Residential Development Applications

Whether you’re building a second dwelling, planning townhouses, or developing a vacant lot, securing a planning permit for residential development can be complex, particularly with changing ResCode standards and local Council expectations.

At EDQ Town Planning, we specialise in delivering practical, planning-led residential development approvals across metropolitan and regional Victoria. We help you navigate zoning, overlays, design requirements, and Council processes to get your project moving faster with fewer surprises.

What We Cover

Our residential development application services include:

• New dwelling applications (vacant or developed land)
• Dual occupancy proposals (second dwelling on the same lot)
• Townhouse and medium density developments
• Multi-dwelling developments (three or more)
• Permit-required extensions or additions
• Siting variations and design assessment
• Pre-application meetings and Council liaison
• Clause 55 ResCode compliance assessments
• Preparation of site context plans, shadow diagrams, and application documentation

We understand the balancing act of meeting planning requirements while delivering viable design outcomes, and we work closely with your designer or architect to get the best result.

ResCode, Overlays & Council Policy

Navigating residential development isn’t just about the zone. It’s also about:

• Clause 55 ResCode standards — covering setbacks, site coverage, garden area, overlooking, overshadowing, open space and more
• Design and Development Overlays (DDO) — prescribing height limits, materials, and siting controls
• Environmental overlays — such as Bushfire (BMO), Vegetation (ESO), Inundation (LSIO), and more
• Neighbourhood character policies — often subjective, but frequently used by Councils to push back
• Car parking provisions (Clause 52.06)
• Native vegetation removal triggers (Clause 52.17)
• Access to roads in Transport Zones (Clause 52.29)

We identify these issues early and provide honest, strategic advice on the likelihood of Council support, and how best to address potential objections.

Why Use EDQ for Your Planning Application?

• ResCode Experts — We understand the latest ResCode standards and how to justify variations where needed
• Strong Council Relationships — We work across regional and metro Councils and know what they expect
• Efficient Documentation — Full application packages, including town planning reports and referral coordination
• Visual Clarity — Site context plans, garden area diagrams, SPOS diagrams and overshadowing prepared in-house
• Flexible Approach — Whether you have a designer or need drafting support, we can tailor our services to suit
• Transparent Pricing — No hidden extras or vague deliverables

Common Triggers for a Planning Permit

You may need a planning permit if:

• You’re building a second dwelling or dual occupancy
• Your zone is NRZ, GRZ, or MUZ and the proposal exceeds specified triggers
• Your land is affected by a Design and Development Overlay (DDO)
• You’re proposing two or more dwellings on a lot
• Your land is smaller than the minimum lot size in a Rural Living or Farming Zone
• You’re within a Bushfire Prone Area (BMO) and can’t meet the exemptions
• You’re relying on access via a Transport Zone 2 (VicRoads)
• You’re removing vegetation covered by Clause 52.17

We’ll determine exactly what applies to your site and provide a clear scope of works. No guesswork.

End-to-End Support

Our residential development service typically includes:

• Site review and strategic advice
• Full town planning report
• Clause 55 ResCode assessment
• Application coordination (Council, referral authorities)
• Liaison with subconsultants (e.g. BMS, LCA, traffic)
• Site context plan and technical drawing support (if required)
• RFI response support and post-lodgement management

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re unsure whether your project needs a permit, or just want to get the process started, we can help. From simple second dwellings to more complex multi-unit developments, EDQ Town Planning delivers strategic advice, clear documentation, and reliable project support.

Contact us today to discuss your project and request a fee proposal.