The Victorian Government announced in February 2025 significant changes to the Planning System. 

The changes include updating residential multi-unit development standards (formally ResCode now called Townhouse and Low-Rise Code) as well as introducing new four storey apartment standards. 

These changes are intended to facilitate development and meet the state imposed housing targets. The changes will implement deemed to comply rules for infill multi dwellings and small scale multi development apartments of 3 storeys or less. The deemed to comply provisions will result in codification of development standards contained within the Planning Scheme. These changes are a significant shift from how medium density development has historically been considered and assessed by local councils and will have an impact on the communities ability to be involved in planning decisions.

Below are links to the relevant State Government information and planning controls as they relate to these changes.