PLANNING REFORM
The purpose of planning rules should be to ensure that planning objectives (such as increasing diversity of housing while ensuring access to sunlight and privacy) are achieved. A few simple measures, notably site coverage (to ensure adequate provision for deep rooted plantings) and building envelope controls (so as not to deprive neighbours of solar access), could achieve this. Instead, we have a plethora of rules which, in some cases, prevent the best outcomes. The following issues require review:
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Most housing in Canberra is in the general residential zone (RZ1) where, in addition to building envelope and site coverage controls, plot ratios are generally 50% (meaning that the total floor area cannot exceed half the block area). Height controls are 8.5 metres but limited to two storeys (whereas an overall height does not need to specify storeys) and attics and basements (except for garaging) are generally not permitted.
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A review of planning rules should include the innumerable planning controls related to car parking, private outdoor space, materials, courtyards, trees, driveways, heritage, water sensitive urban design, access to easements and buildings adjacent to boundaries.
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Secondary residences up to 90m² are allowed on RZ1 blocks provided they comply with Australian Standards for adaptable housing (meaning they can be easily adapted to suit the needs of people with disabilities) and that additional parking can be provided. However, they cannot be unit titled.
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Dual occupancies can exceed 90m², but there are more stringent rules that apply. For instance, unless both houses face the street, the plot ratio is subject to a sliding scale ranging from 35% for smaller blocks down to 22% for large blocks, making much of this type of development unviable. There are also rules governing private outdoor space and car parking. The blocks cannot be unit-titled. These restrictions ensure that dual occupancies make a limited contribution to housing choice in Canberra.
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Because of the restrictive plot ratios, there is a temptation for multiple occupancy developments to be disguised as single houses, which could impact on its legal status and have insurance implications for the occupants and owners.
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The RZ2 zone, which allows a higher density of development and separate titling, is generally limited to areas prescribed by an arbitrary measure of some 200 metres from shopping centres.