After several years of false starts the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code (formerly the Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code) is finally up and running. As we have discussed in previous articles this new set of rules now allows for dual occupancies (two dwellings located side by side), terrace houses up to two storeys and manor houses to be approved without going through council.

It appears that while some councils within Sydney have managed to reduce some of the backlog of work over the COVID period assessment periods for developments such as this can still be lengthy and the outcome remains uncertain. This new code has been designed to avoid that uncertainty.

I have spoken about the process of complying development in some detail when interviewed by onproperty if you would like to know more. While this interview discusses complying development in relation to single houses and renovations the same principles apply to these medium density development types.

“This new code has been designed to avoid uncertainty.”

THE DUAL OCCUPANCY

Developments such as manor houses and terraces or town houses bring with them an increased level of complexity from a Building code point of view and cost benefit analysis. However, the dual occupancy is a similar level complexity as a single house while retaining a number of the financial incentives of a more intensive use of a property. For that reason we believe the dual occupancy or duplex is particularly well suits to this type of development approval pathway. We provide a free of charge initial site visit to properties in the eastern suburbs, inner west and northern beaches. Feel free to call us with any queries you may have about your dual occupancy. Always happy to talk.

THE  RULES

I have spoken in some detail previously about the how to design within the constraints of these new sets of rules so I won’t rehash this. Instead I have posted links below to cheat sheets for each of the development types. While it is still important to understand the detail of the Housing Diversity Code these sheets provide a very quick way to understand what is involved with each.

● Summary of Dual Occupancy Standards

● Summary of Manor Houses

● Summary of Terraces

DUPLEX OR DUAL OCCUPANCY

Not sure what the difference is between a dual occupancy and duplex?

● Dual Occupancy – Two attached or detached dwellings on one title or one lot of land (but not a secondary dwelling). They can also be one dwelling on top of the other (although keep in mind the change in building classification). Min lot size is 400sqm unless the LEP refers to a larger figure so to torrens title sub divide such dwellings will require lot sizes in accordance with this control. Unless you would consider strata sub division.

● Duplex – Two attached dwellings with seperate titles. Either strata titled or torrens titled so can be sold seperately.

If you have a property you are looking at purchasing for this purpose feel free to email us or give us a call to talk it over.