Kiama council is seeking feedback on a proposal to introduce minimum lot sizes for dual occupancy and multi-dwelling housing.
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The planning proposal is to amend Kiama LEP 2011 by introducing minimum lot sizes for dual occupancy, and multi dwelling housing (terraces) in the R2 Low Density Residential and R3 Medium Density Residential zones, and to permit multi-dwelling housing (terraces) in the R2 zone.
The R2 Low Density Residential zone applies to areas of Kiama, Gerringong, Gerroa and Jamberoo.
A Gateway Determination has been issued to council to proceed with the exhibition of the planning proposal.
The proposal is in response to the contentious new Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code.
The Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code is expected to begin applying in the Illawarra in July.
The state government's code would allow one and two-storey dual occupancies, manor houses and terraces to be carried out under a fast-track complying development approval.
A manor house is a two-storey building that contains three or four dwellings under one roof, designed to appear as a double storey house from the street.
Low rise medium density housing as complying development would only be allowed where medium density development is already permitted under a council's Local Environmental Plan.
The new code was due to come into effect last July.
However, it was announced that following requests, the state government had deferred the code's introduction for many councils until July 2019.
Councils with deferral included Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama.
The 12-month deferral of the new code was to allow councils time to insert mechanism/controls into their LEPs.
In a report to Kiama council in June 2018, it was stated that council staff, the mayor, councillors and the community had raised concerns with the new code, including its appropriateness for the municipality's towns and villages, and effect on their character.
"The code will generally override controls contained in LEPs such as heights and floor space ratios," council's report said.
"However the code will not override the LEP when it comes to development permissibility and minimum lot size requirements for certain developments."
Council's report last year said the planning proposal will seek to:
*Introduce a minimum lot size of 600sqm for dual occupancies and 900sqm for multi-dwelling housing (terraces) in R2 Low Density Residential zones in Kiama, Gerringong and Gerroa.
*Introduce a minimum lot size of 800sqm for dual occupancies and 1200sqm for multi dwelling housing (terraces) in R2 Low Density Residential zones in Jamberoo.
*Make multi-dwelling housing (terraces) permissible with consent in the R2 Low Density Residential zone.
*Introduce a minimum lot size of 400sqm for dual occupancies and 800sqm for manor houses and multi- dwelling housing (terraces) in the R3 Medium Density Residential zones.
The council's proposal and supporting documentation can be viewed at council's administration building (11 Manning Street, Kiama) or here until June 3.
Submissions must be received by 4pm on June 3.
The Plan-making authority for this planning proposal is the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.
Meanwhile, the Urban Development Institute of Australia NSW is looking forward to the commencement of the Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code on July 1.
They say it will provide crucial access to more affordable homes amidst the housing crisis.
"The Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code was developed to improve affordability and liveability by providing a simpler approval pathway for lower impact types of dwellings that first home buyers and growing families need," UDIA NSW chief executive Steve Mann said.
"This typology of housing improves affordability by providing more homes on lots that still provide all the amenities of a single dwelling, which can accommodate growing families or empty nesters."