RESIDENTIAL FLAT DESIGN CODE


The Residential Flat Design Code is a resource to enable councils, planners, developers and architects to improve residential flat design.

The Code sets broad parameters for good residential flat design by illustrating the use of development controls and consistent guidelines.

The Design Code supports the ten design quality principles identified in State Environmental Planning Policy No. 65 — Design Quality of Residential Flat Development. It supplies detailed information about how development proposals can achieve these principles.

With the other Design Quality Program initiatives, the Residential Flat Design Code provides comprehensive guidance to improving the design quality of residential flat buildings.
To read the Design Code, click on links to the following chapters:
Introduction (pdf file)
Part 1. Local context

• Relating to the local context (pdf file) - outlines the importance of the local context in shaping residential flat design
• Residential flat building types (pdf file) - explains the concept of building types as a tool for testing development controls and illustrating desired local character
• Amalgamation and subdivision (pdf file)
• Building envelopes (pdf file)
• Primary development controls (pdf file) - contains sections on building height, building depth, building separation, street setbacks, side and rear setbacks, floor space ratio

Part 2. Site design

• Site analysis (pdf file) - explains site analysis using a case study
• Site configuration (pdf file) - contains sections on deep soil zones, fences and wells, landscape design, open space, orientation, planting on structures and stormwater management
• Site amenity (pdf file) - contains sections on safety and visual privacy
• Site access (pdf file) - contains sections on building entry, parking, pedestrian access and vehicle access

Part 3. Building design

• Building configuration (pdf file) - contains sections on apartment layout, apartment mix, balconies, ceiling heights, flexibility, ground floor apartments, internal circulation, mixed use and storage
• Building amenity (pdf file) - contains sections on acoustic privacy, daylight access and natural ventilation
• Building form (pdf file) - contains sections on awnings and signage, facades and roof design
• Building performance (pdf file) - contains sections on energy efficiency, maintenance, waste management and water conservation

Appendices (pdf file) - contains Appendix 1: SEPP 65 Design Quality Principles; Appendix 2: Pre-development application recommendations; Appendix 3: Development application recommendations; Appendix 4: Local context analysis
Glossary (pdf file) - contains references and further reading, acknowledgements and image credits