Explanation Of Structure Of Codes - For Consultation - Actpla Nov 2009

Territory Plan Review Review of Single Dwelling and Multi Unit Codes

Proposed Revised Structure Brief overview of review so far The priority codes identified for review are the: – Single Dwelling Housing Development Code – Multi Unit Housing Development Code – Residential Subdivision Development Code – Community Facility Zone Development Code The Territory Plan Review team have been looking at the current structure of the Single Dwelling and Multi Unit Housing Development Codes with the aim of simplifying them and making them easier to use. They currently contain duplication and area specific policies that are no longer relevant. The original concept considered was to combine the Single and Multi Unit Codes into the one code. However, initial feedback indicated that this was not the best way forward as it made the code overly complex for single dwelling developments. Overview of revised code structure The provisions contained in the current codes have been divided into four codes: the Residential Zones Development Code; the Multi Unit Housing Development Code; the Common Development Code and the Single Dwelling Development Code. The Residential Zones Development Code is the overarching code for residential zones that contains the references to the Single Dwelling and Multi Unit Codes, as well as to relevant precinct codes, previous L&Ds and the new Common Code. This code also includes provisions for the subdivision of blocks (e.g. one block into two) and provisions for other residential and nonresidential uses premitted in the RZ1 to RZ5 zones (currently in Part D of the Multi Unit Code such as habitable suites, guest houses, health facilities etc). The Multi Unit Housing Development Code contains the zone and development controls applicable to multi unit development in the ACT. It has been internally restructured to reduce repetition, to move ‘common provisions’ to the Common Development Code and to move the provisions for subdivision and other residential and non-residential uses to the Residential Zones Development Code. The revised code is divided into three parts covering development in RZ1-RZ4 (as well as CFZ), RZ5 and Commercial Zones. The first part has two sub-sections providing provisions for standard multi unit development as well as additional (or replacement) provisions for developments that are three storeys or more. The proposed Common Development Code contains 'common provisions' that are applicable to all development in the ACT. The code will initially apply to multi unit development and community facilities and will later apply to all other development as their codes are reviewed and simplified e.g. commercial codes, industrial codes etc. The common provisions are repeated in the Single Dwelling Development Code so that it can be a self-contained document.

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The Single Dwelling Housing Development Code contains all the zone and development controls applicable to single dwelling development. This self-contained format will ensure ease of use for single dwelling applicants and for exempt work.. The only additional controls for single housing are for blocks that have Precinct Codes and existing L&Ds. The diagram below illustrates the relationship between the codes i.e. which codes would need to be considered for a single dwelling or multi unit development.

Essentially a multi unit development is required to comply with the Residential Zones Development Code, the Multi Unit Housing Development Code, any relevant Precinct Code or existing L&Ds and the Common Development Code and the relevant General Codes (such as Parking and Vehicular Access). A single dwelling is required to comply with the Residential Zones Development Code, the Single Dwelling Housing Development Code and any relevant Precinct Code or existing L&Ds. There is no requirement for a single dwelling to consider the Common Development Code or the other General Codes. Current status of the draft codes As the initial focus has been on the simplification of the documents, the policy content within the draft codes is essentially the same as that in the current codes. The main focus of the targeted consultation is to test the usability of the new code structure to ensure that it is easier to use. While comments can be made on the policy content of the codes, it should be noted that this hasn’t been finalised as yet. Input from the Sustainable futures work is yet to be inserted, as these recommendations are still being finalised. The Social Infrastructure team are also currently reviewing the other residential and non-residential provisions (e.g. habitable suites, home business etc.) that will be included in the Residential Zones Development Code