Amendment VC288 was gazetted by the Minister for Planning on 18 September 2025 and commenced operation on 16 October 2025.
From 16 October 2025, an application to develop a second dwelling on a lot may be assessable as a fast-tracked VicSmart application.
Where do these requirements apply?
Within Manningham, the new VicSmart provision for two dwellings on a lot apply to land within the:
- General Residential Zone Schedules 1 & 3 (GRZ1 & GRZ3)
- Mixed Use Zone (MUZ)
What if an overlay applies to my property?
If a property has an overlay (such as a Design and Development, Heritage, Bushfire or Environmental Significance Overlay), a two dwelling development cannot be assessed through the VicSmart application process.
You can check the zones and overlays that apply to your property on our Maps page.
Do I need to apply for any other approvals?
Canopy trees
A planning permit may also be required for the removal of canopy trees. Application fees associated with tree removal will be applicable.
In order to qualify for VicSmart, which standards MUST be met?
An application to:
- Construct one new dwelling if there is one existing dwelling already on the lot
- Extend a dwelling if there are two dwellings on a lot
- Construct two dwellings on a lot
may be a VicSmart class of application if ALL of the following Clause 55 standards are met:
- Clause 55.02-1 Street setback
- Clause 55.02-2 Building height
- Clause 55.02-3 Side and rear setbacks
- Clause 55.02-4 Walls on boundaries
- Clause 55.02-5 Site coverage
- Clause 55.02-6 Access
- Clause 55.02-7 Tree canopy
- Clause 55.02-8 Front fences
- Clause 55.04-1 Daylight to existing windows
- Clause 55.04-2 Existing north-facing windows
- Clause 55.04-3 Overshadowing secluded open space
- Clause 55.04-4 Overlooking
- Clause 55.05-2 Overshadowing domestic solar energy systems.
If your application is unable to meet one or more of the required standards, it cannot be assessed as a VicSmart application.
Design Standards for car parking
Plans must also meet the car parking design standards of Clause 52.06-8 of the Manningham Planning Scheme.
These plans should be lodged in conjunction with your Vic Smart application.
Car parking is required to be provided at the following rate:
- 1 car space to each one or two bedroom dwelling, or
- 2 car spaces to each three or more bedroom dwelling
Do garden area and building height requirements need to be met?
Development applications must comply with the mandatory minimum garden area and maximum building height requirements of the relevant zone, where applicable.
What is used to assess an application?
All applications for two dwellings on a lot are assessed against the full set of standards in Clause 55 of the Manningham Planning Scheme. This approach ensures consistency across all applications, irrespective of VicSmart eligibility.
I’m a neighbour - will I be notified of a VicSmart application?
VicSmart is a streamlined planning permit application process designed for specific types of proposals.
Key features of VicSmart applications include:
- A 10 business day permit assessment timeframe.
- Exemption from public notice requirements and third party appeal rights.
- Pre-set application requirements and assessment criteria.
Manningham Council will not issue notice to neighbours that an application for a Planning Permit has been received.
- We cannot consider objections to these applications.
- Neighbours cannot appeal our decision to VCAT.
How to apply
Visit our VicSmart application page and select ‘Development for 2 dwellings’ from the applications menu.