How many apartments can I build on my site?

Dwelling density depends on site size, zone, setbacks, car parking, and Clause 55 (ResCode) requirements. As a rough guide, GRZ sites typically achieve 1 apartment per 150-200m² of land. A feasibility report provides exact numbers for your specific site.

Home / Services / Small Apartments

Complex Projects

Small Apartment Architects Melbourne

3-4 storey apartment designs that navigate complex planning requirements with precision. Deep experience with NRZ/GRZ/RGZ requirements, ResCode compliance, and the nuances that make or break apartment approvals.

98% Approval Rate

210+ Projects Delivered

15+ Years Experience

3-4 Storeys

Book Free Strategy Call Explore Case Studies

Sammi Lian Principal Architect · ARBV Reg. 18578

Key Facts

SQM Architects has delivered over 210 development projects across Melbourne with a 98% planning approval rate. Our team of ARBV-registered architects brings 15+ years of experience navigating Victorian planning requirements, helping developers across Melbourne's suburbs realise value from their sites.

Why Apartments Require Specialist Expertise

Small apartment developments face significantly more complex planning hurdles than townhouses or dual occupancies. The difference between approval and refusal often comes down to navigating subtle requirements that less experienced architects miss.

ResCode compliance across multiple criteria simultaneously
Building height and setback calculations in different zones
Car parking ratios and basement design
Private open space and communal area requirements
Overshadowing and overlooking controls
Neighbourhood character considerations

Our deep experience means we anticipate these issues in design—not after council refuses your application.

Small apartment developments require a fundamentally different approach to townhouses. Height controls, overlooking requirements, and basement parking design all interact in complex ways. Getting the balance right from day one is what separates projects that sail through approval from those that get caught in endless negotiations.

Sammi Lian Principal Architect, ARBV Reg. 18578 — on small apartment development

Our Expertise

What Sets Our Apartment Practice Apart

Zone Expertise

Deep knowledge of NRZ, GRZ, and RGZ requirements across Melbourne suburbs. We know exactly what each zone allows.

Height Optimisation

Maximise your envelope within height controls. We design to extract every permissible floor area your site allows.

Basement Design

Efficient basement car parking layouts that meet requirements without blowing your construction budget.

BESS Compliance

Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard requirements integrated into design from day one.

Council Relationships

Established relationships with Melbourne suburban councils. We know what they want and how to present it.

Value Engineering

Construction-conscious design that protects your margins without compromising approval chances.

Common Questions

Apartment Development FAQs

Under the Victorian Planning Provisions, General Residential Zone (GRZ) allows up to 3 storeys/11m under Clause 55. Residential Growth Zone (RGZ) allows 4+ storeys depending on schedule. Some NRZ sites may suit smaller apartment projects where specified in the schedule. Our consultation will confirm what's achievable for your specific site.

Dwelling density depends on site size, zone, setbacks, car parking, and Clause 55 (ResCode) requirements including private open space, overshadowing, and overlooking controls. As a rough guide, GRZ sites typically achieve 1 apartment per 150-200m² of land. Our feasibility report provides exact numbers for your site.

Usually yes for apartment developments. Clause 52.06 of the VPP sets car parking requirements, with apartments generally requiring 1-2 spaces per dwelling plus visitor parking. We design efficient basement layouts that meet requirements while minimising excavation costs. Some activity centre sites may have reduced parking requirements under Clause 52.06-5.

Under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, councils have statutory timeframes of 60 days for standard applications. Apartment approvals typically take longer due to complexity and advertising requirements. We manage the entire process and work to minimise delays through thorough pre-application preparation and council engagement.