Sep 29, 2023
Townhouse Design Guidelines in Melbourne: What You Must Know
Understand Melbourne's townhouse design rules. A clear guide to local overlays, height limits, privacy laws & Gidaya Group’s design process
Townhouse developments across Melbourne must comply with a range of local, state, and planning scheme design requirements.
At Gidaya Group, we guide our clients through the full design process — from zoning overlays to site-responsive architecture — with full transparency. Whether you're building one or ten townhouses, this guide outlines the rules, considerations, and how to ensure compliance.
1. ResCode (Clause 55) Compliance
In Victoria, townhouse and multi-unit developments must meet ResCode (Clause 55) design standards.
Key ResCode criteria include:
Site coverage limits
Private open space requirements
Daylight access to living areas
Overlooking and overshadowing controls
Building height limits (usually capped at 9m)
Tip: Gidaya Group’s design consultants prepare Clause 55 assessments in-house to streamline planning submission.
2. Neighbourhood Character & Streetscape
Melbourne councils place high importance on how your townhouse fits within the local neighbourhood character.
Expect scrutiny on:
Roof pitch and style
Façade articulation
Materials palette
Window placement and symmetry
How we help: Our architects conduct a Neighbourhood Character Assessment at project inception.
3. Front & Rear Setbacks
Townhouses must adhere to setback requirements, which vary by zone:
Front setbacks: Usually match or exceed adjacent dwellings
Rear setbacks: Often 1m per 1m of height over 3.6m (standard ResCode rule)
Tip: Gidaya Group uses setback modelling software to ensure compliance before planning lodgement.
4. Overlays: Heritage, Vegetation & More
Your site may be affected by one or more planning overlays that impact your design freedom:
Heritage Overlay: May restrict demolition, cladding types, or roofline changes
Vegetation Protection Overlay: May require arborist reports
Design & Development Overlay: Imposes stricter bulk and massing rules
Important: Gidaya Group’s due diligence reports identify overlay risks before you commit to land.
5. Site Access & Driveways
Townhouses require compliant vehicle access — especially for developments with three or more units.
Key requirements:
Minimum 3m wide accessway
Turning circles for on-site car movement
Minimum 5.5m wide crossover for shared driveways
Tip: Gidaya Group collaborates with traffic engineers early to ensure smooth council approval.
6. Landscaping & Permeability
ResCode mandates a percentage of your site be permeable (non-built). Landscaping improves project aesthetics and resale value.
Consider:
20% minimum permeability (some councils higher)
Tree planting minimums (e.g., canopy trees in rear yards)
Screening plants for privacy
Note: All Gidaya Group plans include a landscaping schedule with native and low-maintenance options.
7. Building Height & Site Coverage
ResCode and zoning restrict total site coverage and building heights:
Site coverage: Usually 60% max
Building height: 9m in most residential zones, with 2-storey limits
Tip: Gidaya Group’s design team balances site yield with compliance to maximise return.
8. Energy Efficiency & Orientation
Melbourne councils favour townhouse designs that maximise passive solar gain.
Prioritise:
North-facing living zones
Window placement to avoid heat loss
Shading for summer performance
Gidaya Group integrates thermal assessments into all working drawings.
9. Privacy Controls (Overlooking & Overshadowing)
Your townhouse design must maintain neighbour privacy under Clause 55:
Windows within 9m of a neighbouring yard need screening
Decks and balconies must use obscured glass or high balustrades
How we help: All our designs are peer-reviewed to eliminate compliance errors.
10. Townhouse Design Checklist for 2025
Design Element | Requirement (Typical) |
|---|---|
Site Coverage | Max 60% |
Building Height | Max 9m |
Rear Setback | 1m per 1m over 3.6m height |
Front Setback | Match adjoining dwelling |
Private Open Space (min) | 25–40 sqm per dwelling |
Permeable Surface (min) | 20% |
Parking | 1–2 spots per unit |
Final Word
Townhouse design in Melbourne isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s a balancing act between creativity and compliance.
Gidaya Group simplifies the process by embedding design, planning, and construction into a seamless service. Whether you need to maximise your site’s yield or pass council on first submission, our experts can help you get it right.
Need help designing compliant, beautiful townhouses in Melbourne? Book a consult with Gidaya Group today.
