TOWN PLANNING FOR A DUAL OCCUPANCY

• Check the land size and verify if it can be satisfied. Some Councils have minimum lot sizes

• Check the Zoning, the associated Schedule and Overlays to determine what type of building can be sited on the land

• Ascertain whether you can build a side by side duplex type dual occupancy ( minimum frontage ,may apply) or will it be one behind another if not a corner block

• Have the appropriate design  which should comply with Clause 55 and any other overlay which might burden the land- we have the capability to all design work in house

• Prepare a comprehensive written  Planning report- we are experts at framing the report

• Prepare other reports as required- Arborist, BAL and so on

• Submit the Application-  completed Application form, copy of title and covenant if any, drawings and report to Council with the prescribed fees ( currently just below $1500 for a typical dual occ which costs less than $1.06 million to build)

• Council accepts the Application and advises the Planning Officer who will assess the Application for the Dual Occupancy

• Within 28 days Council will send a Request for Further Information (RFI) with a lapse date

• The  Applicant responds with the appropriate  information- change in design, amendment to reports and so on

• If Council is satisfied the response is satisfactory, the Application is advertised- a sign in front of the property(within 1.5 from front boundary and easily seen ) for 14 days. Letters maybe sent to affected parties like neighbours

• These parties can object to the Application if they have an issue which should be Planning related.

• A mediation is called for if the objections are high with good planning content

• Council and its officers then  male a decision to grant a Permit or Refuse it. If there are objections then a Notice of Decision  to Grant a Permit  (NoD) is issued

• The Objectors have 14 days to appeal the NoD at the VCAT

• If no appeal is made Council issues a Permit

• If a Refusal is issued the Applicant can file an Application for Review at the VCAT,

• If a Permit is issued it will usually contain conditions

• Those conditions must be addressed and amended drawings submitted to Council for Endorsement.

• Once the drawings are endorsed( stamped) the Building Permit documentation can start.

• At that stage detailed architectural drawings are prepared in conjunction with other consultants- Structural, civil( drainage) engineers, soil report and energy report completed.

• The Building Surveyor ( or Council if you prefer) will examine the drawings and if satisfied issue a Building Permit.

• Further Constriction drawings can be done to provide more information to your builder.

• On completion of the build, the Building Surveyor ( or called Inspector) issues an Occupancy Certificate before you can move in and enjoy the Dual Occupancy development.

• Read about the Building Stages.

• You can apply for the subdivision once certain works are completed- connection of services to both dwellings, construction of cross over and other conditions Council will issue with your Application to subdivide the land.

•  We can assist you all the way with your Dual Occupancy. Ready to start? 

• Please fill in the form below and we will get back to you with 48 hours- First things first. Can you dual occupancy you land?

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