Browse Forums Building Standards; Getting It Right! 1 Jan 27, 2022 8:35 pm Hello I am trying to interpret the clause 54/55 of the Victorian Planning Scheme (known as 'res code') in terms of overlooking private secluded open space. The code reads as follows: "A habitable room window, balcony, terrace, deck or patio should be located and designed to avoid direct views into the secluded private open space and habitable room windows of an existing dwelling within a horizontal distance of 9 metres (measured at ground level) of the window, balcony, terrace, deck or patio. Views should be measured within a 45 degree angle from the plane of the window or perimeter of the balcony, terrace, deck or patio, and from a height of 1.7 metres above floor level." I have produced the attached sketch: Sketch This is a double storey home, with 3.44m being the height of the 1st storey. I've drawn a 1.7m line above the 2nd storey finished floor level. Then I have drawn a line showing the intersection between the 9m horizontal line (per code) to 1.7m above finished floor level (2nd storey). In the illustration, there's a 2m high fence at the property boundary. To me, this blocks the direct line of sight from the 2nd storey window and hence overlooking is not an issue. Am I interpreting correctly? Also, does this clause apply to a bathroom window? Re: Overlooking private secluded open space 2Jan 27, 2022 10:11 pm afpo23 Hello I am trying to interpret the clause 54/55 of the Victorian Planning Scheme (known as 'res code') in terms of overlooking private secluded open space. The code reads as follows: "A habitable room window, balcony, terrace, deck or patio should be located and designed to avoid direct views into the secluded private open space and habitable room windows of an existing dwelling within a horizontal distance of 9 metres (measured at ground level) of the window, balcony, terrace, deck or patio. Views should be measured within a 45 degree angle from the plane of the window or perimeter of the balcony, terrace, deck or patio, and from a height of 1.7 metres above floor level." I have produced the attached sketch: Sketch This is a double storey home, with 3.44m being the height of the 1st storey. I've drawn a 1.7m line above the 2nd storey finished floor level. Then I have drawn a line showing the intersection between the 9m horizontal line (per code) to 1.7m above finished floor level (2nd storey). In the illustration, there's a 2m high fence at the property boundary. To me, this blocks the direct line of sight from the 2nd storey window and hence overlooking is not an issue. Am I interpreting correctly? Also, does this clause apply to a bathroom window? I had a similar arrangement and your interpretation is correct. Bathroom is a non habitable areas so doesn’t get this clause. Re: Overlooking private secluded open space 4Jan 28, 2022 4:45 am afpo23 Thanks for confirming that. Not sure why I've been told otherwise. Anyone else agree with my interpretation? Another factor can be the specific land building envelope restrictions. These governs that any window in that region needs to be obscured irrespective of overlooking or not. If in Vic feel free to check with VBA. They have been good with answering customer inquiries. I hope this helps. Cupcake.girl This really depends on your local council. Each one has different definitions and ways to calculate contributions. This is called a contribution… 1 3856 Hi everyone, Looking for some advise. We are about to build an above ground pool in our backyard. There is a private sewer line running under the pool at 1.6m… 0 12582 If you already have a contract, is the inspection cost stated in there? If not they would be forced to issue you a variation which you could of course object to. 12 26285 |