General Residential ZoneGRZ

Last updated: April 2026

Property-specific answer

Want this answered for your nominated property?

General guides only get you so far. Choose the path that fits what you need.

Free AI Chat

Free
  • Ask any general planning question
  • Instant, no signup, no cost
  • Answers from general planning knowledge — won't know your specific zone, overlays or restrictions
Recommended

Planning Insight

$39
  • Full zone & overlay analysis for your nominated property
  • Permit triggers, development potential and feasibility
  • Unlimited AI follow-up answered using your property's actual controls
Get Planning Insight — $39

Tip: combine your planning report with a Title Search (from $30) to surface any covenants, easements or Section 173 agreements that might affect your proposal.

↗

Free property search

Check if your property is in the GRZ zone

Search any Victorian address on the map — see the zone, overlays and hazards, and download a free Snapshot PDF.

Purpose

To encourage development that respects the neighbourhood character of the area while providing a diversity of housing types and moderate housing growth.

Key Points

  • Maximum building height: 11 metres / 3 storeys (unless varied by schedule)
  • Mandatory garden area: 25% for lots 400-500 sqm, 30% above 500-650 sqm, 35% above 650 sqm (Clause 32.08-4)
  • Planning permit required for two or more dwellings on a lot
  • Assessed against Clause 55 (ResCode) standards
  • Single dwelling generally does not require a planning permit unless overlay applies

Use Tables — Section 1, 2 & 3

Section 1 — No Permit Needed

  • Dwelling (one per lot)
  • Home occupation
  • Informal outdoor recreation
  • Railway

Section 2 — Permit Required

  • Two or more dwellings on a lot
  • Residential aged care facility
  • Child care centre
  • Medical centre
  • Place of worship
  • Food and drink premises (under certain conditions)

Section 3 — Prohibited

  • Industry (other than home-based business)
  • Warehouse
  • Motor vehicle, boat or caravan sales
  • Service station

Councils Where This Zone Is Common

City of BaysideCity of YarraCity of BoroondaraCity of StonningtonCity of Port PhillipCity of MelbourneCity of CaseyCity of Greater DandenongCity of KnoxCity of MonashCity of WhitehorseCity of ManninghamCity of Glen EiraCity of KingstonCity of MaribyrnongCity of Moonee ValleyCity of Merri-bekCity of DarebinCity of BanyuleCity of Hobsons BayCity of WyndhamCity of MeltonCity of HumeCity of WhittleseaShire of NillumbikCity of MaroondahCity of FrankstonMornington Peninsula ShireShire of CardiniaYarra Ranges ShireCity of BrimbankCity of Greater GeelongCity of BallaratCity of Greater Bendigo

Related Residential Zones

NRZNeighbourhood Residential ZoneRGZResidential Growth ZoneHCTZHousing Choice and Transport ZoneLDRZLow Density Residential ZoneTZTownship ZoneMUZMixed Use Zone

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a planning permit to build a single house in GRZ?
Generally no. A single dwelling on a lot in the GRZ does not require a planning permit for use or buildings and works, unless an overlay such as a Heritage Overlay or Design and Development Overlay triggers a permit requirement. You will still need a building permit.
Can I build a dual occupancy or townhouses in the GRZ?
Yes, but a planning permit is required for two or more dwellings on a lot. The application is assessed against Clause 55 (ResCode) standards, and must comply with garden area requirements and the 11-metre / 3-storey height limit unless the schedule specifies otherwise.
What is the garden area requirement in the GRZ?
The minimum rises with lot size under Clause 32.08-4: 25% for lots of 400-500 sqm, 30% above 500-650 sqm, and 35% above 650 sqm. Lots under 400 sqm have no garden area requirement. It is mandatory — a permit cannot vary it, though a schedule to the zone may exempt it.
Can I run a business from home in the GRZ?
Yes. A home occupation (home-based business) is a Section 1 use, meaning no planning permit is needed provided it meets the conditions: no more than one non-resident employee, no more than 50 sqm of floor area used, and no goods displayed or sold from the premises.

Official Planning Provisions

View the full provisions for the General Residential Zone (Clause 32.08) on the Victorian Planning Provisions website.

Open VPP Clause 32.08

Need a Planning Assessment for the GRZ?

Find out exactly what you can do on a specific property in the General Residential Zone.

Planning Insight — $39Business Use Check — $19

Need a full report or planner-led advice? Book a free consultation

More for your property: Detailed planning report · Object to a development · Title & property searches