The zoning system used for all land in Victoria is about to get a major shake-up, with existing Residential zones 1, 2 and 3 being deleted and replaced with the ‘General residential’ zone, ‘Residential Growth’ Zone and the ‘Neighbourhood residential’ zone.
Local councils have until the 1st of July to implement the new zones, with The City of Glen Eira and The City of Greater Dandenong having already implemented the zones.
The effect of the new zones is to create clearly defined areas for development and to restrict development in areas not desired by council. In real terms residential development will become more difficult to realise because of an anticipated overuse of the ‘Neighbourhood residential’ zone. Development in this zone is restricted to single dwellings and dual occupancies. Building height is also restricted at 8m. At the other end of the spectrum is the ‘Residential Growth’ zone which gives clear preference to medium density developments and increased housing. Developments of up to 4 storeys or 13.5m are likely to be supported and certain applications may be denied a permit because of perceived under-development. Land earmarked for the ‘Residential Growth’ zone is likely to be restricted to activity centres, close to train stations and the like.
You can find more information on changes to residential zones at
