The benefits of Low Rise Housing Diversity
The population of NSW is changing and growing, with an increased number of people living alone or with their partner. People’s needs are changing in terms of the size, configuration, cost and location of housing to suit their lifestyles.
There is a need to consider a diverse choice of housing that reflects the need and preferences of households today and into the future.
The NSW Government is helping to provide more housing diversity through the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code. The Low Rise Housing Diversity Code allows well-designed dual occupancies, manor houses and terraces (up to two storeys) to be carried out under a fast-tracked complying development approval pathway.
With the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code, the NSW Government will provide greater housing choice of high design quality to help create liveable and desirable communities.
Background
On 1 July 2020, the Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code was renamed the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code to reflect the diverse housing choices it provides. The Code applies in all local government areas in NSW.
The Code is only applicable where council zoning already permits these forms of housing.
The Code was developed after almost three years of consultation including a Discussion Paper in 2015, draft Design Guide and Explanation of Intended Effects and the ‘Missing Middle’ design competition in 2016.
Your stories
Watch "Low Rise Housing Diversity: A duplex for the Jabbour family"
Watch "Low Rise Housing Diversity: A terrace for the Keshari family"
For the Keshari family building a terrace means owning an affordable home that is located close to public transport and open space in a great suburb. It offers all the benefits of a freestanding house, including a backyard, lots of storage, and landscaping.
More information
- More details on exempt and complying development can be found at the NSW Planning Portal, visit Exempt development or Complying development
- Call the information centre on 13 77 88 or contact us and
- If English isn’t your first language, call 131 450 and ask for an interpreter in your language, than ask to be connected to us, phone 1300 305 695.
Page last updated: 05/10/2022