Neighbourhood Residential ZoneNRZ
Last updated: April 2026
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Purpose
To manage and ensure that development respects the identified neighbourhood character, heritage, environmental, or landscape characteristics of the area.
Key Points
- Maximum building height: 9 metres / 2 storeys (unless varied by schedule)
- Most restrictive residential zone for development
- Minimum garden area requirement applies
- Number of dwellings may be limited by the schedule
- Strong emphasis on neighbourhood character and vegetation
Use Tables — Section 1, 2 & 3
Section 1 — No Permit Needed
- Dwelling (one per lot)
- Home occupation
- Informal outdoor recreation
- Railway
Section 2 — Permit Required
- Two or more dwellings on a lot (may be limited by schedule)
- Residential aged care facility
- Child care centre
- Medical centre
- Place of worship
Section 3 — Prohibited
- Industry
- Office
- Retail premises (most types)
- Warehouse
- Service station
Councils Where This Zone Is Common
City of BaysideCity of YarraCity of BoroondaraCity of StonningtonCity of CaseyCity of Greater DandenongCity of KnoxCity of MonashCity of WhitehorseCity of ManninghamCity of Glen EiraCity of KingstonCity of MaribyrnongCity of Moonee ValleyCity of Merri-bekCity of DarebinCity of BanyuleCity of Hobsons BayCity of WyndhamCity of MeltonCity of HumeCity of WhittleseaShire of NillumbikCity of MaroondahCity of FrankstonMornington Peninsula ShireShire of CardiniaYarra Ranges Shire
Related Residential Zones
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my land in the NRZ instead of GRZ?
The NRZ is applied to areas where the council has identified that neighbourhood character, heritage, environmental, or landscape values justify restricting housing growth. It is the most restrictive residential zone and is typically found in leafy established areas, heritage precincts, and environmentally sensitive locations.
Can I build a second dwelling in the NRZ?
Possibly. A planning permit is required, and the schedule to the NRZ may limit the total number of dwellings on a lot (often to two). The proposal must respect the identified neighbourhood character and comply with the 9-metre / 2-storey height limit.
What is the height limit in the NRZ?
The default maximum building height is 9 metres and 2 storeys, making it the lowest height limit of any residential zone. However, the schedule to the NRZ in your planning scheme may vary this.
Can I build an apartment building in the NRZ?
It is very difficult. The NRZ is specifically designed to limit housing growth. The schedule may cap the number of dwellings per lot, and the 2-storey height limit makes apartment-scale development impractical in most cases.
Official Planning Provisions
View the full provisions for the Neighbourhood Residential Zone (Clause 32.09) on the Victorian Planning Provisions website.
Open VPP Clause 32.09Need a Planning Assessment for the NRZ?
Find out exactly what you can do on a specific property in the Neighbourhood Residential Zone.
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