certain height and length limitations to ensure the privacy and amenity of neighboring properties.
  
• Daylight to existing windows: Ensures that new developments do not reduce the daylight that existing windows receive.
  
• North-facing windows: Requires a certain percentage of north-facing windows in new developments to ensure that the building receives adequate natural light and warmth.
  
• Overshadowing open space: Set requirements to ensure that new developments do not overshadow adjacent open spaces, such as parks or playgrounds.
  
• Overlooking: Requires that new developments are designed to minimise overlooking to ensure privacy for neighboring properties.
  
• Daylight to new windows: Ensures that new developments have adequate daylight in all habitable rooms to create a comfortable and healthy living environment.
  
• Solar access to open space: Ensures that new developments provide adequate solar access to private open space and habitable rooms to create a comfortable and energy-efficient living environment.
  
• Design details: Requires careful consideration of design elements such as facade articulation, window and door proportion, roof form, and material selection to ensure that new developments are visually appealing and compatible with the surrounding environment.
  

However, as we emphasised earlier, not all locations for property development can perfectly fit into these standards and may require alternate guidelines. This is where you’ll have to apply for a Rescode variation after discussing it with your architects or property consultants.

How to apply for a Rescode variation?

If you cannot meet the Rescode standards for your development, you may need to apply for a Rescode variation.

The process for applying for a variation will depend on your local council, but in general, it will involve the following steps:

1. Contact your local council to discuss your requirements and determine whether a Rescode variation is necessary.
   
2. Apply for a Rescode variation, any supporting documentation, and the required application fee.
   
3. The council will assess your application and determine whether a variation is appropriate. It usually takes a 15-day timeframe after all documents are submitted to get a decision.
   
4. If your application is successful, the council will provide you with the details of the variation granted.
   

While the local council is responsible for providing you with new Rescode guidelines, you must consider the feasibility of implementing them and stick to them after your property development plan is approved.

How do I know which objective applies to my site?

Property Information Request (Regulation 51)

The Property Information request form is crucial to the planning permit application process. This 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 new property, it usually comes with the Section 32 Sale of Land document. 

If you want to sell an owned property, your conveyancer can complete this application and obtain the property information.

Suppose you are looking to develop an owned property. In that case, your architect or town planner can obtain the property information and produce a planning report in response to the planning objectives for your planning application.

FAQs about Rescode

1. What is ResCode Victoria?

The purpose of Rescode is to ensure that new developments in Victoria are of high quality and are appropriate for the local area. It provides standards and guidelines for developers and builders, ensures that new buildings and renovations are visually appealing and safe, and provides adequate amenities.

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. In contrast, ResCode Clause 55 outlines the requirements for other types of residential developments, such as multi-unit dwellings and apartment buildings. Clause 54 is more 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 to all planning schemes in Victoria. These provisions set out the standards and guidelines that developers and builders must comply with when building or renovating properties in Victoria.

SQM Architects – Consult the Experts in Victoria

If you plan development in Victoria, ensure your project complies with Rescode. Consulting with experienced and reputable architects can help you navigate the Rescode requirements and ensure that your development meets the standards and guidelines set out by your local council.

SQM Architects is a team of experienced and innovative architects based in Victoria. Our years of experience designing and constructing high-quality developments that comply with Rescode and other planning regulations enables us to suggest the best possible solutions to make your property ventures profitable and successful!

As property development experts in Victoria, we provide consultations and guidance throughout the development process to ensure that your project meets your needs and is of the highest quality.

Book a free consultation with us and learn more about how you can implement Rescodes to get your property development project approved on the best terms.