Residential subdivision
A planning permit is required to subdivide land and an application for a residential subdivision will be assessed under the relevant provisions of Clause 56 of all planning schemes.
The Clause 56 requirements are supported by complementary State Planning Policy planning scheme provisions for subdivision, relevant zones and overlays and planning practice notes.
On this page:
Clause 56 – Residential subdivision provisions
Clause 56 applies to land in the Residential 1 Zone, Residential 2 Zone, Residential 3 Zone, Mixed Use Zone, Township Zone, Comprehensive Development Zone and Priority Development Zone.
The zone provisions set out the requirements to be met for four classes of subdivision based on the number of lots (2 lots, 3-15 lots, 16-59 lots, 60 or more lots).
Under the Incorporated Plan Overlay and the Development Plan Overlay, incorporated plans and development plans for residential subdivision in the above zones must meet the requirements of Clause 56.
The Clause 56 provisions comprise:
- Purpose, application, operational requirements and certification of standards
- 56.01 Subdivision site and context description and design response
- 56.02 Policy and Implementation
- 56.03 Liveable and sustainable communities
- 56.04 Lot design
- 56.05 Urban landscape
- 56.06 Access and mobility management
- 56.07 Integrated water management
- 56.08 Site management
- 56.09 Utilities
- 56.10 Transitional arrangements
To view the Clause 56 provisions go to the Victoria Planning Provisions or Planning Schemes Online.
You can also get information on the planning permit application process and how to apply for a planning permit.
Planning practice notes
The planning practice notes provide more information about the requirements and processes of Clause 56. They draw attention to sources of design assistance, including technical publications, computer software and sources of general information such as government agencies’ websites.
The Clause 56 practice notes are:
Using the residential subdivision provisions Clause 56 - Residential subdivision (PDF - 79 KB)
Information about how Clause 56 operates and the objectives of each class of subdivision.
Using the access and mobility management provisions of Clause 56 - Residential subdivision (PDF - 602 KB)
Technical information and advice about the access and mobility provisions of Clause 56.
Using the integrated water management provisions of Clause 56 - Residential subdivision (PDF - 616 KB)
Technical information about the integrated water management provisions of Clause 56
Using the site management provisions of Clause 56 - Residential subdivision (PDF - 109 KB)
Explains the site management requirements of Clause 56 that aim to minimise risks of pollution, protect drainage infrastructure and reduce waste by encouraging use of recycled materials.
View an accessible Word version of these practice notes