Residential Development & ResCode Plans (Clause 54 & 55)

Expert Drafting for Victorian Residential Developments

Whether you’re proposing a single home, dual occupancy, or multi-townhouse development, almost all residential planning applications in Victoria must comply with ResCode — a set of residential development standards defined under Clause 54 and Clause 55 of every planning scheme.

At Red Line Plans Victoria, we specialise in preparing clear, compliant, and council-ready plan sets for ResCode-assessable developments. Our drafting team understands both the technical requirements and the design challenges that arise when navigating neighbourhood character, building height limits, setbacks, and amenity protection.

What Are ResCode Plans?

ResCode (Residential Code) refers to the set of design standards that govern most residential developments in Victoria. Depending on your proposal, you’ll need to comply with:

• Clause 54 – for single dwellings on a lot
• Clause 55 – for two or more dwellings (e.g. dual occs, townhouses)
• Clause 56 – for subdivision layout (applies in some cases too)

Our plan packages are tailored to match these requirements and support fast, effective planning assessments by council.

Our ResCode Drafting Services Include:

• Site analysis and context plans
  Neighbourhood and site description (Clause 54.01 / 55.01)
• Proposed development plans
  Including site layout, setbacks, SPOS, garden area, permeability
• Street elevation and neighbourhood character response
  Visual impact and integration into existing built form
• Overshadowing diagrams
  For compliance with relevant standards and amenity protection
• Daylight and solar access plans
  Showing compliance with north-facing window and private open space standards
• Car parking layouts and swept paths
  Ensuring compliance with Clause 52.06 (Car Parking)
• SPOS & Garden Area Plans
  Required to satisfy ResCode’s minimum open space thresholds
• Fence, boundary, and overlooking diagrams
  Including screening heights
• Subdivision-ready layouts
  Where dwellings are proposed alongside lot creation

All drawings are tailored to your site and formatted to support planning applications or VicSmart processes.

Why Choose Red Line Plans Victoria?

• Specialist ResCode Knowledge – We understand the detail behind every clause
• Faster Turnaround – We work closely with your planner for minimal delays
• Local Council Familiarity – We draft with your municipality’s expectations in mind
• Drafting + Planning Integration – Seamless coordination if using our partner team (EDQ)

Whether you’re early in the concept stage or responding to Council RFI, our plans will meet the mark.

Common Projects We Support

• Single dwelling builds on GRZ / NRZ / LDRZ land
• Dual occupancy (dual occ) proposals
• Townhouse / multi-unit developments
• Small infill subdivisions with future dwelling envelopes
• Clause 54/55 permit applications in sensitive areas
• Amendment / redesigns to meet ResCode compliance
• Heritage projects

Need ResCode-Compliant Plans? Let’s Talk.

We prepare clear, compliant, and cost-effective plan packages for ResCode applications across Victoria. If you’re planning a residential development and need drafting that understands the planning controls, contact us today to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need ResCode plans for a dual occupancy?
Yes — any proposal for two or more dwellings on a lot must be assessed against Clause 55 (ResCode).

Q: Do you work with planning consultants or handle this yourself?
We work with your existing planner or can integrate directly with our town planning team (EDQ) for full-service support.

Q: What format do you supply plans in?
We provide PDF plan sets optimised for Council lodgement, plus editable CAD files on request.