Dual occupancy rules in Casey
Building a dual occupancy in Casey? City of Casey applies the Victoria planning framework. Here's what that means locally — plus the overlays worth checking on your specific block.
Allowed in residential zones with a planning permit, subject to garden area and ResCode
Usually yes, with a planning permit. Victoria sets no statewide minimum lot size for a second dwelling, but the mandatory minimum garden area and the Townhouse and Low-Rise Code standards mean most successful dual occupancies sit on lots of roughly 500 m² or more.
Key rules at a glance
| Minimum lot size | No statewide minimum. Practically around 500-600 m² to fit two dwellings and still meet garden area (indicative - driven by garden area, setbacks and open space rather than a mapped number). |
| Minimum garden area | Mandatory in the Neighbourhood, General and Residential Growth zones: 25 percent for lots 400-500 m², 30 percent for 501-650 m², 35 percent above 650 m². Lots of 400 m² or less are exempt. |
| Assessment code | Clause 55, now the Townhouse and Low-Rise Code, which introduced deemed-to-comply standards on 31 March 2025 under Amendment VC267. |
| Approval pathway | Planning permit always required. VicSmart 10 business day pathway if all deemed-to-comply standards are met, otherwise a standard advertised application. |
| Maximum height | Mandatory 11 m and 3 storeys in the General Residential Zone; 9 m and 2 storeys in the Neighbourhood Residential Zone (indicative - zone schedules vary). |
| Can it be subdivided or strata titled? | Yes, through a separate two-lot subdivision permit. Since 16 October 2025 an eligible two-lot subdivision can also use the 10 business day VicSmart pathway. A public open space contribution is normally payable. |
| Typical timeframe | 10 business days under VicSmart; commonly 4-8 months for a standard advertised application. |
Heritage, flood and bushfire controls on your specific lot can remove the fast-track and require a full application — even when the general rules say you're fine.
Dual occupancys in Casey
City of Casey is the authority for Casey in South-East Melbourne. The statewide Victoria rules above set the baseline; the council can apply extra local controls, and heritage, flood or bushfire overlays on your lot can change what's allowed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need council approval for a dual occupancy in Casey?
Usually yes. In Victoria, a dual occupancy generally needs an application, and City of Casey is the authority that assesses it. See the full state rules for the pathway and what's required.
Which council approves a dual occupancy in Casey?
City of Casey is the consent authority for Casey (South-East Melbourne). You can review local planning controls on the council website and lodge through your state planning portal.
What is the minimum land size for a dual occupancy in Victoria?
There is no statewide minimum. What binds is the mandatory garden area - 25 to 35 percent on lots over 400 m² - plus setbacks, private open space and car parking under the Townhouse and Low-Rise Code. In practice most dual occupancies are built on lots of about 500 m² and up, although well-designed schemes do succeed on smaller lots in the General Residential and Residential Growth zones.
Sources
- Townhouse and Low-Rise Code - Planning Victoria ↗
- Faster approvals for two homes on a lot and subdivisions - Planning Victoria ↗
- VicSmart permits - Planning Victoria ↗
Related building rules
General guidance only — not professional planning advice. Local requirements in Casey can differ from the statewide summary and change over time; always confirm with City of Casey before starting work. Last reviewed: July 2026.
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