Creating consistent standards for apartments - Medium Density Residential Development Standards Project

In 2019, the Tasmanian Government announced a project to amend the planning rules in the State Planning Provisions (SPPs) to deliver consistent requirements for apartments built across Tasmania. The new requirements intended to provide a clear pathway for the approval of apartments (through an Apartment Code) and encourage good quality design and liveable spaces.

The project was initially managed by the Department of Premier and Cabinet's State Planning Office in partnership with Hobart City Council as part of the Hobart City Deal.

The Apartment Code will be finalised as part of the SPPs Review and in conjunction with a detailed review of all the urban residential use and developments in the SPPs. The Code will be implemented through a future amendment to the SPPs in the Tasmanian Planning Scheme.

The Apartment Code will include a set of planning rules that encourage well-designed apartment developments that deliver residential amenity and promote the health and well-being of occupants.

What has been done on the draft Apartment Code so far?

A range of best practice design and planning requirements were considered from other Australian states in preparing a draft Apartment Code, such as the:

Early work commenced on the draft Apartment Code in late 2019 with the assistance of technical reference groups consisting of local council planners and architects. A draft of the Code was made available for targeted consultation in early 2020.

Revisions were made to the draft Apartment Code and further testing was undertaken as part of the Hobart Central Precincts Plan project. The additional testing identified a number of design issues requiring further investigation, particularly in the Tasmanian context.

Finalisation of the draft Apartment Code will be informed by the:

  • Design Guidelines for Medium Density Residential Development in Greater Hobart current under preparation as part of the Greater Hobart Plan; and
  • Improving Residential Standards in Tasmania project as part of the SPPs Review, which will consider improvements to all urban residential use and development standards in the SPPs.

When will the draft Apartment Code be available for public input?

The draft Apartment Code will be considered as part of the SPPs Review through a broader review of the residential development standards - the Improving Residential Standards in Tasmania project.

The Improving Residential Standards in Tasmania project will involve engagement and consultation with stakeholders, key industry peak bodies and community groups, to facilitate the delivery of informed recommendations for amendments to the SPPs.

Amendments to the SPPs are made available for public input through an independent review process by the Tasmanian Planning Commission, including public hearings.