General Residential ZoneGRZ
Last updated: April 2026
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)
- Minimum garden area requirement of 35% for lots 400-500 sqm, 30% for lots over 650 sqm
- 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 Shire
Related Residential Zones
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?
For lots between 400 and 500 sqm, a minimum of 35% of the lot must be set aside as garden area. For lots over 650 sqm, the minimum is 30%. Garden area is pervious open space at ground level and does not include driveways, buildings, or decks.
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 32.08Need a Planning Assessment for the GRZ?
Find out if your proposed use or development is allowed in the General Residential Zone.