Clause 52.06 is indispensable when it comes to brand new developments and change of use applications. In essence, Clause 52.06 deals with all matters which relate to the provision car parking ranging from planning permit requirements, number of car parking spaces required, applications to reduce car parking requirements, requirements of a car parking layout plan, design standards for car parking and construction guidance for car parks.

Learn from a Traffic Engineer at RedSquare Traffic – How to achieve compliance with Clause 52.06 – Car Parking in any Victorian Planning Permit Application.

Breakdown of Clause 52.06 – Car Parking

The following section presents a breakdown of the key items covered under Clause 52.06.

When does Clause 52.06 apply?

Most developments are assessed against Clause 52.06 during Planning Application stage. Clause 52.06 applies to:

• A new use;
• An increase to the floor area an existing use; or
• An increase to an existing use by a measure such as patron numbers, number of bedrooms.

Above categories are a clear indication that almost all new developments, extensions and change of use applications will easily fall under Clause 52.06’s requirements. When triggered, it is a requirement that the number of car parking spaces required under Clause 52.06 is provided to the satisfaction of the road authority.

It is preferred if the required number of car spaces can be provided on the land itself. Often this is impractical due to space limitations. There are alternative options if this isn’t feasible, either by applying for a car parking reduction or by making a financial contribution. For a car parking reduction application, a Car Parking Demand Assessment is mandatory. Read this article to learn more about – How to apply for a Car Parking Reduction?

When is a Planning Permit triggered under Clause 52.06?

A Planning Permit is required under two very common scenarios.

• If car parking provisions fall short of the requirements, a permit is required to reduce the car parking requirement.
• If some or all of the car parking spaces are provided on another site, a permit is required.

In most cases, it isn’t feasible to provide the specified number of car spaces due to various reasons. Thus, an application to reduce the car parking requirement is almost always unavoidable.

When can a Planning Permit be avoided under Clause 52.06?

However, a permit can also be avoided:

• If the parking requirements of the New Use is less than or equal to that of the Existing Use of the land; and
• If the parking provisions of the Existing Use is not reduced after the New Use commences.

Note: If your property is located within a Commercial 1, Commercial 2 or Commercial 3 Zone or in an Activity Centre Zone and if your gross floor area is not increased and your car parking reduction does not exceed 10 car spaces, you are exempt from applying for a Permit under Clause 52.06. Type in your address in Victorian State Government’s VicPlan Database to understand your Planning Scheme Zone – What is my Planning Scheme Zone?

How to calculate the Car Parking Requirements?

Table 1 of this clause sets out the Car Parking Requirements either as the number of car parking spaces or as a percentage of the total site area that must be set aside for parking. Based on measures such as floor areas, patron numbers, the car parking requirement can easily be calculated.

A key point often overlooked is; when an existing use is increased by a measure such as increase floor areas or increase patron numbers, car parking requirement only applies to the increase, not the entire measure (provided the existing car space numbers are not reduced).

If the proposed number of car parking provisions fail to meet the requirements, a Car Parking Demand Assessment is required under Clause 52.06-7.

Car Park Design Standards

Another essential constituent of Clause 52.06 are the Car Park Design Standards. This sets out a collection of Design Standards that apply for Car Parking Spaces, Accessways, Access Points, Ramps etc. These requirements apply to all developments except for applications to construct a single dwelling on a lot. This is your go-to-guide when it comes to understanding the dimensions of car parking spaces, aisle widths, carport/garage sizes, accessway gradients etc.

Summary

Achieving compliance with Clause 52.06 is essential to getting your Planning Permit Application approved. Architects, town planners and developers regularly seek assistance from traffic engineers in preparing documents that address and comply with Clause 52.06. At RedSquare Traffic, a team of experienced traffic engineers are able to assist with all your car parking needs. Contact us to discuss with a traffic engineer.